L'approvisionnement en protéines de la France dans son contexte européen et mondial
Protein self-sufficiency on the farms undoubtedly depends on the farmers' decision, but it is also influenced by outside factors : supplies, costs of various produce (raw materials, compound feeds, substitutes.) and also the regulations and policies in force. Therefore , before dealing with the technical aspects of the matter, it is useful to analyse the global protein supply of France.In 2000, livestock feeding used some 95 M tons DM from forages and 24 M tons from arable crops, as well as 6 M tons imported high-protein concentrates, such as soybean cakes, which are indispensable in intensive farming. Some 45% of the latter went into cattle feeds, mostly (two thirds) for dairying. From 1990 onwards, the increase in cereal utilization has been parallel to that in soybean cake utilization. France, although a producer of high-protein crops, seems unable to meet the demand. The 'Agenda 2000' has diminished the competitivity of these crops. France and the European Union must redress this situation if they want to have a say in the matter of raw material quality (genetically modified organisms) on an international scale. Strengthening the production of high-protein crops supposes the improvement of productivity through research, and the support of this sector by the public authorities; notwithstanding the fact that forages do constitute a way of limiting the demand in high-protein feed. ; En France, en 2000, l'alimentation animale représente environ 95 millions de tonnes (Mt) de matière sèche (MS) de fourrages et 24 Mt de produits issus de grandes cultures, ainsi que 6 Mt de produits concentrés importés, riches en protéines (MRP) comme le tourteau de soja, indispensables pour l'élevage intensif. Les bovins représentent 45% de la consommation de MRP, dont 2/3 pour la production laitière. Depuis 1990, l'accroissement de l'utilisation des céréales s'est accompagné de celui du tourteau de soja. Bien que productrice de protéagineux, la France paraît incapable de répondre au niveau de la demande. L'Agenda 2000 a dégradé la ...