Summer is behind us, and to be honest that is no bad thing considering the weather we have endured on both sides of the Channel.

Nevertheless, the evocation of the name Carpentras, a sun-bathed city in the Provence area, should bring back happy holiday memories for some of us and remind others of the mythical Carpentras watermelon.

In the south of France, there used to be a lot of terminal markets for fruit and vegetable producers. But as distribution methods evolved, some of these just disappeared and some just radically changed. But what happened in Carpentras this summer should convince everyone that the market system is still, in fact, a viable concept.

The district of Comtat Ventoux conducted a survey that came to the conclusion the region was in need of a consolidated hub for its horticultural products. It also concluded that the terminal market of Carpentras was still extremely important for the industry, possibly representing up to 40 per cent of total turnover for some producers. The market also specialises in plants, and some 250 professionals are present every day to market their wares.

But the survey also showed that the situation could not remain as it is, and that huge investments are required to upgrade the market. Initial proposals suggested relocation, or re-sizing the market floor: but these were strongly opposed by producers.

It is a crucial time for both growers and the region’s authorities. The estimated investment figure to give the market its facelift swiftly rose to some €24 million (£16m) over a 10-year period.

But it is not only a question of money. The different actions the market wants to implement cover a large spectrum: modernising the premises, diversifying the product portfolio, re-introducing cut flowers and excluding “amateurs” and non-professionals are among them.

The signs so far are already encouraging - the tenants just created a union to defend their position and convince producers to invest.

The aim is to create 500 spaces on the market floor. A specific company, part public and part private, may also be formed in order to manage the market. The forthcoming weeks will be crucial for the evolution of the project.

But, more importantly, it is simply refreshing to see the concept of terminal markets, or any other format that helps to keep the industry alive and well, still thriving.

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