PRODUCER & TERROIR
Lacapelle Agro is managed by Philippe Alonzo and located in the Rhône valley at Saint-Just-d’Ardèche. The orchards are surrounded by forests within an area filled with nature and wildlife, in a spot nicknamed “the island” where the Rhône and Ardèche rivers meet. Thanks to this location, the trees live in a microclimate that is excellent for the fruit’s development. Philippe has been growing pears since the 1990s. Today, he owns 30 hectares of apricots and 10 hectares of pears. His oldest pear trees date from 1998 and his most recent from 2010.
« What’s interesting about pears is that they can be used in a multitude of ways: compote, purée, liqueur, »
Pear farmer
GROWING TECHNIQUES
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region that Philippe’s plantations call home is known for its fruit-growing culture. It’s perfectly suited to pears. The sediment-rich soil not only nourishes the trees, but also retains water during heavy rains. Asian and Comice pears are strategically planted in alternating rows to encourage pollination. Philippe works with a local beekeeper to attract pollinators. Together, they have set up four hives for every hectare of land.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ACTION
Philippe has become a real expert in protecting biodiversity. He lets the vegetation in his orchard grow, so that predators which eat plant-endangering insects can survive and protect the trees. As a result, he now needs to take preventative action for his trees half as often. His plantations are also drip and sprinkler irrigated to reduce water consumption. Most of his pear orchards are located in Natura 2000 areas, which are designated as such to protect various habitats and species representative of European biodiversity.
