France Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in france, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Agricultural Sector
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Overview

France, often hailed as Europe’s agricultural powerhouse, boasts a dynamic and diverse farming terrain.  Its strong agricultural heritage, coupled with cutting-edge technology and sustainable methodologies, positions the nation as a leading player in European agriculture.

In 2022, the agri-food industry, generating over $207.97 billion in annual sales and employing nearly 459,803 people, is the largest industrial employer in France.  It comprises around 17,372 companies, with SMEs accounting for nearly 98% of this industry whereas agriculture had 759,000 workers.  Agricultural and agri-food exports play a crucial role in employment and economic growth.  The sector is predominantly composed of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), making up 98% of the industry.

The surplus on agri-food (processed products) and agri-food trade (raw materials) stands at $12.18 billion.  This surplus growth was mainly driven by exports of raw products, particularly cereals, due to the acceleration in global prices caused by Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine.

In France, key imports of consumer-oriented products from outside the EU include oilseeds, fruits, and distilled spirits, while EU imports primarily consist of meat, dairy, and vegetables.  Notably, French imports from the United States reached $1.04 billion, driven by tree nuts, alcoholic beverages, and seafood.

Leading Sub-Sectors

  • In global market share in 2022 (%)
  • Wine and viticulture – 18.1%
  • Livestock and poultry – 10.7%
  • Dairy farming – 8.1%
  • Cereal – 6.9%

Opportunities

France’s agriculture sector is undergoing a transformation with a specific focus on three key pillars: digitalization, robotics, and genetics.  These areas are at the forefront of the French government’s concerns, with ambitious goals set for the future of agriculture.  Here is an overview of the opportunities available to American companies in this context of national importance:

Services to Farmers: France is encouraging more ecologically and less intensive agricultural production, with reduced pesticide usage and regulated water consumption. American companies can provide technologies and solutions to help achieve these objectives.

Alternatives to Chemicals: France aims to halve the use of chemical pesticides by 2025. American companies can explore opportunities in the fields of biopesticides and bio stimulants to meet this growing demand.

Digitalization and Robotics: The digitalization of agriculture, robotics, and biotechnologies are flourishing in France. American companies can contribute by providing data management tools, geographic information systems, connected sensors, and AI-based solutions.

Climate Management and Disease Resistance: New genetic selection technologies offer opportunities to develop disease-resistant and climate-adapted seeds and varieties.

Biodiversity Preservation: American companies can offer solutions to promote environmentally friendly farming practices, such as soil conservation, vegetative covers, and agroforestry.

Precision Agriculture: Advanced technologies, like drones, sensors, geographic information systems, and artificial intelligence, offer solutions to optimize resource usage and reduce environmental impact.

Water Management: American companies can provide intelligent irrigation systems and water recycling solutions to help manage water scarcity.

Aquaculture and Fishing: Opportunities exist for American companies to contribute to the development of sustainable aquaculture in France, introducing environmentally friendly practices, innovative technologies, and traceability systems.

Water Management: Technologies for water management, the development of drought-resistant crops, and water quality monitoring offer opportunities for American companies.

Climate-Resilient Agriculture: American companies can play a role in developing drought-resistant crop varieties, implementing smart agricultural technologies, and promoting sustainable soil management practices.

Circular Agricultural Models: Exploring opportunities to create circular agricultural models that reduce waste and promote sustainability is another avenue for American businesses.

In conclusion, France offers a fertile ground for American companies looking to engage in the agriculture of the future, using cutting-edge technologies to promote more sustainable, resilient, and environmentally friendly agricultural production.

Trade Events

The Salon International de l ‘Agriculture (SIA) is one of the most prominent agricultural events worldwide.

The International Exhibition of Agricultural Technologies (SIMA) is a global exhibition dedicated to presenting cutting-edge technologies and solutions designed to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of agriculture.

The Salon International de l ‘Alimentation (SIAL), recognized as the world’s largest food innovation exhibition, is a globally renowned event in the food industry.

Resources

Les performances à l’export des filières agricoles et agroalimentaires françaises situation en 2022 https://www.franceagrimer.fr/content/download/71303/document/BIL-MULPERF_AGRI_AGRO_EXPORT_2022.pd

Contact: U.S. Embassy France - U.S. Commercial Service Trade Specialist

Priscille.Odje@trade.gov - Tel: (+33) 1 43 12 22 45 & Cell: (+33) 6 86 20 46 52

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