Ministère de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation
Vineyards are getting larger, and wines are being replaced by higher quality varieties. More than one in three winegrowers sell their wine directly. However, cooperatives continue to be well implanted in the South.
The upward movement of farmland prices seen over the last few years continued in 2000 : 4 % higher for arable land and grassland, 10 % for AOC vineyards, 5,5 % for other vineyards. These increases are smaller than in 1999.
Organic milk accounts for 0.5 % of the French milk collection. This amount remains below the level that would be necessary to meet the demand. More than 120 plants of all sizes operate in the organic dairy sector.
The farm landscape is simpler, with field cropping in the Centre and the North, breeding in the West and permanent crops in the South. Brittany has the largest decrease in the number of farms and of farm workers.
The rise in selling prices and the resurgence of exports increase agribusiness turnover in 2000. Employment continues to grow.
Price increases and smaller exports for French wines since 1998. Italian wines, with stable prices, gain ground on the world market. But the most dynamic sales are those of winemakers from the Southern Hemisphere.
In 2000 the stability of average farm incomes conceals wide disparities. Breeders’ income increases despite damage done at the end of the year by the BSE crisis. Incomes of farmers in general cropping and winegrowing are down.
In 2000 there are fewer farms and thus a smaller total number of workers compared to 1988. Professional farms get larger and more farms adopt corporate forms, increasing salaried labour.
Poultry consumption benefits from the bovine crisis in 2000. But the reduction in chicken production continues because of lower exports to the Middle East. The trade surplus decreases in volume, but increases in value.
Water bills are primarily based on the services provided. People who benefit from the best sewage treatment have the highest bills. Public-sector water providers charge less than privately-managed ones.
Ministère de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation