On the occasion of the 2023 edition of the International Agricultural Show, a strategic committee for the agri-food sector was held, chaired by Marc Fesneau, Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, and Roland Lescure, Minister Delegate in charge of Industry.
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The agri-food industry, a real strategic asset for the food sovereignty of France, is currently experiencing strong economic tensions, exacerbating structural difficulties. The Government is presenting a support and sovereignty plan for agri-food industries to accelerate transitions (energy, ecological, environmental), strengthen competitiveness and support the creation of value at the heart of the food chain.
The French agri-food industry is the leading industry in France with 437,000 jobs for a turnover amounting to 198 billion euros. It is one of the pillars of our food sovereignty and a showcase of French know-how around the world.
The sector is also a central player in the food chain, a central link between agricultural producers, distributors and consumers. Pivotal in the creation of value, the agri-food industries must be able to innovate to meet consumer expectations and be part of a growth strategy on international markets.
Weakened by shrinking margins, agri-food industries are suffering from an investment deficit that is undermining their competitiveness and hampering innovation and the conquest of new markets, especially for export.
The Government reaffirms the importance of this link to guarantee our food sovereignty. It is imperative to quickly regain a dynamic of positive growth and to accomplish the necessary transitions: ecological, energy, environmental transition, innovation, responses to consumer expectations and value creation in the service of agricultural production.
To do this, the Government is announcing an ambitious plan to support and give sovereignty to French agri-food industries.
This plan includes:
• The creation of an investment fund (consolidation and development capital) dedicated to the agri-food sector, with the aim of raising more than 500 million euros, including 200 million euros provided by the State;
• Facilitating access to France 2030, particularly on the “decarbonization” and “robotics” aspects;
• The deferral of social and tax charges for companies that so wish;
• “IAA Boosters” with training for export managers provided by Business France. ■
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