After a summer marked by a droughtexceptional, the goat farmers must face a significant increase in their production costs. According to the initial estimates put forward by the Fnec in a statement dated 14 October, the additional food costs could exceed 100 euros for 1 000 liters of milk in certain regions and food systems.
The prolonged drought through the autumn did not allow forage stocks to be replenished. Increases in forage and cereal prices have been compounded by rising energy costs. The Ipampa goat’s milk index, which measures changes in costs on goat farms, has therefore up by 7 % since the beginning of the year.
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For the Fnec, these difficulties directly threaten farms’ ability to maintain their production. Without sufficient resources to feed their animals properly, farmers could be forced to reduce their herds. The federation estimates that the public aid, deemed insufficient, will not by themselves be enough to overcome this crisis.
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A milk price below the cost of production
The Fnec reminds everyone that the price of milk paid to producers remains below its cost of production. Under these conditions, farmers cannot absorb rising costs over the long term without further reducing their income. The federation therefore calls on processors and distributors to take their share of responsibility and to grant significant price increases from the start of commercial negotiations, which are due to open in a few weeks.
Read also: A historic drought but insufficient support
Beyond the current situation, Fnec emphasizes the need for restore economic prospects for the goat farming sector to enable the establishment of young farmers, the modernisation of farms and the investments needed for adaptation to climate change, particularly to rebuild forage stocks.
« The adaptability shown by livestock farmers is reaching a breaking point », warns the federation, cautioning that without a strong gesture from downstream businesses, the production capacity of the entire sector could be jeopardized.
