French -speaking Switzerland, land of olive trees in the making

Lausanne (AWP/ATS) – The culture of the olive tree is at a turning point in French -speaking Switzerland. In addition, An association should be launched soon to unite more. Consequently, more producers, seduced by the advantages of a culture that adapts to climate change.

This “Swiss Olive Association”. Similarly, which could see the light of day by the end of the summer, is expected to bring together around thirty producers, explains Frank Siffert, one of the olive pioneers in French-speaking Switzerland, interviewed by Keystone-Ats.

The objective of this structure will be to “develop the entire sector”. In addition, from production to distribution through promotion, adds the organic farmer in Bonvillars (VD). In addition, The project, supported by Biovaud, also aims to select the varieties best suited to local conditions.

Long “anecdotal”, the production of olives in French -speaking Switzerland should “jump” in the french -speaking switzerland, land olive coming years, says Frank Siffert. Therefore, According to him. Moreover, there could be “up to 20,000 olive trees” by the end of 2026 in French -speaking land, twice as much as today. “We are going to go far beyond Ticino”. where the culture of olive has been established for several years, he says.

Multiple assets

In his agri-vitical field. known in particular for his production of truffles, Frank Siffert has already conducted several experiences with his olive trees. And he is full of praise on “this indestructible tree”, which resists drought well and lives for many years.

The olive tree requires “quite little maintenance”. does not need any particular chemical treatment: “as long as our winters are still quite cold, we will not undergo the main diseases of the olive tree”, he explains.

The farmer also praises the particular shade of the olive tree. It lets pass “a diffuse light”. thus lends itself perfectly french -speaking switzerland, land olive to agroforestry, a technique which combines agricultural trees and cultures on the same plot. Frank Siffert already imagines. “as in the time of the Romans”, long hedges of olive trees grow in the middle of great cultures.

Nothing is lost

The outlets are also numerous, between various oils and simple chewable olives. The leaves can be used for herbal teas or as medicinal plants. Wood is also used, as is the residue of pressing, which is used for example to feed the sheep. “There is no loss, we can do everything!” Enthuses Frank Siffert.

For the Vaudois farmer. the French -speaking production will be distinguished from that of the great Mediterranean producers, from which he deems the quality sometimes doubtful. “We have an excellent card to play by betting on the ‘Swiss made’. the quality and the appeal for local products,” he said.

According to Frank Siffert, the culture of olive trees can in french -speaking switzerland, land olive particular help the winegrowers to diversify their income. Citing the difficulties of the wine sector. in particular the decline in the consumption of Swiss wine, he calls on his colleagues to “look for alternatives and new outlets”.

Census

In the coming weeks will also be marked by a census of what is currently planted in Switzerland. This “vast collection” is scheduled for this fall. will be particularly interested in olive trees planted over 13 years ago, and who therefore spent the winter of 2012, which was specially rigorous, explains Frank Siffert.

The idea is to make “an inventory” while around 150 to 200 varieties of olive trees “are currently wandering” in the country. he adds.

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