All World

Strawberry French have been waiting

They are praying. The gariguettes, Ciflorette, Clécy or mara des bois gradually come to market with nearly two weeks late. "The production schedule is shifted by two weeks compared to last year because of the cold spell of February, indicates the Agreste, the statistics department of the Ministry of Agriculture, in his final memo on the economy. In May, domestic production is expected to significantly ramp up and reach a peak around May 15. "

France, where people eat an average of 2 kg per year per person, has become a structural deficit in strawberries and even became the first importer. French production should be nearly equivalent to that of last year (1%), with 51,000 tonnes of strawberries this year. She points and sixth in Europe, behind Spain, leading with nearly 300,000 tons mainly in the province of Huelva, and Poland (about 200,000 tons), which mainly produces strawberries for the processing industry.

The "Drosophila susukki" threat

Germany, which allows the employment of seasonal workers from eastern Europe, the hourly cost almost twice lower than in the Hexagon, is third with 157,000 tons. In total, we produce on the Old Continent 1.1 million tonnes of strawberries, or nearly 30% of world production.

Pricewise, as frost damage to vegetation have not been fully assessed and are being expertise, it creates tension on line pay day loans. "Early in the season 2012, the index of producer prices is greater than 7% five-year average," notes the Agreste. By comparison, last year, the average price of the high season between March and June, stood at 5.01 euros per kilo. A price significantly less competitive than the call price charged by major retailers this weekend (two-thirds of the distribution of strawberries) to 1.80 per kilo. But it was strawberries come from the Iberian Peninsula.

In France, according to initial estimates, the surfaces of strawberries should be stable for the 2012 campaign compared to last season. Strawberries produced in the open air should fall by 30% in contrast to the greenhouses which represent two thirds of production. This mode of production should continue to grow (+30%) related to the increase in aboveground surfaces (36%) and burial (25%).  

However, in terms of health, some concerns loom over the threat of Drosophila susukki, a small fly that could cause serious damage. "It is not yet reached us, but vigilance is extreme," says Benedict Lopez, the producer Hautière, La Chapelle-sur-Erdre near Nantes.

ALSO READ:

"Agriculture

Organize elections costs 1 euro per voter

The time is in final preparation for town hall in France, before the presidential election. For the latter, the bill for the organization of these exceptional weekend will be more or less salty. According to the Association of Mayors of France, you need a budget of around 15,000 euros per day to vote for an average city of 20,000 inhabitants. "This represents about 1 per registered voter," said Philip Lawrence, vice president of the Association and Mayor of Sceaux (Hauts de Seine).

According to the latter, the bulk of this budget is absorbed by personnel costs unusually mobilized for the weekend of presidential and legislative elections. "On Saturday, the day before voting, employees adjust any polls that are often located in public buildings or classrooms. The number of desktop depends on the number of registered voters, knowing that it takes no more than 1000 voters for an office. In a city like seals, so they are 14 offices that are developed, "says the mayor of this town of Hauts-de-Seine. "Then the Sunday vote, you have two people permanently. That's two teams of two for a 12-hour day, which must be added the support staff to ensure that everything goes well. " At Sceaux, there are 100 municipal employees who will be on duty for each day of voting.

For them, the days are long lasting and beyond counting. But allow them to receive a specific payment. "This is the most expensive for the town hall. There are many volunteers in the office but their role is only to monitor, register voters, get them signed. Requires municipal employees on site, such certificates to those who do not have their voter registration card, "said Philip Lawrence.

The presidential ballots be borne by the State

These are not purchasing urns or damaged booths that make invoice salt. These are purchased from private companies such as Form XL, the leading provider of French municipalities. Meuse in this business, it takes 94 to 327 euros for a traditional ballot box and 213 to 425 euros for one to three polling booths in places. "These expenditures, investment in the budget of the city, are negligible and are amortized from one election to another," says Philip Lawrence.

So what is the state to relieve the town halls? The latter is involved in all these costs up to 2,500 euros, according to AMF. Prefectures establish "cost of assembly, composed of a fixed amount per polling station and an amount based on the number of voters," says one to the Ministry of Interior. The envelope stuffing and mailing of election propaganda (posters, leaflets, creed and ballots) to voters is the responsibility of prefectures which in turn mobilize staff or rely on outside providers.

