2023-12-06 01:02:35
The end-of-year holidays are always a crucial period for foie gras in France, as it is so popular with consumers. After a catastrophic 2022 season, the sector is picking up color this year.
It is one of the stars of Christmas celebrations in France. The foie gras industry is breathing again in France, with production up 20% compared to last year, according to the Interprofessional Committee for Foie Gras Palmipeds (CIFOG). It must be said that last year was catastrophic for breeders, who lost 35% of their production. The cause: an uninterrupted episode of avian influenza over the past three years. Since the summer of 2021, 32 million poultry have had to be slaughtered, either because they were contaminated or as a preventative measure.
The epidemic broke out on farms in the south-west of France, before spreading to the Pays de la Loire, a strategic region for the sector since it not only represents 20% of France’s foie gras, but also because it concentrates 100% of breeding ducks, according to CIFOG.
Compulsory vaccination
So to cope, the government has made vaccination compulsory in farms with more than 250 ducks. The campaign began at the beginning of October, and already 10% of the 64 million waterflies concerned have received their injections. A measure which has a cost: 100 million euros, 15% of which is provided by breeders. The objective is to put an end to preventive fellings and thus restart production.
But the profession warns: the offer in stores will be identical to last year, because there is no stock available. This year again, volumes are lower than usual. The question of price is also on the agenda. If the price of foie gras increased by 15% in 2022, this year, inflation should be around 5% according to CIFOG.
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