Moroccan Farmer’s Eco-Friendly Methods Save Frost-Damaged Strawberries in France

Although the strawberries were affected by frost at the beginning of this spring season, Slimane, 72, was able to protect the food. "Temperatures dropped to -7, -8°C, you can’t fight it," explains the septuagenarian to Actu.fr. In his fields, plant cultivation is done in an ecological and reasoned way, with integrated pest control using bumblebees, mulching on the ground, which "has the triple advantage of maintaining soil moisture, protecting against weeds and cushioning the knees of the pickers," explains Fouzia, Slimane’s daughter. As a result, he obtains remontant strawberries when others are definitively destroyed.

With his strawberries, Slimane, 72, has built a good reputation in Fauguerolles. He is well known at the Marmande market where he holds one of the most beautiful stalls on Saturdays. In addition to strawberries, he also grows other plants such as broad beans, white and red onions, salads of all varieties, peas, etc. "To hold a stand at a market, you have to offer a greater variety of products," advises this former Moroccan hotelier who arrived in France at the age of 17.