French organic goat farmers seek higher prices

Organic goat farmers in the Centre-West region of France are reporting falling incomes and more time spent without active production, according to recent reports. They are asking for the price of organic goat milk to rise to 1,370 euros per tonne to address their financial struggles.

Farmers highlight economic challenges

In a statement titled Save Organic Goat Farmers, four organic goat milk producers from the Centre-West region outlined the economic difficulties they face. Gerard Giesen, a farmer in Dordogne with 200 goats, said that although demand for organic goat cheese is improving and dairies are no longer rejecting organic milk, the current prices still leave farmers with inadequate earnings.

Compensation below minimum wage

According to the Institut de l'élevage, the average compensation for organic goat farming is less than half the minimum wage per unit of labor (UMO). This low pay is making it difficult for farmers to sustain their operations, especially when compared to the higher costs of organic production.

Narrowing price gap increases pressure

The price difference between conventional and organic goat milk has dropped from 30% to 14% over four years. Farmers say this smaller gap no longer covers the extra costs of organic farming, such as those caused by drought and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. These issues are leading to fewer farms and more closures.

Farm numbers declining

New Aquitaine had 130 suppliers of organic goat milk in 2021, but that number has fallen to 111 in 2025. The signatories of the Save Organic Goat Farmers statement also noted an increase in farm closures and conversions, from five in 2021 to ten in 2025.

Rising feed and fuel costs

With the 2026 drought expected to raise feed costs, producers estimate an increase of 30 to 105 euros per 1,000 liters. Additional costs linked to fuel prices and the Strait of Hormuz blockage are expected to add 42 euros per 1,000 liters. These rising expenses are making it even harder for farmers to remain profitable.

Two-stage price increase requested

To address these challenges, farmers are asking for a two-step price increase. They want an immediate rise of 160 euros per 1,000 liters to reach one minimum wage per UMO by the end of 2026, and a further increase of 139 euros per 1,000 liters in early 2027 to reach two minimum wages per UMO.

Farmers call for government support

Producers from Chêne Vert, La Lémance (Rians), and the GIE Lait chèvre bio Ouest are also requesting government assistance. They want a reallocation of subsidies for converting to organic farming, the ability to combine environmental and climate measures, and funding for technical support to improve milk production. Without these changes, they warn, organic goat farms may gradually disappear.