the beef sector responsible for nearly 12% of CO2 emissions in France

Like all ruminants, Limousin cows emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas. But Stephane Demont, breeder, is unconvinced of the report of the Court of Auditors, which recommends reducing the number of cattle in thethe farms. “We will stop production following eminent specialists, and then they will come from the rest of the planet”, gets angry the breeder.

Decline in the number of cattle in France

The decline in cattle numbers has been a reality for 30 years, but today France remains the leading producer in Europe. According to the Court of Auditors, the movement must be accelerated, because it represents the equivalent of 11.8% of CO2 emissions. “IAmbitious public policies are needed on consumers, but also on intermediaries”, explains Thomas Bonvillainagricultural researcher at I4CE. Contrary to health nutrition recommendations, a third of French people consume more than 500 grams of red meat per week.