(AOF) – Graines Voltz’s turnover for the first half of its 2022/2023 financial year amounted to 76.6 million euros, up 0.9% on a current basis, and down 4 .4% on a like-for-like basis compared to the first half of the previous year. Over this period, 65.4% of turnover was generated in France, 30.2% in other European countries and 4.35% in the rest of the world. Seeds accounted for 38.3%, young plants 59.2% and other products 2.4% of turnover.
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Soaring energy prices and a call for help
In the past, energy represented a fixed cost of 3% of turnover. This year, this percentage rises to 5% or even 7% for VSEs-SMEs, according to Ania (National Association of Food Industries). Professionals are very worried because until the end of 2022 they generally benefit from coverage to cushion these increases. However, they have not been renewed for 2023 and after. Consequently, 25 of the main inter-professional organizations (Intercereals, Inaporc, Semae, etc.) are calling on the State for help in the face of the erosion of their margins and their capacity to investment.
The State has proposed several devices, including an “electricity shock absorber”, which are deemed insufficient. The organizations also deplore the failure of European negotiations to achieve a tariff shield to avoid distortions of competition. Agriculture and agri-food require a maximum ceiling price of €180/MWh, while many companies buy at prices above €500/MWh on the French market.