The asparagus season in the southern French region of Camargue Languedoc is kicking off with good sizes of spears marginally up on last season, following favourable growing conditions.

According to the Asperge d’Oc promotional body, production should reach 500-600 tonnes following good winter dormancy. “There is less of a challenge this year from Spain and Greece,” said a spokeswoman for Asperge d’Oc. “Production in both countries has declined notably this season. Output from Morocco is compensating somewhat, but we believe there is good potential for promoting the regionality of our product.”

Growers in the region produce both green and white spears.