The symbol of Provence, drawing thousands of visitors annually, no longer yields the same profits as before. Lavender has turned into a financial strain for many farmers who face losses and are opting for diversification to stay afloat.
With summer approaching, crowds of tourists will soon pause by the roadside on the plateau de Valensole, in southern France, to capture selfies against the backdrop of lavender fields. However, these picturesque scenes face threats since some of these crops have stopped being financially viable.
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Producers have started redirecting their efforts towards pistachio, pomegranate, or almond cultivation, while some are venturing into the rapidly expanding laying hen industry.
Plans are underway for two chicken houses to be established in the lavender fields on the plateau de Valensole, each designed to accommodate 25,000 laying hens.
In the small village of Roumoules, with a population of 140, a farmer has secured permission to construct a large-scale poultry house spanning several hectares.
This move has caused controversy among residents, some of whom had preferred a smaller, less industrial approach. Conversely, others welcome the plan, anticipating access to locally sourced eggs.
Essential for maintaining agricultural activity
Local farmers acknowledge that lavender has become a fragile crop, sensitive to unfavorable weather, and is showing diminishing profitability.
«At one time, there was an oversupply which caused prices to plunge, coupled with erratic weather leading to reduced yields,» explains Ludovic Chaillan, a farmer in Roumoules. «We are seeking a more consistent diversification method to secure steady earnings.»
This grower of lavender and fennel is planning to house 25,000 laying hens soon, which is expected to generate a monthly income of €2,500.
Jacques Richier, mayor of Saint-Jurs, a neighboring village, believes the coops will not disrupt the scenery: «The farm is located several kilometers away from the village and will not be visible. The structure will cover 2,000 square meters, which is not very large.»
He adds that egg production could represent an effective way to boost the local economy: «Naturally, I want farmers to remain,» he stated to Euronews. «The landscape is beautiful with lavender, sage, and immortelle. Yet eggs constitute a significant economic sector.»
Government-backed program
These initiatives have been enabled by the national Agricultural Emergency Act ratified by the French Parliament. This legislation simplifies the establishment of chicken houses within Provence and removes regulatory obstacles for farmers and municipalities.
The initiative is supported by the increased consumption of eggs. In France, each individual consumes an average of 237 eggs annually, but the supply has not kept pace, making poultry farming a lucrative option for growers.
The government aims to create a dedicated legal framework for poultry houses. Currently, any flock exceeding 40,000 laying hens must comply with regulations similar to industrial operations.
This includes mandatory environmental impact studies and public consultations funded by the farmer, often leading to project abandonment.
Meanwhile, two additional comparable projects are in progress in the region. According to the national egg committee, about 300 more poultry facilities will be required by 2030 to meet self-sufficiency goals.