Browse Data and Analysis

France, as a member of the European Union (EU), generally follows EU directives, regulations, and obligations. This report focuses on food laws in force in France that cover areas which are not EU harmonized.

France's agricultural biotechnology sector is constrained by strict regulations and public opposition, despite the scientific community's support and the growing interest in NBTs. The dialogue on agricultural innovation and food security is evolving, driven by climate change and geopolitical factors, but significant challenges remain.

In 2023, the agri-food market in France was still impacted by inflation, recorded at 3.8 percent. Price increases most severely impacted the lower income strata of society and cut into their ability to purchase. Many consumers are still moving away from big brands to less expensive distributor brands.

France is the world’s leading tourist destination. Revenues are exceeding pre-covid standards since France earned 126 billion in 2023 due to foreign tourism. Commercial catering remains the dominant sector in the HRI industry, holding a 58 percent market share and generating a turnover of $73.3 billion, reflecting a 9-percent increase from 2022.

In 2023, French food and agricultural imports from the United States reached $1 billion. While exporting to France can be challenging, there are many opportunities for U.S. suppliers.

The French food processing industry mobilizes more than 19,000 companies, of which nearly 98 percent are small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The sector generates $230 billion in annual revenue, and it indirectly contributes to nearly 2 million jobs in France.

While France has no commercial production or field trials of genetically engineered (GE) crops, the French livestock industry depends on imported GE feed, especially soybeans, rapeseed, and corn. The French scientific community and many farmers are...

In 2023, French food and agricultural imports from the United States reached $1 billion. While exporting to France can be challenging, there are many opportunities for U.S. suppliers.

As a member of the European Union, France implements EU regulations for the import of animal and plant products.

The EU grain harvest is now under way in most Member States.

Slovakia took over its first ever European Union (EU) Council Presidency on July 1, 2016.

In 2015, the European Commission (EC) officially introduced a seven percent cap on food based biofuels thus limiting future production of these first generation or conventional biofuels....