IMPROVE THE RENUMERATION TO ENSURE A DECENT LIVING FOR EACH AND EVERY DAIRY FARMER
To ensure that every farmer can earn a decent living and thrive, we need an economically and socially viable dairy sector, underpinned by commercial negotiations that are fair, transparent and reactive.
As pledged in the Dairy Industry roadmap, the Cniel publishes a monthly dashboard of economic indicators available to all its members. Endorsed by the entire dairy sector, the dashboard is validated by the European Commission.
The Cniel has also developed and issued two contractual and commercial best practice guides: one for farmers and processors and another for processors and distributors.
To ensure a more equitable system, the France Terre de Lait initiative aims to ensure fair remuneration for all workers, with more than half of dairy farmers earning above the median French salary, and dairy plants that perform better through innovation and investment.
Meeting these objectives is a crucial step in securing the long-term future of the French dairy sector as a whole.
ANCHOR THE DAIRY SECTOR IN RURAL AREAS AND THROUGHOUT FRANCE
A competitive, attractive and diverse industry is the overarching aim of the sector, to fulfil its potential in domestic, European and global markets. The dairy sector has pledged in its roadmap to maintain an annual milk production of 25 billion litres, thereby contributing both to the French economy and the country’s position in international markets.
Over the last decade, the number of dairy farmers in France has decreased dramatically, varying from region to region. The decline in mountain dairy farms poses a severe economic, social and political risk.
IMPROVE CONDITIONS FOR ALL WORKERS FOR A MORE ATTRACTIVE DAIRY SECTOR
Our social responsibility initiative strives to improve conditions for all workers across the dairy sector.
For farmers, a study is underway to assess economic security, attachment to the profession, and, notably, onerous working conditions.
For dairy processors, an analysis is currently underway focusing on absenteeism rates, workplace accidents, the offer of permanent work contracts following student internships, and the number of existing professional qualifications.
ATTRACT NEW WORKERS TO RENEW THE DAIRY SECTOR
In just a few decades, the French agriculture sector has transformed, with a new generation of farmers coming through the ranks with very different skills and working practices.
The profile of dairy farmers is also evolving, with a workforce not always from a farming background. Furthermore, many of today’s farmers belong to group structures, such as the cooperative models known in France as GAEC or EARL, which unite parents, children and neighbours to pool resources, labour and skills.
French dairy farms are undergoing unprecedented social transformation. With more than 40% of French dairy farmers aged 50 years or older, 1 out of 2 litres of milk will be produced by a new generation of farmers in the next few years.
The challenge for dairy production centres around encouraging the transfer of farms and the installation of the future generation of young qualified farmers across the regions.
France 2030
Challenge Lycées Agricoles
