Since 2008, LHG has been developing and piloting a unique program for organic pepper from São Tomé. This volcanic archipelago is located off the coast of West Africa. We had devoted a first article to this exciting project.
How can an agricultural operation located 5,000 km from mainland France be made viable? Why choose the cooperative model? How can producers be trained in organic farming? Gilles Talrich, President of LHG, shares his insights in this interview.
The Cooperative: An Obvious Choice for São Tomé Pepper
The agricultural cooperative model has the advantage of allowing farmworkers to be both owners of their land and their own bosses. The cooperative enables each worker to own their land and be their own boss. As a result, LHG was able to bring farmers together around pepper cultivation, which had been virtually nonexistent on the island until then. The first step was to open up export markets and build a processing center.
Raw pepper requires rigorous processing to become suitable for consumption. This necessitates the sharing of technical equipment. Through the cooperative, independent producers join forces to export their harvests directly.
This model also ensures the project’s long-term economic viability. Indeed, the archipelago’s production volumes remain modest compared to the global market. It was therefore necessary to market a flawless product at a profitable price, without being subject to international market prices.
In the traditional market, there can sometimes be as many as twelve intermediaries. The cooperative connects the producer directly to the end customer. This balance eliminates excessive markups and motivates the farmers in their day-to-day work.
Technical oversight and local support
LHG oversees the industry across the entire technical chain. Our teams define the specifications and forecast annual volumes. They supply the processing equipment and supervise the harvesting periods.
This process continues after harvest with storage and international transportation. For agricultural training, we have reached out to the NGO Agri Sud. Its experts trained local teams in agroecology and business management with the help of European funding.
A certified organic volcanic soil
Choosing organic farming was a matter of agronomic logic. The archipelago benefits from fertile volcanic soil, regular rainfall, and constant sunshine. This climate provides an exceptional environment for plants.
Furthermore, the local government does not have the necessary funds to purchase chemical inputs. Certifying the supply chain makes it possible to sell this exceptional pepper at its true value. Conventional pepper would make no economic sense at such small volumes.
We have selected local plants known for their productivity and delicate aroma. The flavor comes directly from this unspoiled terroir, without any genetic modification. The drying process is also entirely artisanal.
This process requires patience. Launched in 2008, the venture began producing its first significant volumes in 2020. Today, the two processing facilities employ up to thirty people in August. Each employee has a stable and secure employment contract. It took time: founded in 2008, it wasn’t until 2020 that the cooperative achieved a satisfactory level of industrial production.
Sustainable and Diversified Agriculture
Organic farming is based on simple principles. Farmers fertilize the rows of pepper plants with compost and legumes. The tangible results quickly convinced the rest of the villagers.
Seeing the improvement in their neighbors’ incomes, new farmers have joined the initiative. The cooperative also offers financial advances, microcredit, and targeted social assistance.
Currently, 350 farmers cultivate plots ranging from 500 square meters to one hectare. The Hénaff company supports the project by providing advance financing for the harvests. This system ensures a steady income for families between the April harvest and the fall shipment.
Unlike the oil palm, the pepper tree does not deplete the soil. It coexists easily with food crops and vegetable gardens. Farmers can thus continue to feed their families on their own land.
New Challenges: Red Pepper and Wild Pepper
LHG continues to innovate on the island. We are expanding our production of red pepper, a rare variety with fruity notes that is very delicate to dry.
Our teams are also exploring the harvesting of wild pepper (Piper borbonense) in the island forests. In addition, we are considering introducing organic turmeric and ginger. Their complementary growing cycles will provide farmers with a year-round source of income.
Our approach demonstrates that a product of excellence is the result of fair trade between the farmer, the artisan, and the consumer.
