According to Euronews, plans are already underway to build two poultry farms on the Valensol Plateau—one of the main regions for lavender production—each with a capacity of 25,000 laying hens. The projects are being considered as part of a strategy to diversify farmers’ income.
Lavender prices are falling
Farmers attribute the decline in interest in lavender to falling prices, oversupply, and unstable yields due to weather conditions.
“At some point, there was an oversupply, prices dropped sharply, and yields are declining due to unpredictable weather. We are looking for a more sustainable form of diversification to ensure a stable income,” said Ludovic Chayanne, a farmer from Rumieux.
According to him, the transition to poultry farming will allow him to earn around 2,500 euros per month.
Jacques Richier, mayor of the commune of Saint-Jure, stated that the new poultry farms will not have a significant impact on the landscape. “The farm is located several kilometers from the village; it won’t be visible. The building will occupy 2,000 square meters of land,” he said in an interview with Euronews.
He noted that egg production could support the local economy. When farmers grow lavender, sage, and immortelle, it’s wonderful for the landscape. But eggs are a major economic sector.
Regulatory Environment: Eggs Are More Important Than Lavender
The construction of poultry farms became possible after France passed a law on emergency measures in agriculture, which simplifies the siting of such facilities in the Provence region and reduces administrative barriers for farmers and municipalities.
The law also addresses environmental assessment procedures and public consultation processes for large-scale agricultural projects.
According to data cited in the article, egg consumption in France is approximately 237 eggs per person per year, while domestic production does not fully meet demand.
The National Egg Production Committee estimates that achieving self-sufficiency by 2030 may require about 300 new poultry farms.
