The Bintje is a family affair for the Thomas family, now the 8th generation of farmers to set up in northern France at the Ferme du Pont d'Achelles. "My great-grandfather grew them, then my grandfather and my father before me," explains Olivier Thomas. This is a traditional potato dating back to the early 20th century, but in recent years, it has gradually been replaced by new varieties. "It used to be a favourite variety, but manufacturers have completely turned their backs on it. In terms of production, this older variety is less suited to the climatic variations we experience today than the new varieties that have recently been developed. It hates water stress and has a very low tolerance of temperature variations. The increasingly expensive inputs it requires have also been one of the reasons why growers have abandoned it.
Despite a drop in production and consumption, according to Olivier, the Bintje remains a benchmark variety, particularly for fries. "It is not comparable to other common varieties," and still has niche markets that tend to develop. "We can feel that consumption is picking up, especially this year, which is exceptional in terms of volume and quality. This is really a variety that is grown in the north of France. Two years ago, with the hot weather we experienced, the yield was 25 tons/ha. Last year, we achieved 30 tons/ha and this year, 45 tons/ha, with exceptional quality! A successful gamble for the farmers who decided to persevere in growing this traditional variety.
Besides the Bintje, the Thomas family grows a whole range of root vegetables, for which this year's weather conditions were just as favourable. "It has been a very good year for us growers in northern France for all root vegetables. For carrots, parsnips and celery, the yields are simply exceptional!
For more information:
Olivier Thomas et Françoise Thomas
La Ferme du Pont d'Achelles
Phone: 03 20 48 60 43
[email protected]
https://www.lafermedupontdachelles.fr