Perspectives communautaires

In 1971 1/3 of the French protein consumption was made up of cereals and vegetables ; 1/3 of meat ; 1/3 of milk, eggs and fish. French meat consumption between 1960 and 1972 varied considerably resulting in a higher consumption of pork and poultry compared to beef. Protein from oil-cake makes up most of the food of these non-ruminants and in this respect the EEC was only 5 % self-sufficient, France only 15.7 %. In order to reduce this degree of dépendance, several forms of action have been undertaken regarding research, on the economic level and on the professional level. The development of oil-producing crops - colza, sunflower, and soya, and of protein-yielding crops, field beans and peas, has been stressed. On the national level the FATS Group of the 7th Plan considers that by 1980 oil - and protein - yielding crops may cover 25 % of our protein requirements, compared with 15.7 % in 1974.