The State shall also be responsible for printing and mailing of ballots to municipalities for president, according to the memento sent to candidates by the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs. For legislative candidates and print their ballots may be reimbursed for these expenses if they obtain at least 5% of the votes cast in the first round. But the rules are strict: the paper used must contain at least 50% recycled or benefit "of an international certification for sustainable forest management." According to the Senate, the total estimated cost of the presidential election for the state and is estimated at 217.3 million euros. That of the general elections is estimated at 122.3 million euros this year.

ALSO READ:

"SPECIAL-Presidential 2012

"A tightly controlled campaign

Deficit: Italy rejects its objectives

In Rome,

Even Professor Monti can not perform miracles. In the Document for Economic and Financial (DPEF) covering the years 2012 to 2015, on Wednesday approved Wednesday by the Cabinet, it is written that Italy will experience a recession in 2012 equal to 1.20% of GDP. However, until now, the government expected a 0.4% growth this year. The activity will walk away from the front in 2013 – timidly – to double next year to 1.2% in 2015.

Logical consequence of this failure of growth, the government recognizes that a balanced budget, wielded far as priority, will struggle to be reached in late 2013. Vittorio Grilli, Deputy Economy Minister now speaks of a deficit of 0.5% of GDP next year, adding that "overall structural balance and not episodic" is reached. A scenario much more optimistic than the IMF in its forecast released Tuesday estimates that Italy will not reach equilibrium before 2015.

Another sensitive indicator: public debt, which stood at 123.4% of GDP at the end of last year. It would decline to 120.3% this year, 114.4% in 2014 and 110.8% in 2015, when the simplification and liberalization adopted earlier this year will come to full speed, generating additional growth assessed 2.4% of GDP in 2020.

In presenting these figures, the chairman, Mario Monti, sought optimistic: "Our action has demonstrated safety of the public accounts. We will have a primary surplus (excluding debt service) of 3.9% next year. " Despropos primarily for financial markets, which have recently hosted the Italian slippage. MIB30 index of the Milan Stock Exchange closed sharply lower by 2.29%.

The balancing act that requires Mario Monti has become particularly difficult fast payday loans. It must assure citizens that their efforts are, not to undermine confidence without complacency. Mario Monti has paid tribute to the sacrifices "very high" imposed on the Italians, "we are fighting every day to avoid the fate of Greece," he said, deliberately severe.

But in a country where the tax burden – 45.1% of GDP – reached a record high and unemployment was 9.3%, an increase of rigor seems now to be excluded. The salvation is through more growth. This is why the government on Wednesday adopted a national reform agenda based on five priorities, which will mobilize tens of billions of euros. The 'major projects and public infrastructure "alone include 20 billion euros in public funding per year for three or four years for priority equipment, rail, road, airport, hospitals, schools, … Another sensitive issue: the immediate payment of the arrears that the state owes to private companies, whether of central or local governments. Twenty billion euros of state guarantees will be released to allow private creditors to enforce them at banks. Six billion will also be reimbursed immediately by local governments. Tax incentives, practical support to business creation and drastic simplification of administrative procedures should also encourage the resumption of activity. An effort of three billion euros a year for twenty years will be made in favor of renewable energy. Finally, the Senate passed Wednesday on a final golden rule placing a balanced budget in the Constitution. Mario Monti handling is the core growth budget and stick.

ALSO READ:

"Italy contaminated by the Spanish crisis

"Reform of labor law: Monti made a key concession

The sports market covets commercial

The sports market takes shape. According to a PwC study, the activity related to events and sports clubs is 3.5 billion euros in France and the sector is estimated to grow 3.7% per year by 2015 (*).

Manufacturers, distributors, sports structures show increasing needs, including commercial. BTS MUC (management of business units) and DUT have flourished in this area and the area is muscle. The CESNI ESC Chambery launched its bachelor three years ago.

New programs

The NCPC will open his next term. In thirty years, this specialist trade training sport has developed some forty chains to bac + 2. "Our management bachelor of commerce sports meets an urgent demand from business managers in skilled, high scalability," says Gerard Pouet, general manager of CNPC.

To match the market requirements, schools can not do enough. At the School of Business Sports Management Amos, the third year of the bachelor is necessarily alternating and MBS (Master of business in sport) a six-month business. Sports Management School (SMS) has its first class bachelor's and MBA this year. "Our goal is to train our students in areas ranging from major retail clubs. The third and fifth years will pass half in business, "says Michael Tapiro, executive director of the school (EDC group). Best of all, every young person has a sponsor – elite athletes, club manager, a business manager in the sport … – which opens on the sector.

Distributors and manufacturers think global and act local. Last year, about 62 Decathlon stores open, 51 have been in Europe and beyond (China, Russia, India …). The courses are so heavily loaded with language, include seminars abroad, promote exchanges. The MSc in Sports and Outdoor Industry Management starting in September at EM Lyon will take place on its campuses in Shanghai and Europe.

The market will he integrate all the newcomers? "Supermarkets and manufacturers are fond of our bachelors and alternating with more than 75% are within six months of the school year," says Patrick Touati, director and founder of Amos. The bachelor's CNPC starts in Pau with 30 students.

The higher the educational level increases, the opportunities are reduced. The Idrac will open in September 5th year of a major "sports entertainment spectacle" and remains modest. Of the 25 students met in most, from 10 to 15 actually find an outlet in the world of sports, "other work in other areas but they will capitalize on the sporting image and the diploma," says the director of international program high school, Maxence Fontanel.

(*) Study on the PwC global market opportunities in sport, in December 2011.

ALSO READ:

"Bachelor: an effective passport for employment

SERVICE:

"Find your training Kelformation

"Job offers in France and abroad with Cadremploi

FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON FIGARO:

"Twitter: @ LeFigaro_Emploi

Fuel: rising employment pummel

What relationship between soaring pump prices and unemployment? According to economist Etienne Wasmer, Professor at Sciences Po Paris, of high fuel prices could deter some French to take a job: "Rising fuel prices, draping in the cost of traveling between home and work, could have a negative effect on employment. "

Difficult to say how many people are in this case. But it is possible to draw a sketch of the ideal victim of rising fuel prices. "It affects rather low wages, those who have little hope of earning more by working away," says Régis Bigot, Research Center for the Study and Observation of Living Conditions (documentary credit). In sum, the French low-skilled, paid at minimum wage, usually working part time.

Japanese whiskey is attracting more and more

If there are four or five years, Japanese whiskeys fell almost an anecdote, it is clear that the Japanese distilleries were located largely in the market for Liquor Stores. Of the four best whiskeys in the world, two are once more for the Japanese edition of the 2012 World Whiskies Awards, organized by Whisky Magazine. The setting was won in the categories best blended whiskey in the world by Taketsuru 17 years old Nikka from home, and in the category best single malt whiskey in the world with the Yamazaki 25 year old house Suntory.

The Japanese group Suntory is the origin of Japanese whiskeys, in the 1920s. It has two distilleries (Yamazaki and Hakushu) located in northern Japan, which develop blended and single malt whiskeys. The diversified industrial group also owns three Scottish distilleries. Its direct competitor, Nikka, a subsidiary of another giant, Asahi, came a little later (1952) in this segment. And also owns a distillery in Scotland. By themselves, these two houses share almost the entire market of Japanese whiskey world.

If the brand is more Nikka located on the French and European market, notably through the House of Whiskies, which has exclusive, Suntory is positioned more on the U.S. market. Thierry Benitah, CEO of the House of Whiskies, said: "The entry level and mid-range is slightly more expensive for Japanese whiskey over Scotch whiskey, but for more upscale products, including oldest, Japanese whiskey is cheaper, same quality. " It takes only 30 euros for a Japanese whiskey entry level (in comparison, one of the brands of Scotch whiskey sold in the world, Label 5, costs 12 euros). In amount in the range, Japanese whiskeys are between 150 and 650 euros, the price may even go up to 10,000 euros a bottle for a 50 years old.

France, the second consumer of Japanese whiskey

In 2010, according to the International Wine and Spirit Research (IWSR), it is consumed in the world 81 million liters of whiskey Japanese, representing 3 payday advance.2% market share of all whiskeys. Global consumption of whiskey, all confused, totaled nearly 2.7 billion liters. The United States are the largest importers of Japanese whiskey, with a volume of 5.2 million liters. France comes second with just under 3 million liters (2.9 million).

In 50 years, the French have adopted the whiskey. They are the biggest consumers of single malt Scotch whiskey, with 135 million bottles per year, or more than two bottles per person. In comparison, Americans consume 125 million bottles annually, depending on the portal Planetoscope.

Japanese whiskeys, more subtle and sweet

How to explain this craze for Japanese whiskey? Keinta Minari, head of the division of Suntory whiskey for France, gives some keys to this success: "One explanation lies in the style of Japanese whiskey, which is subtle and complex, where Scotch whiskey will be more strong and sturdy. "A view shared by Thierry Benitah of the House of Whiskies" Japanese whiskey is more accessible than the scotch in terms of taste. Unlike Scotch whiskeys, which have a slight bitterness on the finish, Japanese whiskeys receive a final grade soft, chewy and sweet "

According to Pierre Tissandier, head of the cellar Whisky Lodge in Lyon, and previously head of Diageo whiskeys, this development is surprising, "the Japanese whiskey differs from Scotch whiskeys including a search of the exotic, but also by a marketing and a highly developed packaging. " The Scottish distilleries would suffer a certain archaism, where Japanese whiskeys are more modern and stylish.

ALSO READ:

"The Japanese, new kings of whiskey

Electric cars are trying to convince customers

For the second consecutive year, the price of the car of the year was awarded by a jury of European journalists in an electric car: the Chevrolet Volt, after the Nissan Leaf in 2011. The least we can say is that these awards recognize technology more than economic success. In the U.S., General Motors will suspend production for five weeks of its Volt. The U.S. has not elapsed in 7700 as last year, missing its target of 10,000 sales. Furthermore prohibitively expensive ($ 41,000 less $ 7,500 of assistance), the application has been hampered by a government investigation, while fires were reported several weeks after collisions. For its part, Nissan, whose activity has, indeed, was disrupted by the Japanese disaster, has sold only 22,000 Leaf in 2011 (including 2,000 in Europe). Figures he intends to double this year.

A drop of water compared to a global production

With tens of thousands of copies last year, this solution is a drop compared with a world production of 80 million cars. In France, only 2,630 electric cars were registered to individuals last year, representing 0.12% of the market.

After the electric Kangoo and Fluence, especially designed for professional fleets, Renault is launching his Twizy quadricycle, and fall, the Zoe, the spearhead of its range. The French put on the price of this car to democratize power: it will be offered at 15,700 euros (including the government bonus of 5,000 euros), which will be added monthly rental of the battery for 79 euros. 150,000 copies per year will be manufactured at Flins.

The group, which provides a market share of 10% for electricity in 2020, appears now more cautious about starting on a difficult European market. "We'll have to show persistence, even quiet. We do not know if the request will happen as quickly as desired. One thing is certain, the price of gasoline will continue to rise and, at a time, each billboard service station will become an advertisement for the electric vehicle, "predicted Carlos Tavares, head of Renault operational flexcheck cash advance.

Meanwhile, Zoe will reassure consumers that they are not likely to fail. For if this car has a range of 210 km certified, in real driving, it comes down to the summer and 150 km to 100 km in winter, with heating. This is why Renault is targeting commuters or provincial equipped with a garage, making every day from 40 to 50 km. The group considers that from 12,000 km per year over three years, it is more advantageous financially to own a Clio diesel Zoe.

Low self

Another obstacle, "in France, there is only one thousand charging points around, as he ought to have ten times more," said Thierry Koskas, director of Renault's electric cars.

Moreover, the Volt arrives this year in Europe as the Opel Ampera. "It will be interesting to see whether demand will be greater in Europe. But make no mistake, this is the first generation of the vehicle, we will need a second generation to continue to reduce its cost, "said Steve Girsky, vice president of General Motors.

Most other manufacturers are skeptical about the power. Toyota continues to focus on the hybrid, expanding its offering. "In 2011, we achieved 10% of our European volumes with hybrid versions. We expect this share to rise 14% this year, "said Didier Leroy, who started a small hybrid Yaris.

