The French poultry industry is currently in a state of distress, with professionals sounding the alarm over a combination of factors including avian influenza outbreaks, soaring production costs, and intense international competition. According to recent reports, the sector has been hit hard by multiple waves of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) since 2021, leading to the culling of millions of birds and significant economic losses.
Industry representatives, such as the Interprofession de la Volaille de Chair (IPV), have highlighted that production costs have risen by over 30% since 2020, driven by increases in feed prices, energy, and labor. Meanwhile, imports from countries like Brazil and Thailand, which benefit from lower production standards and costs, have surged, putting further pressure on French producers. The French government has been urged to implement emergency measures, including financial compensation and stricter import controls.
As of June 2026, the situation remains critical, with many small and medium-sized farms facing bankruptcy. The European Commission has approved some state aid schemes, but professionals argue that these are insufficient. The crisis has also raised concerns about food sovereignty and the future of rural employment in regions like Brittany and Pays de la Loire, where poultry farming is a key economic activity.
