As summer tourists flock to the plateau de Valensole in southern France to photograph the iconic lavender fields, the crop that draws them is becoming a financial burden for many farmers. Oversupply and erratic weather have driven down prices and yields, forcing growers to seek alternative income streams. Some are planting pistachio, pomegranate, or almond trees; others are turning to a booming sector: laying hens.
Two large chicken coops, each housing 25,000 hens, are planned for the lavender fields near the village of Roumoules (population 140). A building permit has been issued for a facility covering several hectares, a move that has divided the community. Some residents oppose the industrial scale of the project, while others welcome the prospect of locally produced eggs.
Diversification as a Survival Strategy
Ludovic Chaillan, a lavender and fennel farmer in Roumoules, explains the economic pressures: “There was an oversupply at one point, so prices dropped significantly, and unpredictable weather means we’re getting lower yields. We’re looking for a more stable form of diversification to ensure a steady income.” His new henhouse is expected to generate €2,500 per month, providing a reliable revenue stream that lavender alone can no longer guarantee.
Jacques Richier, mayor of the neighbouring village of Saint-Jurs, downplays concerns about the visual impact. “The farm is several kilometres from the village, it won’t be visible. The building will cover 2,000m² of land, which is nothing big,” he says. Richier sees egg production as a way to bolster the local economy: “Of course, I want the farmers to stay. It’s lovely for the landscape when farmers grow lavender, sage and immortelle. But eggs are a major economic sector.”
State Support and Rising Demand
These projects are enabled by France’s Agricultural Emergency Act, passed by the Assemblée Nationale, which simplifies permitting for poultry houses in the Provence region. The law aims to cut administrative red tape for farmers and municipalities, responding to a surge in egg consumption—237 eggs per person per year in France—that domestic supply has struggled to meet.
The government is also working to establish a specific legal framework for poultry houses. Currently, flocks exceeding 40,000 laying hens trigger procedures similar to those for industrial facilities, requiring costly environmental impact assessments and public consultations. Many farmers abandon plans due to these expenses. The new framework seeks to lower barriers while maintaining environmental safeguards.
The shift from lavender to eggs reflects broader trends in European agriculture, where climate volatility and market pressures push farmers to adapt. For the lavender fields of Provence, the change may alter the landscape but could preserve the livelihoods of those who tend it.
