AAlong with hemp, chestnuts and olives, almonds are among the alternative crops being tested in Gironde. Although the former are beginning to spread, the nut remains uncommon in the department. In Dieulivol, on the borders of Lot-et-Garonne and Gironde, Loïc Pellerin was inspired by the neighbors of 47 by betting on planting almond trees from 2018.
The arborist based in the Dropt valley has never put his eggs in one basket. He made the choice to stop breeding, a historical component of the family farm, and cultivates 11 hectares of vines and around fifty hectares of orchards: plum and hazel trees in the majority, to which were added walnuts and three hectares of almond trees. “I am my mentor, André Tesson, in Gontaud-de-Nogaret (47), who has tested lots of cultures. I had also thought about the grenadiers, but finally, I stopped. With almond, I am quite diverse. »
Its farm is located a few kilometers from Lot-et-Garonne.
Fabien Cottereau / SO
An unsuitable climate?
After a few years of hindsight and a first harvest in 2021, Loïc Pellerin learned to understand the needs of the plant. “I lost the first trees I planted, there was too much water. I am self-taught! Now I have found the right place, you need a well-draining slope facing south with the poorest soil possible. »
“After the bad weather of 2024, I wonder if this culture is suitable for us”
Initially tempted by almonds because they require little work and processing, the farmer is today more doubtful about its growth in Gironde. “We kept having a series of droughts, I said to myself: why not try the almond trees? But after the bad weather of 2024, I wonder if this culture is suitable for us. It takes here, because we are very close to Lot-et-Garonne, it would perhaps be different to the west of the department with the oceanic climate. »
Still alone in this segment, the Gironde farmer is nevertheless doing well. The French almond market has potential: annual consumption in France amounts to 42,000 tonnes, while only 1,000 tonnes are produced in Hexagon. Loïc Pellerin's harvests are around two tonnes. “I will continue to plant almond trees, there is a lot of demand in the short circuit. Usually by February I have nothing left. » He will also invest in a cassoir, worth 20,000 euros. “My customers, particularly pastry chefs, are asking for shelled almonds. »
Necessary investments
For winegrowers in difficulty who are looking for the ideal alternative culture, the forty-year-old still lists the constraints: “You have to invest in equipment, it's complicated to start from scratch. I use the same machines as for the plum. And it's expensive to plant: more than 10 euros per tree, and you need at least 600 plants per hectare. »
Fabien Cottereau / SO
Loïc Pellerin, the only almond producer in Gironde, will invest in a crusher to meet demand.
But then what should winegrowers in difficulty, or even in receivership for some, do, according to him? “Change jobs,” he answers point blank. “If I had to do it again, I would do another job myself. Being a farmer has too many constraints, too many risks. The almond is not the miracle crop. It requires a lot of investment, and you have to wait at least four years before the first fruits. » He continues: “If they really have a love of the land, perhaps try planting while looking for a second professional activity. »
