France: Government comes up with a support plan for livestock farming

Context In recent years, the livestock population in France has gradually shrunk, by a few percent per year. This was due to a number of factors, of which the aging population was perhaps the most important. In addition, a loss of competitiveness (high labor costs), the limited attractiveness of the profession of livestock farmer (24/7 and physically strenuous), criticism from society (nuisance for local residents, negative image) and high regulatory pressure [1]. Cattle farming has been at the forefront of recent farmers' protests in France. Beef cattle farmers from the center and south-west of France were particularly present; their income is particularly threatened by inflation, animal diseases and climate change. They also often live in areas where facilities in all kinds of areas have declined in recent years. Finally, they are less protected by long-term price agreements with processors and retailers. The government was put on the defensive by these protests and was forced ...