In France, the average person consumes nearly 25 kilograms of chicken each year—a figure that has more than doubled over the past two decades. Half of this chicken comes from abroad, primarily from Poland, Romania, and the Netherlands. While France is a major producer of poultry, with annual output reaching 1.7 million tons, the country relies heavily on imported meat to meet domestic demand. This trend reflects both economic factors and differing regulatory environments across regions. In the Netherlands, a significant portion of imported chicken comes from non-EU countries such as Brazil and Thailand. These countries often use practices not common in France, including growth-promoting antibiotics, genetically modified soy in chicken feed, and chlorine-based water to clean meat. In contrast, France’s domestic poultry industry is largely intensive, with 85% of production coming from large-scale farms. These farms can house up to 21 chickens per square meter, the highest legal density in Europe, which is less than the size of an A4 sheet per bird. French poultry farming is highly industrialized, with operations like Hélène Bombart’s in Drôme housing up to 90,000 chickens in six large coops. The Ross 308 breed, bred for rapid growth, reaches slaughter weight in just 36 days. Despite these high production rates, scientific studies, including those by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), suggest that health issues for chickens arise when densities exceed six per square meter. This highlights a growing concern about the welfare and health of poultry in France. The French poultry industry is controlled by three major companies—LDC, Terrena, and Duc—through a system called "integration," where farmers are given little autonomy. These companies provide chicks, feed, veterinary care, and set prices, leaving farmers with limited control over their operations. This model has led to financial strain for some, such as Arnaud Guenot from Nièvre, who committed suicide in February 2025. His father, Alain, described how Arnaud was forced to abandon organic farming, faced issues like sick chicks and contaminated feed, and was burdened with debt and contractual penalties. Environmental and animal rights groups are pushing back against policies that expand industrial farming, including the creation of 2,200 new chicken coops. They are advocating for "mirror clauses" that would prevent the import of poultry not meeting French production standards. Meanwhile, consumers are beginning to shift their habits, with the rise of ethical street food and plant-based options in fast food chains. While individual choices may not immediately transform the industry, they represent a growing pressure for change in an increasingly scrutinized sector.