For over 15 years, organic goat farmers in west-central France have worked to develop a coherent and productive organic goat sector, growing from 64 to 130 organic farms between 2015 and 2021, supported by advisory bodies, state aid, and processors.
As new commercial negotiations begin amidst a 19% rise in organic dairy product consumption, farmers warn of their extreme fragility. Minimum vital income is no longer assured for their families, and their legitimate demand for a dignified living is not being sufficiently heard.
Economic farm monitoring indicates remuneration below 0.5 Smic/UMO. The price difference between conventional and organic goat milk has fallen from 30% to 14% in four years, and the costs of inputs are no longer compensated.
Consequently, deconversion is observed: from 130 organic farms in 2021, only 111 remained in 2025, with 10 closures. Lack of remuneration prevents new organic goat farm installations and essential investment. The 2026 drought severely impacts expenses, with estimated food cost increases of 30 to 105 €/1000 liters, plus 42 €/1000 liters due to fuel price hikes.
The deconversion and closure of organic goat farms increase milk collection costs. Lack of visibility and reduced specific organic aid discourage maintaining organic goat production.
To save the sector, farmers demand real consideration of their production costs and fair remuneration at 2 Smic per UMO, requiring a milk price of 1370 €/T. They call for an immediate revaluation of +160 €/1000 liters to reach 1 Smic/UMO by the end of 2026, followed by +139 €/1000 liters in early 2027 to account for 2026 cost increases, aiming for a decent remuneration of 2 SMIC/UMO, with equitable margin distribution.
They also expect state support through reallocation of conversion aid to organic maintenance, possibility of cumulating MAEC, and funding for technical support to optimize their dairy production.
Without this support, organic goat farms and processors will disappear, harming the environment, water quality, consumer health, and rural life.
