agreste

Agreste cahiers n° 2 - juin 2000

Cattle holdings in France rear almost 20 million head of bovines.

Cattle holdings in France rear almost 20 million head of bovines. The total area of the installations - cages in the sea and maturing tanks on land - is not more than a few dozen hectares. The know-how of French hatcheries, which produce eggs for reproduction and alevins, both of high quality, is recognised abroad, where half of the sales are made. Maturing farms, also exporters, have adapted their strategies to market needs. They now sell adult bass and sea bream whose larger size allows cutting and processing, and, on the other hand, lighter young turbots. The young, dynamic, well-trained and productive workforce in marine fish-farming - 600 permanent employees - is one of the advantages of this industry, which is concentrating its activity and diversifying its products so as to remain competitive.