The National Sheep Federation (FNO), a key organization representing sheep farmers in France, held its 79th congress on Wednesday, September 30, in Cap d'Agde, a town in the Hérault department of Occitanie. While Hérault is not traditionally known for large-scale sheep farming, the region is home to the largest sheep flock in France. The event brought together farmers, officials, and experts to discuss the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (PAC), a major EU program that provides funding and support to the agricultural sector. Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard attended and addressed the group, highlighting the importance of the sector and the need for a strong policy framework. The congress marked the end of Michèle Boudoin's presidency, which spanned eleven years. Patrick Soury, a sheep farmer from Charente, was elected as her successor, alongside fifteen other newly elected or re-elected board members. The event included field visits, a gala dinner, and a round table on the PAC, where participants praised Boudoin's long-term dedication to the industry. The discussions focused on the future of the PAC beyond 2027, with initial proposals suggesting major changes, including the merging of two policy pillars, budget cuts, and greater autonomy for member states. During the round table, several key figures, including deputy Michel Barnier, Arnaud Rousseau from the French National Union of Agricultural Producers and Workers (FNSEA), and Hervé Guyomard, a former research director at Inrae, debated the future of the PAC. The FNO and Rousseau both called for a "truly common" PAC with a guaranteed budget, emphasizing the role of agriculture in European sovereignty. The federation also urged the revaluation of sheep aid, which is essential for maintaining sheep farming. A small increase of two euros per sheep per year for 2026 and 2027 was recently achieved using leftover funds from organic aid programs. The FNO also pushed for "remuneration of goods provided by sheep farming," particularly support for pastures used for grazing. Negotiations for the new PAC, set to begin in 2028, are currently stalled, with the European Commission urging member states to clarify their contributions. Hervé Guyomard warned that without clear positions from member states, the PAC budget may be reduced. Meanwhile, the FNO is concerned about the EU's growing number of bilateral free trade agreements, which it believes could threaten sheep farming. The federation is advocating for protective measures, such as "mirror clauses," to shield the sector from geopolitical trade decisions. The FNO has launched a "Marshall Plan" for sheep farming, aiming to increase France's self-sufficiency in sheep meat to 55% by 2030. This initiative includes five main goals: improving production conditions, ensuring fair prices, reducing imports through trade agreements, securing public support, and helping new farmers enter the sector. Minister Genevard, who spoke at the congress for the first time in fifteen years, announced 75 million euros in emergency funding for the sector and emphasized the need to support young farmers. She also reaffirmed her commitment to addressing challenges such as wolf predation and emerging diseases, announcing reforms to help farmers protect their flocks and strengthen border controls to prevent the spread of animal diseases.