France’s animal feed sector continues its recovery, with production rising 0.9% in 2024/25. Further growth is forecast for 2025/26, according to SNIA. However, persistent livestock diseases and market uncertainties threaten the industry’s full potential.
Production and Recovery Forecast
In the business year 2024/25, production increased by 0.9% to approximately 19.5 million tonnes. For 2025/26, expectations are set for further growth, reaching around 20 million tonnes. However, this recovery may be hindered by ongoing livestock diseases affecting the industry. SNIA emphasizes that the potential for growth hinges on the sanitary conditions, the resilience of local producers against imports, and the need for renewal in livestock housing.
Ruminant Disease Challenges
As part of the challenges faced, the department of agriculture reported over 6,500 cases of Bluetongue virus serotype 3 since June 1, 2025. Additionally, the emergence of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) towards the end of 2024 raised alarms.
In July, lumpy skin disease entered France, with confirmed cases rising to 101 by mid-November. Despite these outbreaks, the feed market has not been significantly impacted; however, growth potential remains constrained in certain areas.
Feed Trends for Cattle and Pigs
Cattle feed production increased by 1.8% to surpass 5.5 million tonnes, with 3.9 million tonnes allocated to dairy farms. In contrast, production of compound feed for pigs saw a minimal decline of 0.42%, stabilizing after previous steep drops associated with the shrinking French pig sector.
Impact of Avian Influenza
France has faced significant avian influenza outbreaks since 2022, leading to the culling of millions of ducks and chickens. Recently reported situations indicate new outbreaks, though they are currently limited compared to neighboring Germany.
In 2024/25, sales of poultry feed saw an increase of 1.2%, totaling 8.1 million tonnes. This increase is attributed to production recovery and the popularity of chicken and eggs among consumers. Notably, the growth in feed for ducks has been substantial, driven by demand for both foie gras production and rotisserie markets.
Feed Production for Other Species
SNIA also reports a production of 760,000 tonnes of feed for sheep and goats, reflecting a 1.73% increase year-over-year. Conversely, production for rabbits has dipped by 6.9%, attributed to the ongoing decline in that sector.
Concerns Over Soya Prices
Looking ahead, SNIA expresses concern over the rising prices of soya. Soybean meal constitutes 14% of raw materials for conventional compound feed and 23% for organic feed. This share is on the rise due to the competitive nature of soya versus other protein-rich ingredients.
However, a significant increase in soya prices since October 2025 poses challenges. Companies are wary of supply issues in 2026 due to uncertainties surrounding the implementation of European deforestation regulations and fluctuating international market dynamics linked to trade negotiations.
