The issue of farmers’ remuneration has become a key concern for the agriculture sector in France, as it impacts the succession of a new generation of farmers. With a third of farmers set to retire in the next ten years, the country has already lost nearly 100,000 farms between 2010 and 2020, leaving only 389,000 farms in operation. The Ministry of Agriculture releases annual estimates of average pre-tax income per sector, revealing disparities between different types of agriculture. For 2022, pork farmers topped the list with an average annual income of €124,409, followed by beet and potato producers at €89,599, vineyard owners at €78,590, cereal farmers at €66,381, and poultry producers at €58,317. However, the incomes of various farmers can fluctuate significantly due to global market prices.
Livestock farming, including cattle, has been the most affected by the shrinking number of farms in the industry, with a 31% decline in livestock operations over the past decade. Meanwhile, crop producers such as grain, oilseed, beet, and potato farmers, as well as vineyard owners, have become the majority in the country. There are currently 112,000 specialized crop farms and 59,000 vineyards, compared to 48,000 beef producers. The traditional polyculture-livestock model, once a cornerstone of French agriculture, now accounts for only 10% of farms. The fragility of agricultural operations is often tied to their size, with smaller farms with annual revenues under €250,000 being the most vulnerable. Nearly a third of these farms have disappeared in the past decade, leaving 108,000 remaining. Larger operations with revenues exceeding €250,000 are the only ones seeing growth, with 77,000 such farms having an average size of 136 hectares.
The challenges faced by farmers are further highlighted by the growing concerns over economic control tools such as “price floors,” which have sparked controversy within the industry. The uncertainties of global market prices have made it difficult for farmers to predict and stabilize their income, leading to financial instability and uncertainty for many. This has also contributed to the decline of the polyculture-livestock model, which provided a diversified income stream for farmers. As a result, the number of farms practicing this model is steadily decreasing, indicating a shift in agricultural practices towards more specialized and larger-scale operations. However, the importance of maintaining a diverse and sustainable farming sector remains crucial for the future of agriculture in France.
As the agricultural sector in France faces ongoing challenges related to remuneration, succession planning, and changing market dynamics, there is a growing need for policies and support mechanisms to ensure the long-term viability of farming. The loss of farms and the aging population of farmers are pressing issues that need to be addressed to secure the future of agriculture in the country. Encouraging young generations to take up farming and providing them with the necessary resources, training, and financial support is essential to revitalizing the agriculture sector and sustaining rural communities. With the right strategies and investments, France can work towards a more resilient and prosperous agricultural industry that benefits both farmers and consumers alike. The future of French agriculture will depend on the collective efforts of policymakers, industry stakeholders, and farmers to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
