Like Kent, the Nord Pas de Calais has traditionally seen bountiful annual fruit harvests. However, in the 1970s competition from commercial growers hastened the decline of traditional production and hundreds of the regions 500 apple varieties began to fall out of use.

In response, our French partners, the Parc Naturel Regional (PNR) des Caps et Marais d'Opale, have been working with local producers to help conserve traditional fruit varieties and production techniques. Close working with the Centre for Genetic Resources has ensured that over 200 traditional apple varieties are now used in conservation orchards, as well as many varieties of plums, pears, and cherries.

As well as local production for local sale, 'Scrumping Orchards' have been created that allow anyone free access to the fruit. This helps to conserve ancient varieties and encourage local people to rediscover the taste of apples picked straight from the tree. A traditional orchard is also an attractive feature of any landscape, especially when in full bloom!

As well as providing technical and financial assistance to traditional growers, training is given to revitalise the once abundant local practice of harvest cider making.

One traditional local cider producer is Monsieur Leduc de Brunembert (pictured). He works closely with the park and is passionate about his apples. He has planted over 7 hectares of cider apple trees as well as other regional varieties. Beginning as a small family affair, Monsieur Leduc now produces over 20,000 bottles of cider a year and has diversified into a whole host of other apple products such as eating apples, apple juice, apple vinegar, apple jam, etc.

All produce is sold at Monsieur Leduc's family farm and at local markets. Regional promotional initiatives such as 'Bienvenue à la Ferme' (Welcome to the Farm) and the PNR's quality produce logo have also helped raise business, along with old fashioned word-of mouth advertising. The 'Marque Parc' logo is awarded on four criteria; the product must be local, authentic, organic and produced within the Park territory.

This business and others like it owes its success to a rapidly increasing demand for quality local produce. However, it has been the work of the PNR and it partners that has enabled promotional activities such as 'Bienvenue à la Ferme' and the 'Marque Parc' to forge that essential link between local producers and consumers seeking out quality local produce.

By Jean-Pierre Geib
Parc Naturel Regional des Caps et Marais d'Opale