“We should have a loss of 30% compared to the last five years during which we produced on average 246 tonnes of powder. Even if it is on a different scale, the entire sector will be affected. » Maïalen Sarraude, coordinator of the Espelette pepper union (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) makes this bitter observation. This 2024 season will not be “good” for the famous Basque spice.
The fault is a terrible climate, starting with torrential rains which drowned the land in this small part of the South-West. “Between January and the end of October, 1,100 mm fell. That’s 600 more than usual! Certainly, the pepper needs water but not too much either,” indicates Maïalen Sarraude.