Vaccination and biosecurity: pillars of farm peace of mind
Vaccination against avian influenza, implemented in October 2023, has brought the virus under control and restored production stability, particularly for ducks. Despite an episode of avian influenza in the spring of 2023, which slightly affected certain festive products, farmers have regained confidence thanks to reinforced sanitary measures. However, Maïsadour remains vigilant in the face of a recent increase in health risks, requiring poultry to be placed under cover to prevent contamination.
Poultry industry: growing demand and support for farmers
With poultry consumption back on the rise, the market offers new opportunities. Fermiers du Sud-Ouest, a Maïsadour subsidiary, has regained its market positions, buoyed by the SYNALAF (Syndicat National des Labels Avicoles de France) supermarket promotion campaigns. To meet this growing demand and guarantee quality products (free-range, liberty and everyday poultry), the Cooperative has decided to award a premium to its breeders and is actively recruiting new ones.
Bernard Tauzia, vice-president of poultry production at Maïsadour and farmer at Campagne (40): “The current market is giving the sector renewed optimism, driven by French consumption. To continue to benefit from this favorable trend, develop the sector and preserve our local know-how, it is essential to produce volumes while maintaining the high quality of our poultry.”
Actions to ensure the long-term future of the sector
Maïsadour relies on a sustainable and collective approach to develop its sectors. Its animal welfare policy, based on innovative pillars, includes training and the deployment of agroforestry projects, with over 25,000 trees planted since 2021. In addition, innovations such as connected huts and photovoltaic panels modernize working conditions while enhancing the economic and environmental sustainability of farms.
Palmiped sector: production volumes back despite uncertainties
The palmiped sector is back on track in terms of production volumes. Questions remain, notably concerning the financing of vaccines after 2025.
Chantal Brèthes, vice-president of palmiped production: “Vaccination is a success, but the virus hasn’t disappeared. The future of our industries will depend on our ability to maintain this collective momentum.
On the occasion of the OP Poultry and Palmipeds General Assemblies, some of our member producers shared their experiences through video testimonials. Read their testimonials below.
“I produce IGP Périgord poultry, and we fight to try and get our chicken consumed locally. We can’t function normally without each other. Hence my commitment to getting people to consume our produce locally.”
“Animal welfare is paramount, which is why I wanted to raise poultry outdoors. The huts are equipped with perches, and this winter, an agroforestry project will take shape: a wooded run for the poultry.”
“I’m 21 years old, and I’m in the process of setting up with my uncle in the commune of Sainte-Colombe. The advantage of being a couple, and this was a key point in my setting up, is that everyone has time for themselves and their family, something we’re now able to do.”
“I wasn’t in agriculture at all, I was a chartered accountant! Today, I’ve been learning to raise chickens for a year.”
“I was a goat farmer in the Deux-Sèvres region of France. We were looking for a farm to take over. Today I’m a partner in a SCEA with my wife and one of my sons. Our second son will soon be joining us in our company.”
