French cooperative sees opportunities in chicken

The French multidisciplinary cooperative Maïsadour will lend a helping hand to the country’s chicken sector in order to better meet the still rising demand, curb the high level of imports, and simultaneously comply with the stricter requirements that society imposes on the poultry industry.

Maïsadour, which operates mainly in southwestern France, is a medium-sized cooperative with a turnover of approximately €2 billion, 4,300 employees, and roughly 5,000 members. About 500 of these members produce high-quality chickens under the Label Rouge certification.

In addition, Maïsadour is involved in ducks, rapeseed, sunflowers and maize, various vegetables and agricultural services.

Significant boost for the poultry sector

Maïsadour will provide substantial financial support for the construction of 150 new free-range houses for a total of 450,000 birds, 15 conventional houses for 3 million chickens and an additional 50 free-range facilities for 3 million animals. This represents a significant boost for the important poultry sector.

Producers who start or expand will receive a fixed bonus during the construction phase, a higher price throughout the entire transition period, and a guaranteed purchase contract. Special support measures are also available for young newcomers to the poultry industry.

Director of livestock, Patrick Faget, said: “This plan reflects our desire to support our producers in a concrete and direct manner, while at the same time building a long-term vision for the sector. We are stepping up our efforts to develop a sustainable, profitable poultry industry. This sector is deeply rooted in rural areas.”