During the Elvea France congress, held on September 23 and 24 in Fontainebleau, the newly elected board reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing services and support for farmers, emphasizing the importance of human relationships within the agricultural community. The event took place amid a severe drought, which is expected to lead to a shortage of forage—grasses and other plants used as animal feed—this winter. Stéphane Peultier, president of Elvea France, highlighted the difficult conditions facing farmers and called for unity and solidarity. He warned that between 200,000 and 300,000 cows might be culled by the end of winter due to the crisis and urged farmers and livestock traders to report critical situations. The board aims to bridge the gap between the national level and local farming communities, strengthening partnerships at the grassroots level. Maxime Morantin, general secretary of Elvea France, outlined the association's goals, which include reinforcing its role and expanding farmers' sense of belonging to the network. The new leadership plans to increase the range of services offered and establish national partnerships to better meet the needs of farmers and producer organizations. Key topics under discussion include agrivoltaics—combining agriculture with solar energy production—advice on methanization (a process to capture methane from organic waste), carbon credits, and collective health insurance for farmers. On September 23, Elvea France signed a partnership with Total Energies to support farmers in developing agri-energy projects, which aim to integrate renewable energy into farming practices. The board also plans to strengthen ties with designated buyers and work on long-term contracts to ensure stable supply chains. Due to the lack of forage this year, adjustments to forage balances and rations are expected, with fattening (the process of increasing an animal's weight for slaughter) serving as a way to manage the situation. Peultier noted that if slaughterhouses want supplies, prices will have to rise accordingly. He also warned about adapting to changing consumer habits, such as the decline of traditional family meals that take longer to prepare and the growing competition for beef from other protein sources like tuna, pork, and chicken sandwiches. Peultier emphasized the pride and vital role of the agricultural sector, describing farmers as the backbone of rural communities, guardians of food sovereignty, and creators of the countryside's landscapes. Caroline Monniot, an agro-economist at the Institut de l'élevage, pointed out that France has lost 1.3 million cows over the past decade, including 674,000 beef cows, representing 16% of the total herd. This decline has led to a 14% drop in slaughtered production. She also noted that 25% of French food consumption is currently imported, with projections suggesting that figure could rise to 27.6% by 2033. Yohann Barbe, president of the specialized ruminant council of FranceAgriMer, argued that consumers cannot expect farmers to be more responsible without also considering the origin and sustainability of their food. Karl Pitel, a butcher and representative of the French Butchers' Confederation (CFBCT), warned that budgets are tight and that customers are increasingly turning to more affordable options like poultry and pork, making it harder for beef to compete. The challenge remains to find a balance between fair prices for farmers and the purchasing power of consumers.