Provence: 230 Hectares of Almond Orchards to Revive French Almond Production

Provence – 08.06.2026: In Provence, 230 hectares of almond trees have been planted to promote French almond production and reduce dependence on imports. This initiative is part of a comprehensive plan to revive almond production in France, launched by the “Compagnie des Amandes.”

French almond production flourished until the 1950s but nearly disappeared in the following decades. Today, about 45,000 tons of almonds are consumed annually, with the majority imported from the USA. The “Compagnie des Amandes” aims to revive French production through the cultivation of 2,000 hectares of almond trees in Provence, Occitanie, and Corsica.

Another step in this direction is the partnership between the “Compagnie des Amandes” and Coopérative U. In February 2026, a five-year agreement was signed to promote the production of almonds grown in France. The goal is to supply the French market with locally produced almonds and reduce dependency on imports.

Despite these efforts, French producers face challenges. Californian almonds dominate the global market and are often offered at lower prices, impacting the competitiveness of French products. To counter this, French producers focus on quality and sustainability to differentiate themselves from imports.

The revival of almond production in France is a long-term project that requires time and investment. The first harvests are expected in the coming years, with full production maturity of the trees being reached about five years after planting.

Overall, the initiative in Provence demonstrates the commitment of French agriculture to strengthen local production and reduce dependency on imports. By investing in quality and sustainability, producers hope to supply the French market with high-quality almonds and revive the tradition of almond cultivation in the region.

These developments are part of a broader trend in France aimed at promoting local agriculture and increasing the country’s self-sufficiency. Such initiatives not only strengthen the economy but also protect the environment by reducing transport distances and employing more sustainable cultivation methods.

The coming years will be crucial to measure the success of these efforts and assess their impact on French almond production and the market. Collaboration between producers, processors, and retailers will play a key role in achieving the set goals and establishing French almond production sustainably.