April 13, 2026, 6:10 p.m.
In an unstable international context marked by conflicts, trade tensions, and geopolitical shifts, Breton agriculture must constantly adapt. Gathered at a roundtable, several key players in the agri-food industry shared their insights on global markets.
Breton sectors greatly exposed internationally
For Breton companies, exports are not an option but a necessity. Laurent Favreau, international managing director of Sodiaal, emphasized that 27% of the cooperative’s turnover comes from abroad, with nearly 650 million liters of milk valued outside of France. While Europe remains the mainstay, North America, Asia, and the Middle East hold strategic positions.
This logic also applies to Le Gouessant. “International sales represent €800 million,” said Hervé Hirdel. The company exports to 70 countries, with a strong presence in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, especially in livestock nutrition products.
In the pork sector, Samuel Clément highlighted the significant flows: 4 million pigs slaughtered and exports to around fifty countries. Europe consumes the prime cuts, while Asia remains a key market for frozen products, especially in China, the Philippines, and Korea.
Repeated crises and the need for agility
All participants acknowledged that crises are ongoing and require constant adaptation. Since Covid, businesses have had to navigate market closures, consumption fluctuations, and increased instability.
Geopolitical tensions exacerbate these challenges. The war in Ukraine closed the Russian market, representing up to 20% of certain volumes. China recently imposed tariffs of up to 25% on certain European meats. Currency fluctuations, particularly linked to the dollar, add an additional layer of uncertainty.
“Agility and consistency are essential,” summarized Laurent Favreau, emphasizing the importance of upgrading, especially in markets like China and the Middle East.
However, constraints are not only commercial. Hervé Hirdel stressed the dependence on production costs, especially packaging and transportation costs, directly linked to oil prices. Looking ahead, a long-term perspective is crucial as some countries consider reshoring their productions.
Diversifying and securing markets
Given these challenges, diversifying markets has become a central strategy. Exploring new markets to mitigate risks while reevaluating supply chain organization in response to health crises and logistical tensions are critical.
The panelists agreed that international engagement is a performance lever that improves overall competitiveness.
Thierry Pouch: Agriculture at a strategic turning point
Economist Thierry Pouch placed these testimonies in a broader perspective, noting the need to integrate geopolitical variables into all agricultural decisions.
He highlighted the challenges facing French agriculture, such as aging farmers, loss of competitiveness, and input dependencies. The supply of fertilizers and amendments, constituting 12-13% of costs, could become problematic in the medium term given international tensions and export restrictions, particularly from China.
Additionally, free-trade agreements play a role in this restructuring, reflecting Europe’s aim to secure supplies and markets. However, concerns about production conditions and product traceability in imported goods persist.
Between constraints and opportunities
The evolving Breton agriculture operates in an increasingly uncertain environment but still possesses strengths. Adaptability, market diversification, and product upgrading remain important levers. The effectiveness of public policies, at national and European levels, in consolidating these strategies in a world where agricultural economics intertwine with geopolitical balances will determine the sector’s future.
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Context: The article discusses the challenges and strategies of Breton agriculture in adapting to global market dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and crises.
Fact Check: The text accurately summarizes the key points made by various industry experts at a roundtable discussion about the internationalization of Breton agriculture and the need for agility and strategic adjustments.
