“Despite rising prices, consumption is holding up. » In front of around ten breeders, Emmanuel Bernard, breeder of cattle and laying hens in Nièvre, representative of the beef section of Interbev, the national inter-professional livestock and meat association, spoke about the major challenges of the sector and the state of the market.
“Demand is greater than supply. Sales prices for breeders are rather increasing because production is falling”he summarizes. Nevertheless, “there is a call for the export of grazing animals, intended for fattening, to Italy. Their price covers the cost of production. »
“To regain livestock, more facilities are needed”
Consumers continue to buy meat: “We have the impression of eating less but, at the same time, the consumption of burgers or pizza is increasing”illustrates Emmanuel Bernard, who cites a 6% drop in beef consumption in ten years, “i.e. a decrease of 0.6% per year”.
The number of cows is decreasing. “We are victims of the decapitalization of livestock. To regain some, more facilities would be needed. »
Recognize the agricultural model
How can we promote the quality of French production, when farmers fear the signing of the Mercosur free trade treaty, currently being negotiated? “We are working with the National Livestock Confederation (CNE) to have our model recognized as an alternative to what is done around the world, on the basis of 70 criteria. The goal is for it to be recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It would also be a lever for negotiation with the European Union or international institutions”describes Emmanuel Bernard.
For Nicolas Gaborieau, head of the beef section for the FNSEA of Deux-Sèvres and breeder of beef cattle and broiler poultry in Nueil-les-Aubiers, it is also about informing the consumer about their choices. “The words “processed in France” on foodstuffs are a sham. I tell people: look carefully at the origin of the meat. »
To strengthen the image and attractiveness of the sector, Emmanuel Bernard also defends contractualization: a contract passed from the breeder to mass distribution. “He would give a price guarantee to the breeder, beforehand. Culturally, the risk is taken by the latter. There it would be shared. »
70 installations in 2023
Relaxation of CAP rules “created so that the consumer does not pay too much for their products”recalls Nicolas Gaborieau, remains a reason for satisfaction. “We obtained more flexibility regarding the turning of meadows, to manage our surfaces. We can replace the animals we give up with younger ones. So, we sell when we want and we don’t lose money”adds the Interbev representative.
The sector is faced, like the rest of the profession, with the aging of its breeders. In 2023, 70 farmers will settle in the department, a figure to be put into perspective given the number of departures.
Generational renewal is crucial. “Otherwise, we create the importation of meat”underlines Nicolas Gaborieau. According to Emmanuel Bernard, “many stop breeding and only keep cereals to no longer be on duty. Nationally, 50% of cattle are owned by farmers over 50 years old. »