For its part, PSA Peugeot Citroën has invested on the hybrid diesel engine to power 3008, 508, DS5 and RXH. Only problem: these vehicles cost an average of 2500 euros more than the diesel version, including bonus of 2000 euros.

ALSO READ:

"Renault is unveiling the final version of its Geneva ZOE

"The auto market at its highest in four years in the U.S.

"LPG evidence figures

Paris: a triplex to 46 million euros in sales

A record. Triplex of 780 m2 in the heart of the capital is on sale for 46 million euros. With 60,000 euros per square meter, this is the first time a well as expensive is listed in Paris. This luxury apartment, located 42, avenue du Président-Kennedy in the sixteenth district, was inhabited in the early 1960s by the legendary couple of French cinema, Alain Delon and Romy Schneider. Overlooking the Seine, in an upscale neighborhood of the capital, it boasts an unrivaled location.

Some parts of the apartment are furnished in a modern style. Photo Credits: Paris West Sotheby's International Realty

Calling the earth is receiving more and more conversions

They are every year more and more people choosing agriculture to bounce professionally. It used to be was a farmer from father to son. "Now more than a quarter of young people have just installed another workplace or have been outside the farm before returning," says Christiane Lambert, senior vice president of the FNSEA (National Federation of farmers). This is for example the case of five young people who come to create a GAEC (farming group operating in common), Radish & Co, specializing in organic farming, located in Mayenne.

They include a baker, farmer, Gwendal Bazin, two gardeners, Robert-Jan and Yannick Devinik Rouseau, a rancher, Marc Besnier, and a cheese maker, Steve Milosevic. "We chose to produce basic food with a commitment to practice for organic farming using compost from such an activity of milk to fertilize the land, farmers' seeds and collecting the runoff," they explain . While focusing on short distribution through the AMAP (Association for the maintenance of peasant agriculture).

The women won

Another example is that of Jean-Cyril, former spokesman of an international NGO fighting against poverty and injustice paydayloan. Farmer's son, he spent a patent professional farm manager with the prospect of settling in the Dordogne.

Women, too, conquered by the call of the earth. Isabelle Horses, stay at home mom for seventeen years, participated in a training assistant sommelier in 1997. It incorporates a large area and then a plant and finally a group of winemakers operators of Lons le Saunier in 2006, working as wine. "The wine and the agricultural community fascinate me. I like working outdoors and crafts, "she says. Only downside, it gets a little more than the minimum wage, "which is not very rewarding when you know the price of bottles. We must encourage young people to integrate this kind of jobs they will not regret it. "

ALSO READ:

"Agriculture – 30,000 new contracts per year on permanent

"In Greece, the happiness is in the meadow!

SERVICE:

"All jobs in France and in your area with Cadremploi

FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON FIGARO:

"Twitter: @ LeFigaro_Emploi

SNCF will pay 400 euros to its railway

The State is not the only one to benefit from the largesse of the SNCF. Society of French railroad will indeed pay its railroad a "wage dividend" of up to 400 euros gross to net income for the year 2011, according to the CFDT. This premium, which amount is adjusted according to the time spent in the company in 2011, will be paid on the payroll of March. "The management announced this evening (Thursday) that it would pay to the CFDT from the results of 2011, a dividend of 400 euros gross wage for employees of the company," said the union. An amount that could be much greater than that paid last year because the railroad had received 76 euros. Thus, if the CFDT "welcomes" the payment of a dividend to employees, it "regrets the randomness of its payment" because the amount differs from year to year.

In fact, the group's results do not explain this surge fast cash. Group profit accuses indeed a decrease of 82% to 125 million in fiscal year 2011. A cons-performance however be explained by asset write-downs of 840 million euros, 700 million under its TGV. Last year, operating margin, favored by management indicator, soared 41.2%, to 3.02 billion euros. As for sales, it rose 7.2% to 32.6 billion euros.

But despite mixed annual results, the company unveiled at the end of 2011 the payment of a dividend "record" in the state, said the CFDT. The draft budget 2012 Railway Group provides for a payment of 230 million euros. An amount that should be reinvested in the renovation of the rail network, the government promises.

ALSO READ:

"SNCF: results plunge, the depreciated value of TGV

"The station will pay a record dividend to the State