Vegetable crops in Reunion

Réunion is a volcanic island located in the Indian Ocean 9,000 km from mainland France. The center of the island, with a high relief (3,000m at the top of Piton des Neiges) is home to the national park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a total surface area of ​​250,000 hectares, Reunion is made up of a coastal ring where most human activity is concentrated. It is subject to growing tensions between housing, economic and transport infrastructure needs and the preservation of approximately 50,000 ha of agricultural land, to maintain a viable and sustainable balanced whole.

Growing cultivated areas

While the cultivation of sugar cane (57% of the agricultural area) is an export-oriented crop, the production of fruits and vegetables is mainly intended for the local market and more particularly for the fresh market. In recent years, the areas have increased significantly both in a logic of import-substitution, but also in diversification to sugar cane. Many market gardening farms have a small exploited area, for fruit crops, the areas are generally larger.

Evolving production techniques

These cultures are located all over the island but with a predominance in the south. A large quantity of tropical or temperate fruits and vegetables can be produced there thanks to the climatic diversity linked to the latitude of the island and the differences in altitude. The establishment of cropping systems under shelter or in greenhouses makes it possible to partly overcome climatic constraints. At the same time, the development of irrigation has made it possible to secure fruit and vegetable crops thanks to ambitious water supply programs and the use of more economical micro-irrigation techniques.

Fresh production ensuring 70% of the market

The local production of fresh fruit and vegetables amounts to 95,000 tons, some is exported, but the largest part is consumed on the island. Reunion's fresh products cover 70% of the needs of the population. The sector is structured in 9 Producer Organizations bringing together 450 producers. Since 2009, these POs have federated around the AROP-FL association and have created an inter-profession. Production organized around AROP-FL represents around 20% of the market share. The rest of the production is sold via “bazardiers”, local wholesalers or by small businesses. Reunion's fruit and vegetable production is experiencing strong competition on the local market, particularly from India and Madagascar, particularly for onions, garlic and carrots.