Editorial Center for the Book
Here are the varieties of apple and pear characteristics of the Central Region presented for the first time in one book. Under the banner of UP-AFCEV, two groups of volunteers - THE Croqueurs Apples and Pomological Berry Company - have been invaluable to pool their knowledge of local fruits, making a vital update of Volume 2 Orchard French, published in 1948 by the Society Pomological France. The Region has recently been implementing an inventory of heritage food, this book is timely. It will be the new reference for both amateur and fruit growers as executives in charge of public policies.
Without doubt, the local varieties do not fit administrative boundaries. The attachment of a variety to a department rather than another is sometimes risky. It is more often the frequency of observations that knowledge of its origin which allows you to connect a variety to a territory, so that a variety can be presented as berrichonne as widespread and popular in Touraine. An apple attributed to Auvergne Limousin or perhaps for the same reason located in Berry. Therefore need to read and use this book, like all others, remembering that the fruits of play boundaries. It aims to encourage the preservation of a common heritage, not to maintain rivalries between neighbors.
The descriptions of the fruit were certainly not the full extent required by science Pomological. Deliberately simplified, they want access to as many people to allow the recovery of a collective heritage and will prove valuable, often sufficient to give a name to a variety forgotten.
This work shows that the work of associations in 30 years in the service of local varieties has not been in vain: most empirically selected varieties propagated by grafting and through generations of peasants have been maintained against the winds and tides urbanization and mass production of fruit. But the backup is not gained so far and this book should be received as an invitation to continue the effort.
Stone fruits, nuts and raisins countries - the Central Region is also rich - deserve the same quality of publications. The inventory work of local cultivars, characterization and agronomic evaluation and taste is not completed. Our task is still great to leave to future generations the cultural and biological heritage of local fruit varieties in the best possible condition. This is not to find a golden age illusion or sanctuaries of relics is the communication of diversity needed to prevent boredom and allow for adaptation that is the condition of evolution. Beyond the orchards with, the time has come for the heritage orchard with ideas and talent.
In a globalizing world, we are sure the fruit varieties, such as animal and vegetable varieties of countries provide more colors and flavors to our regions and contribute to rural life in the heart of France. President Jacques Aubourg URGB the Union for the preservation and enhancement of genetic resources of Berry

Jacques Aubourg
President of the URGB
Union for the preservation and enhancement of Genetic Resources of the Berry
  

Jacques AUBOURG    
Président de l’URGB    
Union pour la préservation et la valorisation des Ressources Génétiques du Berry