Agriculture. Brittany, mother region of French milk
Brittany is the leading dairy region in France. Nearly one out of two Breton farms has a dairy unit and a third of French dairy cows are bred there.
West-France Fanette GOOD. Published onBrittany ranks first among dairy regions in France. With 778,000 cows, Breton breeders produced 5.4 billion liters of milk last year, or a fifth of national production. Against 4.9 billion ten years ago. “We have reached the same level as when quotas were introduced in 1984,” underlines Maud Marguet, economist at the Regional Chamber of Agriculture.
Fewer but larger farms
As of January 1 , 2020, Brittany had 10,096 dairy farms. A decreasing number, like the constant decline of farms in France. A herd consists on average of 77 cows (+ 23 heads in ten years). “This clearly demonstrates the expansion of farms. “The result of several factors: the grouping together “for a comfortable life and work”, the end of milk quotas in 2015 “which put an end to diversification (veal, vegetables, etc.) to focus 100% on milk”, and retirements, which are difficult to compensate. A third of farmers are over 55 today.
Organic dynamics
210 million liters of organic milk were produced in Brittany last year. “It's still little compared to conventional, but growing strongly. “On 1 January, 734 farms delivered organic milk, compared to 234 in 2010. “The demand is present. The processors accompanied the conversions and invested a lot. Almost all Breton industrialists have developed organic. From Triballat Noyal (pioneer in 1975) to Laïta, which launched in 2019.
Milk, butter, powder...
No appellation cheese in Brittany. On the other hand, a quarter of the butter, cream and half of the French Emmental are produced there. “These are basic products with competition in mass distribution, but in the case of Covid-19, it is an asset to produce what the French are looking for in times of crisis”, remarks Maud Marguet. Brittany is also a major manufacturer of skimmed milk powder (31% of national production), the main exported product, along with infant milk powder prized by China.
The large established groups
All the major dairy groups (private or cooperative) are established in Brittany: Lactalis, Even, Sodiaal, Danone, Entremont... The presence is particularly strong in Ille-et-Vilaine (the leading French dairy department, with easy access to the Paris basin ) and in Nord-Finistère (an important breeding ground and cooperative anchorage). “This network is also a logistical asset to limit the kilometres. Collection and processing are also the subject of partnerships between manufacturers. »
Challenges for dairy farming
According to a recent survey carried out by the Chamber of Agriculture, dairy farmers raise three challenges to be met: improving income, renewing generations and reducing phytosanitary products. “With the coronavirus, the health issue could emerge, even if Brittany is recognized as being the most advanced French region in terms of health. » On milk quality, cell content, mastitis… « We are beyond European standards. »
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