If a livestock trade show truly wants to be a “TRADE SHOW” and attract livestock farmers, it must be located close to where they have their farms, since easy access by car is an important factor that weighs on a producer’s decision whether or not to attend a given show. The proximity criterion — being within a few hours’ drive — is a determining factor for producers in every country. Companies, technicians, veterinarians, laboratories, large integrators and multinationals are a different matter; corporate visitors assess the business volume a trade show can bring them rather than the distance involved.
With exactly one month to go before SPACE 2024 opens its doors, we recall all of this because French Brittany is livestock farming country par excellence. It is the 1st agricultural region in France and the 1st agri-food region in Europe.
In broiler production alone, Brittany produces more than one third of France’s total chicken output. Breton farmers feed the equivalent of one in every three French citizens. More than 60% of the regional territory is dedicated to agriculture. Below we summarise some of the key macro-indicators (or key figures) for the agricultural and livestock sector in French Brittany.
1. Agricultural Sector in Brittany
Breton agriculture is diverse and highly productive. Key outputs include:
- Cereals: Wheat, maize and barley.
- Vegetables: Carrots, cauliflower, artichokes and tomatoes.
- Fruit: Apples (especially for cider) and strawberries.
- Forage crops: Used for animal feed.
Brittany is also a leader in the production of pulses and potatoes, ranking among the most important regions in France for these crops.
2. Livestock Sector in Brittany
Livestock farming is one of the pillars of the Breton economy. A breakdown by species is provided below:
a) Cattle
- Beef production: Brittany is one of France’s leading regions for beef cattle rearing.
- Milk production: It is France’s second largest milk-producing region, with a significant dairy industry encompassing cheese and butter production.
b) Pigs
- Brittany is France’s leading pig-producing region, accounting for more than 50% of national production.
- It has a network of abattoirs and processing companies that export pork products throughout Europe.
c) Sheep and Goats
- Although less significant than cattle and pig production, sheep and goat farming is present, primarily for meat and milk production.
d) Poultry
Poultry is one of the most important sectors within Breton livestock farming. Its significance is detailed below:
3. Poultry Farming in Brittany
Brittany is France’s leading poultry region, with a prominent position in broiler, turkey and duck production. A breakdown follows:
a) Broilers
- Brittany produces more than 30% of France’s broilers.
- In 2021, the region produced 1.2 million tonnes of chicken, making it the leading region at national level.
- The production chain encompasses hatcheries, abattoirs and processing companies.
b) Turkeys
- Brittany is also the leading turkey-producing region, accounting for more than 50% of national production.
- In 2021, 230,000 tonnes of turkey were produced in the region.
c) Ducks
- Duck production is less significant compared to broilers and turkeys, but Brittany contributes around 4% of national production.
- This production is mainly destined for the manufacture of foie gras and other derived products.
d) Eggs
- Brittany is one of France’s leading egg-producing regions, with an annual output of more than 4 billion eggs.
- The region has farms specialising in the production of eggs for direct consumption and for the food industry.
4. Importance of Breton Poultry Farming in France
- Brittany is the leading poultry-producing region in France, contributing significantly to the sector’s trade balance.
- Breton poultry farming accounts for:
- More than 30% of national broiler production.
- More than 50% of national turkey production.
- A significant share of egg and duck production.
- The region is also a hub for innovation in the poultry sector, with research and development centres working to improve productivity and sustainability.
For further information:
-. Chambre d’Agriculture de Bretagne: https://bretagne.chambres-agriculture.fr
-. FranceAgriMer: https://www.franceagrimer.fr
-. Institut National de la Statistique et des Études Économiques (INSEE): https://www.insee.fr
-. SPACE Trade Show:SPACE 2024