ATWatch out, sheep in the shelters! The sheepdogs bark, the Tour de France caravan passes. Such a parade of runners and cycling enthusiasts forces the herds to be repatriated. Not to mention the helicopter flights, more stressful than those of a beetle. The 580 ewes of Michèle Boudoin, breeder in Puy-de-Dôme and president of the National Sheep Federation (FNO), will therefore take refuge in the valley. They will not be on the beautiful images shot in the land of volcanoes and will not bleat, Sunday July 9, in the meadows, to encourage the climbers in the climb.
But the sheep hope to find their flower meadows very soon. Especially since, this year, they are rather well served. According to data published on Thursday June 29 by the Ministry of Agriculture, grass growth in France remains on average 3% higher compared to the reference period (1989-2018). Even if the animals are less spoiled towards the Mediterranean. Good pickaxe for breeders, despite the heat stroke.
Another reason for satisfaction: the meat has become more expensive. “Lamb is 8.19 euros per kilo. This is an unprecedented price. Before Covid-19, it was 6.50 euros per kilo”welcomes Mme Boudoin. She is delighted with this improvement in the treasury. The woolen stocking of the sheep… It promotes the installation of young stockbreeders. However, these new recruits are more inclined to opt for dairy ewes. As a result, slaughterings are down 10% since the start of the year. What encourage imports.
Additional quota without customs duty
“It is especially the United Kingdom and Ireland that send the most lamb meat. New Zealand imports are down 15% from 2022,” precise Mme Boudoin. And yet, a year ago, the FNO was up against the trade agreement signed between the European Union and New Zealand.
Breeders remember the previous free trade agreement negotiated in the 1990s. The New Zealand wolf had entered the fold. Without pity, he shredded the French herd, which fell from 9 million to 5 million ewes. And now half of the lamb consumed by the French is imported. The New Zealanders have therefore won an additional quota of 38,000 tonnes without customs duties, including 30% of fresh meat, in addition to the existing 150,000 tonnes. This surplus has not yet transformed into new flows.
But French breeders continue to worry about their sheep. In sight, Australia. As they feared, a trade agreement is under discussion with the European Union. An Australian delegation comes to discuss the end of fat in Brussels, at the beginning of July. They would ask for a quota of 120,000 tons, when Europe would have put on the table a proposal of 20,000 tons. Faced with the Australian leg of mutton at 5 euros, the tricolor leg of lamb is at 28 euros. Cruel comparison. Once again, French sheep farmers risk having the wool shorn on their backs.