The funding base for in ovo sexing has been broadened
Paris, 1 March. After blaming each other for the stalling of negotiations between egg producers and retailers over who should bear the additional cost of in ovo chick sexing, and at what levels, both parties have finally reached an agreement at a meeting held at the International Agricultural Show (Salon International de l’Agriculture).
The French Poultry Confederation (CFA) had even called for a blockade of egg deliveries to the Carrefour and Leclerc brands after being left standing by the major retail chains, who failed to attend a meeting organised by the Minister of Agriculture on 19 February.
The additional costs of in ovo sexing will be passed on across all distribution networks, regardless of whether they are large retailers or small independent shops.
For their part, France’s retail chains, represented by the Federation of Trade and Distribution (FCD) and the Federation of Cooperative and Associated Trade (FCA), had on 21 February attributed responsibility for the deadlock to the poultry farmers. They stated that they did not wish to place the burden solely on egg producers, and instead advocated a new calculation method and a redistribution of costs across all egg sales outlets.
A compromise has ultimately been reached, under which the retail sector has committed to introducing a mandatory voluntary contribution; however, this will be extended to all sellers of shell eggs for consumption.
Until now, only large and medium-sized retail outlets bore the weight of this mandatory contribution, and the aim was to involve all egg retailers regardless of their size. Working meetings are still scheduled to finalise the financial adjustments of the future agreement, the CFA has announced.
This agreement will enable continued progress and consolidation of in ovo sexing without undermining the economic sustainability of laying farms
The French Egg Industry Inter-professional Organisation (CNPO) has welcomed the conclusion of the new agreement to fund the sexing of all shell eggs. This agreement guarantees the continuity of the funding system by enabling the collection of the funds needed to offset part of the additional costs borne by hatcheries. Whereas previously only supermarket chains were subject to the contribution, it now extends to all shell egg distribution channels.
This final agreement, which will succeed the previous one, will give the sector an 18-month window from 1 March 2025 to calmly continue and consolidate its collective approach aimed at offering a French supply in line with societal expectations.
What amounts will be allocated to fund in ovo sexing?
- From December 2024 to 28 February 2025, 59 cents per 100 eggs have been allocated.
- From 1 March 2025 to 1 September 2025, the new agreed amount is 39 cents per 100 eggs.
- Subsequently, this figure will decrease to 31 cents per 100 eggs.
Record egg consumption in France
The French egg industry, in addition to its pioneering commitment to egg sexing, continues its voluntary transition to cage-free alternative housing systems. Under its Plan 2030, the sector aims to have 90% of laying hens in alternative housing (barn, free-range, organic). More than 70% of hens in France already live outside enriched cages, above the 60% European average.
Each person in France consumes an average of 224 eggs per year. This figure is a record for the past 20 years and includes eggs consumed per capita at home, in food service, and by food companies. Eggs, the cheapest animal protein on the market, are suitable for most diets and are consumed by 97% of French people.
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