By favoring exports to the detriment of its food self -sufficiency, France has lost the ability to feed its population, according to a new report.
“And if our agriculture, our coastal fishing, and our food model were among the main resources and wealth of France in the absence of mining and fossil resources?” Asks Philippe Pointereau, president of Land of Links, a movement Founded 20 years ago to facilitate the installation of organic peasants. Monday, February 17, the Foundation published a mind -blowing report on the state of food sovereignty in France.
With 28 million hectares of agricultural land – the equivalent of the surface of Iceland – France could indeed largely meet the needs of its entire population. But an economic choice was made … that of export. In total, “43% of our land is devolved to international trade,” said Coline Sovran, study coordinator. “We consume more and more processed foods, but many components are imported” she deplores.
The French government However, set for itself to win “5 points of fruits and vegetable sovereignty by 2030 and to start a trend increase of 10 points by 2035”. A measure difficult to set up in reality. Because if France has in theory of 4,300 m² of nourishing land per capita, it only devotes 2,100 m² to French food.
France has lost “its sovereignty”
The association points to a priority given to exports – cereals and wine at the head – which would have precipitated the fall of France, relegated from 2ᵉ to 6ᵉ in the world in 2022. And with one chicken in two imported, 5 billion liters of Milk per year, 40% of fruits and a third of vegetables from elsewhere, French agriculture is more than ever under pressure.
“When we depend as much on international markets, it is that we have already lost our sovereignty, denounces Philippe Pointereau. And what we see is that we lose this ability to produce locally every day” . A position shared by the Minister of Agriculture Annie Genevard, guest “4 truths”. “We import too much in poultry, fruits, vegetables, for sure”. This is why, she hopes to be able to “fight against unfair competition” and if necessary “restore balanced relationships”.
But the last agricultural orientation bill – carried by the Minister – leaves a bitter taste for activists in the sector. “Rather than meeting the challenges of the renewal of agricultural generations and the ecological transition, it opposes agriculture and environment, jeopardizes our food sovereignty and flouts” the major general interest of agriculture “, condemns in a press release Land of links.