June heatwave reduces French egg production by up to 2%

High temperatures affected laying flocks and egg production in France during June, with the national production loss estimated at between 1.5% and 2%, according to France’s National Egg Committee (CNPO).

Franceinfo cited a CNPO estimate of approximately 500,000 laying hens lost during the June heatwave, although earlier industry estimates had placed the figure between 500,000 and 700,000 birds. CNPO Director Alice Richard said the overall impact remained relatively limited at national level, although some farms were severely affected.

Brittany and Pays de la Loire were among the regions that experienced particularly intense heat and drought conditions in June. Temperatures were less severe during July and August.

High temperatures also affected the performance of surviving hens. According to Richard, hens eat less feed during hot weather and consequently produce fewer and smaller eggs. Egg weight declined by only one or two grams, and the effect is expected to be reversible.

Cooler temperatures should allow production to recover and egg weights to return to the sizes normally found on the market.

Despite the recent production pressure, the CNPO does not expect egg shortages in the coming weeks. Demand nevertheless remains strong. Egg consumption in France has increased by around 5% annually over the past three years, and domestic production has struggled to keep pace.

The situation eased somewhat during the summer, when egg consumption is generally lower.

The effects of the June heatwave varied considerably between farms and regions, depending on their location and equipment. According to Richard, producers in south-western France are more accustomed to high temperatures and often have more effective ventilation and misting systems.

The temperatures recorded in Brittany during June were more unusual, and some farms were not sufficiently equipped to manage such conditions. Richard said the situation would require further consideration and investment.

She also pointed to Italy and Spain, where farms are generally better equipped to manage high temperatures because such conditions are more familiar to producers.

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