French cooperative launches ambitious plan for poultry sector
The French agricultural cooperative Maïsadour is stepping up its commitment to structure a sustainable, profitable poultry sector that is rooted in the territories. The Cooperative is launching a plan to encourage the creation and the development of livestock buildings and support the new generation of farmers.
Maïsadour, based in the south-western agricultural basin, is a multi-faceted cooperative involved in poultry, maize, field crop seeds, vegetables, duck production for the foie gras industry, as well as trout and salmon farming.
Increasing demand for poultry
With its poultry project, the company is responding to increasing poultry consumption and strong societal expectations, it says. The new development plan for the sector is to meet immediate production needs, in particular to supply the processing sites of Fermiers du Sud-Ouest, while laying the foundations for a sustainable revival of the sector.
To this end, the Cooperative is planning 150 new ‘Liberté’ huts for 450,000 poultry, 15 standard buildings by 2029 for 3 million chickens, and 50 open-air buildings for 700,000 additional poultry.
Patrick Faget, director of the Livestock Branch, said: “This plan reflects our desire to act in a concrete and immediate way to support our farmers, while building a long-term vision for the sector.”
Supporting poultry farmers
Maïsadour is also setting up significant financial support to secure the installation or diversification of farmers with, among others, a fixed installation bonus from the construction stage, an additional price during the entire amortisation period, and personalised support from technicians. The cooperative also offers its poultry suppliers a secure contractual framework with guaranteed outlets via Fermiers du Sud-Ouest.
A particular focus is placed on the transfer of farms, with structured courses for young people and support for sellers. Alexandre Lafaille, poultry production development manager: “Today, we are able to support the installation of new farmers in very good conditions. It’s a real opportunity for young people who want to set up or diversify their farm.”
Michaël Dolet-Fayet, president of the poultry sector of Maïsadour and the Fermiers du Sud-Ouest: “Raising poultry is much more than an agricultural activity – it is a profession of passion, rigour and transmission. This plan is an invitation to join a recognised, ambitious sector that is deeply rooted in its territory. Our Cooperative is one of the few to control all stages of production, from hatching to marketing. For producers, this means optimising costs and sharing value. For consumers, it’s a guarantee of continuous traceability and quality. These are real assets of which we are proud.”
