The Two Farms in Senegal That Supply Many of the UK’s Vegetables
If you’ve enjoyed a corn on the cob, green beans, or spring onions in the UK this winter, they likely originated from two remarkable farms at the Sahara’s edge in northern Senegal. This West African nation is swiftly emerging as a significant contributor to the UK’s food supply. But what does this mean for both regions?
An Immense Workforce and Efficient Farming Practices
Hidden among tall maize plants, Diarra busily harvests cobs of corn, a task made even more challenging by temperatures soaring above 35°C. Amidst a backdrop of barely any rainfall, Diarra and her team of 9,000 employees, predominantly women, demonstrate remarkable productivity. As they work, the rhythmic sound of rustling follows the thud-thud of harvested cobs placed in soft buckets strapped to their backs.
– Within an hour, the freshly picked cobs are transported to a refrigerated pack-house, swiftly chilled to 0°C.
– These products are then trucked to the port near Dhaka, ready for a container ship journey.
– In just six days, these vegetables appear on the shelves of British supermarkets.
Vegetables Supplied from Senegal to the UK
During the winter months, if you visit major UK retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Aldi, or Lidl, you will likely see produce labeled Produce of Senegal. The farms provide a diverse array of products:
– Spring onions
– Radishes
– Green beans
– Chilis
– Butternut squash
– Cobs of corn
Despite the hot, sandy soil, Senegal has become a crucial source of fresh produce for the UK, with businesses like G’s Fresh and Barfoots playing pivotal roles.
The History and Growth of Senegalese Agriculture
The origins of these farms trace back to the early 2000s when French agronomist Michael Laurent utilized Google Earth to scout locations with ample sunlight, land, and labor. Notably, while rainfall is scarce, the Senegal River serves as a vital lifeline. Its water is directed through a sophisticated canal system, effectively irrigating otherwise arid land.
– The farming area has expanded to cover 2,000 hectares—almost the size of 3,000 football pitches.
– G’s Fresh alone manages 500 hectares, supplying two million spring onion bunches, 100 tonnes of green beans, and 80 tonnes of radishes weekly during winter.
The larger operation, a joint venture between Barfoots and Laurent’s company, produces an astounding 55 million cobs of corn annually, alongside various other vegetables.
The Impact on Senegal and the UK
Senegal’s politically stable environment has attracted British investments, with businesses demonstrating confidence by investing around £70 million in local agriculture. The farms create essential job opportunities in a nation struggling with a 19% unemployment rate, especially among rural youth.
While activists like Elhadj Ardo Samba Sow initially viewed foreign-owned farms skeptically, many now acknowledge their positive employment impacts, despite concerns over wage levels. Workers earn approximately 2,500 West African francs daily (about $4.50; £3) and can receive bonuses for exceeding productivity targets.
The potential for further expansion is promising, especially given lower labor costs in Senegal compared to the UK—where labor accounts for about 60% of production costs.
Conclusion: The Future of Vegetable Imports from Senegal
As the demand for year-round fresh produce grows, the UK finds itself increasingly reliant on imports, especially during winter when up to 90% of vegetables may come from abroad. While this reliance raises questions about sustainability, importing from Senegal offers a different narrative compared to traditional sources like southern Europe and Latin America.
Concerns remain about the environmental impact of shipping vegetables across long distances. Experts emphasize the need to align diets with seasonal availability and explore local agricultural opportunities. As consumers, the choice between British-grown and imported vegetables from Senegal ultimately lies with you—reflecting a dynamic thread in the evolving global food landscape.