The atmosphere was very festive on Saturday, December 9, at Morne Blanc. At a magnificent location on the border between the towns of Le Diamant and Les Trois-Îlets, hundreds of people gathered for the Creole Pig Appreciation Day. Organized by APER (Association for the Promotion of the Rural Economy) and the MONTLUC Jean-Claude farm, with the support of several partners, the celebration and promotion of this pork—raised in a semi-free-range environment—and the products of the COOPMAR agricultural cooperative were a success. We met on site with Mr. Lucien Adenet and Ms. Claudine Vertueux-Degras.
Lucien Adenet, APER board member and elected official of the CTM (Martinique Territorial Collectivity), accompanied by Claudine Vertueux-Degras, head of the livestock division at the Chamber of Agriculture
Mr. Adenet, how long has it been since... of’year one day is dedicated to Promoting the Creole pig?
This is the second year that the Creole Pig Appreciation Day has been held. Last year we gave it a trial run, and despite the heavy rain, it was a huge success. This year we did it again, and I think the public responded very positively to our invitation. And the weather is nice—it’s wonderful!
I see there are different activities, different booths…
Our association, APER, showcases the local products of our region, as well as the producers—the people who make them. We’re fortunate to be here with a farmer who is passionate about a particular product—one that had virtually disappeared from production in Martinique: the “cochon planche.” A black pig raised in semi-free-range conditions. Today, thanks to the commitment of a number of partners—including the natural park, cooperatives, and more specifically a cooperative called COOPMAR—we’re trying to revive this production from its ashes. We’ve brought together a number of artisan producers, farmers specializing in crops, and technicians from the Chamber of Agriculture to support this effort.
What do you mean by "semi-liberty"?
In other words, the pig lives in a pen—an enclosed space—but one that is large enough for the animal to roam freely in nature and eat whatever it finds (roots, vegetables, plants, worms, etc.). In the evening, it can take shelter under a small covered area. An animal raised this way is not stressed, and this results in higher-quality meat for the consumer. It has a remarkable flavor!
It's a day of celebration! Are there even musicians?
This event is festive and commercial in nature, but above all, it has an educational aspect. Pork was grilled on site, and people were able to sample and taste it for free. Now they’re enjoying a picnic lunch, and the day will end with a Christmas carol sing-along. It’s truly a joyful atmosphere here!
Ms. Vertueux-Degras, why was it so important for the Chamber of Agriculture to be present at this promotional event?
For us, it’s very important to participate in this type of event, where we have the opportunity to meet both industry professionals and the general public. This allows us to spread the word about the importance of proper identification and of following food safety and hygiene regulations. Our mission is to ensure that everyone is informed—from the farmer to the consumer—and together we’ll make sure that everyone in Martinique eats safe meat. Farmers are already doing their part, but there are some isolated individuals who do not follow the rules, who sell their products, and who engage in unfair competition against those who make the effort to comply with the regulations. Our purpose in being here is to inform the public about what the Chamber of Agriculture has to offer. This isn’t just for producers and farmers—we can also share information with the general public—but it’s also about getting the message across that everyone has a role to play in ensuring animal health and food safety for consumers.
Mariska Desmarquis
