Defra’s GB Animal Feed Statistical Notice for December 2011 showed the total production of animal feed during December 2011 was 3.5 per cent lower than in December 2010 in the UK. Figures show raw material usage in the retail production of animal feed in December 2011 was down 2.9.

It showed the elevated prices of feed, which farmers claim are amongst the most worryingly high input costs they face in the current economic climate. Feed costs have risen steadily, along with fuel and fertiliser prices, to eat into farmers steadily increasing margins. A recent report from the European Parliament revealed the effect rising input costs, including feed, were having on farmers bottom lines.

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However, farmers in France are pursuing a novel solution to the feed issue. France ranks above average in protein-independence in its feed sector, performing well against other EU Member States. Although France remains dependant on soybean consumption, and looks likely to do so, consuming a steady 4 million metric tons annually over the past 25 years, the use of rapeseed meal has increased from a negligible amount to over 2 million tonnes a year.

The rapeseed meal French farmers are using is a domestically sourced by-product of the country’s biodiesel industry. Whilst Europe seeks to become more feed secure, to avoid the need to import sources of protein from the US and South America, voices within France have called for more research into domestic protein supplies.

French oilseed and pulse farmers’ organisations, as well as Members of Parliament, have made calls to increase varietal research on peas and other forms of protein. Parliamentarians recently called on France’s National Institute for Research in Asgriculture - INRA and private sector organisations to come up with viable domestic alternatives.

These alternatives could provide feed-secure, high protein alternatives to feed imports from third states, without the need for recourse to Processed Animal Protein, which some within the EU want to reintroduce. PAP was banned after links were made between the feed and BSE and public consultations have revealed it is still a highly unpopular option.

According to a USDA report released this month, pea varieties have not benefitted from the extensive research and plant breeding programs that grains and oilseeds have undergone. It suggested that, as a result, the uncertainty in yields for peas remains high, meaning farmers are reluctant to grow pea crops, but that they have the potential to provide humans and animals with a locally grown source of protein.

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