“We are currently in a trial period. Perhaps other farms will convert to an organic production in the coming years,” explains Ralph Renciot, manager of the Bioban farm of the Lareinty group, which holds 10% of the banana production of Martinique. Pioneer of organic farming on the island through its Bioban farm (for 3 years now), the group wants to show that “organic production is possible,” explains Laurent Gervais, technical director of the Lareinty group.
Ralph Renciot, manager of the Bioban farm
Laurent Gervais, technical director of the Lareinty group
Agroforestry, organic, HEV (15% of the production today), the French banana industry made a shift towards more sustainable production 5 years ago.
On the nearly 20 hectares of this 100% organic “test” farm, Bioban could become a reference and pave the way for other producers wishing to change their farming practices. “It is not easy, because organic production means more control over diseases and field activities. Everything has to be more precise! We are trying to specialize in organic farming,” explains Laurent.
Of the 152,000 tons produced in Martinique in 2022, the Lareinty group produces 17,000 tons, including 680 tons for Bioban, which is also certified HEV-level 3.
Favorable conditions for organic farming
According to Laurent Gervais, this model was made possible thanks to the appropriate climatic conditions of the area where the farm is located. “The pressure of black cercosporiose is less strong at our location, in the south of the island, because there is less rain and less humidity. We want to show that it is possible to grow organic bananas in areas that allow it and to control certain pathogens that unfortunately still exist.”
To fight against black cercosporiose, the Bioban farm relies on leaf removal and organic oil.
Bioban plans to continue developing organic production and to reach more significant tonnages in the coming years.
