The Lomagne in Tarn & Garonne

Industry / Shops / Services

The Lomagne in Tarn & Garonne had 283 businesses by 1st February 2005.  Together these businesses employ 1 121 salaried workers.  Beaumont de Lomagne as the economic centre of the area with 150 businesses (of which 53% are fixed in the area) and 861 salaried employees (of which 76,8% are effective).

Total distribution per sectors  

Shops and services represent the vast majority of businesses established in the area.  Services employ the majority of the employees (52%).  The industrial sector is the least represented in the area, not only in the number of activities but also by the number of employees it has.

Agriculture

In the Lomagne Tarn & Garonne agriculture is principally directed towards the production of cereals and the oilseed crops.  Cereals constitute the main production in the area; this follows a very old tradition and is in line with the culture of the communes.

The garlic production

Garlic production covers 550 ha. for the two cantons (approx. 500 growers).  Six wholesalers of whom the SICA (Société d'Intérêt Collectif Agricole) ensures the running for the large part of the harvesting, the others operating in the local markets.

The garlic organisation is structured between the producers on a European level and protects the production by putting in place protection measures.  One of the biggest problems for the Organisation is the agreement reached with the foreign garlic producers of Spain and China.  The raised cost for peeling the bulbs to enhance their value (or give them added value) adds to the difficulty in remaining in the markets.

The Tarn & Garonne

Industry / Businesses

Shops / Services

Agriculture

Agriculture for Tarn & Garonne constitutes the main social and economic force by reason of its contribution and added value (9% in 1999 against 3,2% in France) and the part played by the active population working in the sector (12,6% of the total active population in 1999 against 4,3% in France).