Ministère de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation
The 350,000 professional farms in 2005 are staffed by 820,000 permanent employees. Average farm size continues to increase. Almost 40 % are organised as various types of corporations.
Net farm revenue is down in 2005, due to disappointing harvests and the current wine-producing problems. The revenue of livestock breeders increases. These 2005 results follow the trend begun in 1998.
The farms are small, but there are exceptions in some countries. Farms are mainly family farms, except in the Czech Republic and in Slovakia. Herewith is an overview showing that the structures of farms are just as different in the 10 new member countries as those in the 15 earlier members of the Union.
Forests in France accomodate increased acreage and sustainable development. They fix greenhouse gasses, save fossil fuels and provide recreation to city-dwellers. Herewith is the portrait of an entity which holds to respecting biodiversity.
The bird flu epidemic affects an industry which has been declining since 1999. In order to adapt, poultry breeders have reduced the size of their buildings. Profits for poultry meat-processing firms are down since 2002.
For food-processing firms, protection of the environment means principally paying taxes and fees. In 2004 water remains their main area of action.
Women occupy one-third of jobs on professional farms. This proportion has declined over the last fifteen years. However the growth in the number of farms organised as businesses has allowed them to gain the status of "co-farmer".
Current pre-tax income of farms participating in the Farm Accounting Data Network (RICA) increased by 2.3% in real terms in 2004. Incomes had shown a 4.4% decrease in 2003. Results were down for crop producers despite good harvests.
Strawberry, tomato and early carrot production methods have evolved over the past 10 years, with greenhouses becoming computerised. Difficulties in hiring seasonal labourers affect mainly farmers with greenhouses.
Average farm results are down by 10% in 2005. Wine-growing (-37%) is responsible for 7% of this decrease. The year is favourable for livestock breeders, except for poultry farmers.
Ministère de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation