Pays de la Loire: Agri-Food Industry Remains Economic Engine, Faces Future Challenges – Urgent Report
Le Mans, France – November 18, 2025 – The Pays de la Loire region is solidifying its position as a powerhouse of France’s agri-food sector, according to a newly released INSEE study. With nearly 48,000 employees, the region ranks second nationally in agri-food employment, trailing only Brittany. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a story of deep-rooted tradition, evolving job markets, and the critical importance of food production to the regional economy. This breaking news offers a crucial snapshot of a sector navigating both resilience and significant shifts.
A Historical Strength: Agriculture and Livestock at the Core
The region’s dominance in agri-food isn’t a recent development. It’s built on a long history of agriculture and livestock farming. While the Pays de la Loire is the fourth-largest agricultural region in France overall, its specialization in livestock breeding, coupled with diverse plant production (particularly fodder and cereals), fuels a robust processing and manufacturing industry. This isn’t about small farms; nearly half of the agri-food workforce operates in companies employing 250 or more people – a significant difference compared to the rest of the French industry.
Hotspots of Employment: Vendée Leads the Way
The Herbiers-Montaigu sector in Vendée is the undisputed heart of agri-food employment in the region, accounting for a remarkable 17% of the total workforce. Major players like Fleury Michon (prepared meals), Arrivé (poultry processing), and Goodwich (bread and pastries) are concentrated here, driving significant economic activity. Sablé-sur-Sarthe also emerges as a key zone, with the agri-food industry representing 24% of all private sector jobs – a level of dependence that, while currently positive, warrants attention.
Regional Dependencies and Vulnerabilities
While Nantes provides a substantial 4,600 agri-food jobs, its diversified economy mitigates the risk associated with sector-specific downturns. Sablé-sur-Sarthe, however, is heavily reliant on the industry, particularly poultry processing. This concentration of activity around a few large establishments creates a potential vulnerability. A weakening in the agri-food sector could have a disproportionately large impact on the local economy. Similar dependencies are noted in La Ferté-Bernard (meat processing) and Mayenne (cheese production).
Job Trends: Stability with Shifting Sands
Despite recent global challenges – the pandemic and geopolitical instability – the agri-food sector in Pays de la Loire has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Employment numbers have remained relatively stable between 2018 and 2023. However, beneath the surface, shifts are occurring. Liquid milk production has seen a 23% job loss, while prepared meals (up 10%) and fresh pastries (up 13%) are experiencing growth. Emerging areas like beer manufacturing and condiment production also show promise. The sector also relies heavily on temporary contracts, with 11% of employees on fixed-term deals, particularly in fruit and vegetable processing.
The Demographic Challenge: An Aging Workforce
A significant challenge facing the agri-food industry is an aging workforce. Over 32% of employees are over 50, raising concerns about future skills gaps as experienced workers retire. Attracting and retaining talent is proving difficult, with factors like job insecurity, demanding working conditions, and relatively low salaries contributing to the sector’s lack of appeal. Interestingly, the industry employs a higher percentage of women (42%) compared to other sectors, particularly in fruit/vegetable and seafood processing.
Looking Ahead: Digitalization, Sustainability, and Skill Development
The INSEE study paints a picture of an industry poised for profound change by 2035. Digitalization, including automation and data-driven control systems, will be crucial for enhancing efficiency. Adapting to evolving raw material quality and availability, while controlling energy costs and ensuring traceability, will also be paramount. Ultimately, a significant investment in employee skills will be necessary to navigate these transitions successfully. The future of agri-food in Pays de la Loire isn’t just about maintaining its current position; it’s about proactively adapting to a rapidly changing world.
The Pays de la Loire’s agri-food sector remains a cornerstone of the regional economy, but its continued success hinges on addressing the challenges of an aging workforce, embracing technological advancements, and fostering a more sustainable and attractive working environment. Stay tuned to archyde.com for ongoing coverage of this vital industry and its impact on the French economy.
