Roles and missions of market gardeners
Market gardeners are farmers who grow and sell fresh produce in open fields. The roles and responsibilities of a market gardener are varied and essential to the production of quality fresh produce. Here's a list of the main duties and responsibilities:
Taking care of crops: Market gardeners must keep a close eye on their land and its crops. They are responsible for planting, cultivating and harvesting fresh produce.
Crop monitoring: Market gardeners must ensure that their crops are healthy and free from disease and pests. They must also ensure that crops are not damaged by bad weather.
Fresh produce and safety: Market gardeners must take care of the equipment and tools needed to grow fresh produce. They must also ensure that their crops and fresh produce are safe and free from contaminants.
Inventory management: Market gardeners must manage their inventories by monitoring their levels and purchasing new raw materials or selling fresh produce.
Fresh produce sales: Market gardeners must sell their fresh produce. They must also establish relationships with customers and suppliers, and ensure that their fresh produce reaches customers on time.
Environmental management : Market gardeners must ensure that their crops are environmentally friendly and that they use sustainable production methods.
In addition to these tasks, market gardeners are also responsible for the upkeep and management of farmland, and for ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Salary and career development for market gardeners
A market gardener's salary depends on a number of factors, and can vary according to years of experience:
0 to 2 years: €17,000 to €21,000
2 to 5 years: €21,500 to €26,000
5 to 10 years: €26,500 to €33,000
10 to 15 years: €33,500 to €40,000
Over 15 years: €41,000 to €50,000
A Maraîcher / Maraîchère can also opt for a career development perspective thanks to additional training and varied experience. Here are a few examples:
Crop manager
Production manager
Agricultural consultant
Market garden production trainer
Sustainable development officer
