In a significant move to bolster national egg production, Annie Genevard, France’s Minister for Agriculture and Food, has pledged support for local egg producers as they strive to meet the surging demand.
Collective Responsibility for French Eggs
During a meeting with representatives from the national egg industry, Genevard emphasized, “The future of the French egg is a collective responsibility.” She underscored the importance of the CNBO’s plans to construct 300 new poultry houses, stating that this initiative is vital for maintaining France’s food sovereignty.
Encouraging Expansion While Addressing Local Concerns
Genevard urged the French public to become more accepting of new livestock farms, noting that there must be a balance between local opposition and the reality of consuming imported eggs from Ukraine that do not align with French or EU production standards. “People don’t want them next to their homes, yet at the same time, they consume eggs from Ukraine,” she remarked.
Reducing Import Quotas and Administrative Barriers
Addressing concerns regarding the influx of Ukrainian eggs, Genevard announced plans to reduce the import quota by 22% to avoid market disruptions. Additionally, she promised to simplify administrative processes for poultry farmers, including expediting permits for expansions and reducing bureaucratic hurdles related to environmental regulations.
Commitment to Animal Welfare and Public Health
The Minister commended the egg industry for its strides in animal welfare, particularly highlighting the cessation of the systematic culling of male chicks and initiatives to lessen the number of hens confined in cages. “France is ahead of the European average,” she noted proudly.
However, Genevard acknowledged ongoing challenges, specifically the high rates of Salmonella infections in eggs. She stressed that there is still work to be done in vaccination efforts to achieve desired safety standards.
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