Ministère de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation
Collections of organic cow’s milk by dairies show marked slowdown in 2004. Even so, they still remain too large for the needs of the dairy industry.
Cheese production is up 1,8% in 2004. These products greatly contribute to the surplus trade balance in the agri-food sector.
One professional farm out of three produces under an official cerificate of quality and origin in 2003. The AOC is the most widespread. Acreage devoted to organic farming, although limited, has been multiplied by five in 10 years.
The area of grasslands fell by 7% from 1992 to 2003, with dairy farming regions being the most affected. These grasslands were transformed into arable land around grain-growing basins, which in turn are yielding to urban growth near cities.
In 2004, the average price of ploughable land rises by 3,3% and that of meadow land by 3,7%. Except for the Champagne vineyards, the price of appellation vineyards falls for the first time in many years.
Breeders of layer hens expand their enclosed buildings. The quality-certified meats resist best in the market. Buildings for the gavage of ducks continue to grow in size : the most recently built can accomodate more than 700 fowl.
In 2004 the agricultural result per worker declines by 1.6%. After the 2003 drought, harvests increase and prices fall. Cattle breeders’ income is down in spite of favorable prices.
In 2003 almost 27 500 farmers or members of their family received a salary from their farm which, mainly, was a farm organised as a business. Their number is growing rapidly
The reduction of the farm-produce industry’s foreign trade balance results above all from an increase in imports. Over the last ten years, the essential contribution to the industry’s surplus has come from the plant sector.
Farmland accounts for almost 80% of taxes on undeveloped land. Almost 495 million Euros, before tax relief, are due from farmers in 2003. This represents an average of 2.1% of their income and more in areas of extensive breeding.
Ministère de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation