Organic chicken farming: the opportunities offered by free-range production

Abstract

France is currently Europe's leading producer of organic chickens. However, this still represents only a small percent of its national production. Organic poultry farming is often seen as respectful of animal welfare and the environment. However, beyond the positive images that organic poultry farming and organic products convey, a number of constraints have already been identified that limit their development. Contact with wild fauna, which presents a health risk, range management, environmental pressures due to excretion of droppings on the range, which is difficult to control, and sensitivity to the economic context and consumer behaviour are all obstacles. Organic livestock farming nevertheless offers opportunities 1) for the animal: the grazing area facilitates the expression of numerous behaviours and allows the consumption of insects and plants with various properties (nutritional, medicinal, etc.) ; 2) for the farmer: improved working conditions and greater satisfaction are highlighted ; 3) for the environment: the grazing area is a source of biodiversity.

After presenting the conditions for rearing organic chickens in France and Europe, we identify barriers to extending organic rearing and the levers/opportunities for overcoming them.