Diverging strategies in Cantal dairy sector

Producers and companies in the Cantal dairy sector have shown differing strategies during recent summits, even though they all aim to create more value. FDSEA and JA are urging processors to take more responsibility in this shared goal.

Decline in dairy farms and workforce

The number of dairy farms in Cantal has dropped from 3,023 twenty years ago to 1,300, with two-thirds of specialized dairy farms and 39% of dairy cows disappearing. Milk volumes have decreased by only 5%, but this has come at the cost of productivity gains and increased workload for a workforce that has barely grown.

Aging farmers and generational challenges

The outlook is uncertain, with 57% of dairy farmers expected to reach retirement age by 2040, presenting a major challenge for generational renewal. This context led to the creation of the dairy summit project two years ago by FDSEA and JA.

Shared goals but different methods

While the objective of creating more value is shared by all parties, the means to achieve this are clearly divergent. Processors have highlighted Cantal as the most dynamic department in terms of collection and installation, noting ten new farm installations in recent years.

Disputes over AOP milk prices

Pierre Bernoux, a representative of Sodiaal, pointed to progress in the AOP Cantal sector, including quality improvements and sustained price increases during the war in Ukraine. However, Jérémy Chancel countered that the actual milk price on farms is not at the claimed level, citing a transformation rate of AOP milk that has dropped to 36%.

Calls for transparency and new products

Mathieu Théron, president of the FDSEA, noted that AOP producers currently do not generate more EBE than their conventional counterparts. Jean-Noël Fau called for total transparency on the volumes collected, transformed, marketed, and the prices practiced.

Disagreement over production cost indicator

There is also disagreement over the implementation of a specific production cost indicator for AOPs from Auvergne, inspired by the Egalim law. Jean-Noël Fau argued that the indicator, calculated by the Idele and the Cerfrance Massif central, exceeds 572 €/t of the mountain milk indicator (conventional).

State's role as mediator

The State is expected to play a role as an arbitrator in these discussions, with the prefect Loos stating that the State will act as a catalyst, expecting "transparency, loyalty, confidence and solidarity" from all actors. The State's involvement is framed as crucial for territorial development, food safety, and patriotism.

Supply regulation and Egalim compliance

Producers intend to bring up the issue of supply regulation, which has proven effective in other designations. Valentin Delbos suggested that companies not respecting Egalim should face penalties similar to those for traffic violations.