Long absent from the northern plains, lentils are beginning to gain a foothold there. In Marly, near Valenciennes, farmer Cécile Fléchel has chosen to introduce this legume to her 130-hectare farm, previously dominated by wheat and potatoes. Faced with depleted soils and the need to lengthen crop rotations, she tested this crop, known for its suitability to poor soils.
Encouraged by her cooperative, which had conducted successful trials, she sowed five hectares in 2024. The result exceeded expectations, with a yield higher than the national average. Lentils offer several agronomic advantages: they fix atmospheric nitrogen, reduce the need for fertilizers, and improve growing conditions for subsequent cereal crops.
A still fragile sector
The lentil boom in the region is based on a partnership between the Unéal cooperative and the industrialist Vivien Paille, which guarantees a contractual outlet. The first harvests were sold at attractive prices, but these have declined with the abundance of Canadian and Indian production, which strongly influences the global market.
In three years, French lentil production has increased by more than 50%, reaching nearly 55,000 tons per year. However, France remains dependent on imports, as domestic consumption is roughly twice production. For farmers, the continued cultivation of lentils will therefore depend on its economic viability. While lentils are considered beneficial for the soil and more resilient to climate change, their sustainability also relies on the market's ability to value French lentils, which are often more expensive than foreign produce.
