France Reverses Course on Factory Farming, Urges Farmers To Produce More Affordable Meat

News in brief: France has shifted its approach to factory farming, encouraging the production of affordable meat due to reduced demand for organic options amidst inflation, a departure from President Macron's previous stance.

France has made a major U-turn on factory farming, urging farmers to produce more cut-price meat as inflation drives down demand for organic pork, beef, and chicken.

According to a report, Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau acknowledged that the government must focus on the 'entry-level' market, arguing that animal welfare concerns can only be addressed if there is enough demand for high-quality meat.

This shift in government thinking represents a major departure from President Emmanuel Macron's previous stance. In 2017, Macron urged a stop to production of poultry and pork that does not meet France’s tastes or needs.

The country's biggest intensive farming groups are welcoming the government's change of heart. They say that it was in their favor, in light of higher demand for affordable meat.

Intensive farming groups are emboldened by the move. Farm executives have expressed the need to build 400 new standard chicken houses a year to help take back the market from imports.

However, some farmers and animal welfare groups are concerned about the government's move. They say the focus on cheap meat will come at the expense of animal welfare and the environment.

Dairy farmer Mathieu Courgeau warned that the country is turning back the clock by ditching the push for quality. Observers opine that time will reveal how the government's new approach to factory farming will play out.

Recall that a group hard recently protested factory farming by dumping algae outside the French Government Headquarters. The country now faces a difficult balancing act between affordability, animal welfare, and environmental protection.