“I like contact with people”. Tessa Banon maintains proximity with her fruits and vegetables

Tessa Banon has been involved in market gardening for three years. Midi Libre – RENE FERRANDO

La jeune femme a une clientèle fidèle, à l’image d’Andrée, 91 ans. Midi Libre – RENE FERRANDO

In villages, mobile businesses are a significant plus, especially for elderly people who have difficulty getting around. This presence creates social ties. In the West Hérault, many traders crisscross the roads to supply the population or provide services. “Midi Libre” went to meet these itinerants. Fourth part of this series in Lézignan-la-Cèbe where Tessa Banon sells her fruits and vegetables every Wednesday.

Despite the icy wind blowing on the Place des Templiers in Lézignan-la-Cèbe, this Wednesday morning, Tessa Banon is faithful to the appointment. She has set up her vegetable stall and is patiently waiting for customers.“I am from Lézignan. I have all my family here in the village where I live. My grandfather grew onions all his life”, the young woman emphasizes. At only 25 years old, she has already had several professional experiences. “I was a volunteer firefighter and a nursing assistant. Three years ago, I decided to go into agriculture. I wanted to change everything. I loved vegetables, so I started market gardening.” Another, totally different path, which she has anchored in Le Pouget where she cultivates nearly a hectare. There, Tessa produces her vegetables “and even fruit trees. I planted peach trees, almond trees, apricot trees”.

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“Farmers from Pouget helped me”

In her new professional adventure, Tessa trained on the job. “Farmers from Le Pouget helped me. They gave me valuable advice, especially on watering. Not forgetting my grandfather who explained many things to me.” This is how “De l’aromate à la tomate des Rouvières” was born, his company which produces fruit and vegetables “without chemical treatments”, aromatic plants, jam, canned vegetables, tomato sauce. And the village child was welcomed by the people of Lézignan. “In the village, I have a loyal clientele, especially elderly people that I knew when I was a child. At the beginning of the month, I have people. In the summer, the square is located near the road and there is a lot of traffic. People stop to buy vegetables. In addition to being present in Lézignan-la-Cèbe, I also make deliveries”, explains Tessa Banon.

“I like contact with people”

And then an acquaintance arrives. Andrée, 91, braves the cold to do her shopping. “She's my great-aunt”, the market gardener explains. After kisses, Andrée places an order: potatoes, some vegetables. “I need Tessa to be there because I'm not leaving my house”, explains Andrée who has already bought her bread and is getting ready to go home. “The villagers sometimes come to chat with me, we have a coffee and they buy at the same time”, adds Tessa. “I like contact with people, I like it.”

Medicinal plants

On her land, in Pouget, Tessa multiplies the plantations. “I'm trying a lot of things. I want to have several types of products to offer.” This is how the market gardener is preparing to launch into medicinal plants. “Customers will be able to make herbal teas with them. I've planted thyme, rosemary, lemon balm, mint. I provide information to my customers. I find out beforehand so as not to say anything”, Tessa emphasizes with a burst of laughter. The situation is therefore pushing her to look for new outlets. “I'm going to target other markets, larger ones so as not to take someone else's place”, she indicates.