For most French farmers, their annual income dropped for the second consecutive year in 2020. This emerges from the latest figures published last week by the statistical service of the Ministry of Agriculture (Agreste).
The average pre-tax income in the French agricultural sector fell by 10 percent in the corona year 2020 to approximately 26,800 euros compared to 2019. However, there were large differences between the various agricultural sectors.
For French horticulturists and vegetable growers, it was a good year with average income rising by more than 11 percent to an average of 42,400 euros. Pig farmers earned on average 40,500 euros; half as much as in 2019 — the year of massive exports due to the swine fever to China.
The annual income of sheep and goat farmers rose by 4.2% to an average of 20,700 euros. The lowest annual incomes were achieved by beef producers, at 14,100 euros, a decrease of 7.5% compared to 2019.
The income of French winemakers also remains above the French national agricultural average, but they too had to accept a decline of 9.7% due to smaller grape harvests caused by poor weather conditions. Grain and oilseed producers were also affected by this. Their income dropped by 6.9% to 19,800 euros.
Meanwhile, subsidies remained stable compared to 2019. According to Agreste, on average, 31,270 euros were paid out per farm. The average profit before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) is estimated at just under 71,900 euros. Compared to 2019, this corresponds to a decrease of 6.7%.