As vast as Portugal or Austria, the Massif Central spans 85,000 km², encompassing 22 départements and four major administrative regions. This area is home to 3.8 million inhabitants and represents one of France’s most significant agricultural zones. Nearly 98.5% of its land is classified as Less-Favoured Areas, dominated by mountainous terrain and soils subject to natural constraints.
Agriculture in the region is primarily based on livestock and pasture farming. Around 81% of the utilised agricultural area is permanent grassland, representing one-third of all grassland in France. About 84% of the farmland is dedicated to livestock production, underlining its key role in the regional economy.
The average farm size is 72 hectares, which is similar to the national average. However, the number of Livestock Units (LU) per active worker varies depending on the farm type: 56 LU on dairy farms (28% below the national average), 69 LU on mixed farms, 77 LU on beef cattle farms, and 44 LU on sheep and goat farms, which is in line with national figures.
Another important feature is that 86% of the agricultural workforce is family-based. Although dominated by small and medium-sized farms, Massif Central’s agriculture generates 81,000 full-time jobs. In many rural municipalities, it accounts for more than 30% of total employment, demonstrating its crucial role in the local economy and community life.
Despite numerous benefits—such as landscape preservation, biodiversity, carbon absorption, high-quality drinking water, and animal welfare—agriculture in the region remains economically fragile. In 2021, the average pre-tax income of farms in the Massif Central was just €32,000, which is 44% below the national average. While official data for 2023 is still being compiled, the overall trend has not significantly improved.
Nationally, agricultural production continues to progress. In 2023, wheat output increased by 1.4 million tonnes compared to the previous year, while maize production rose by 18%, reaching 12.8 million tonnes. France remains the EU’s leading cattle producer, with 19 million head of livestock, including 3.6 million dairy cows. Massif Central has around 57,000 active farms, employing some 75,000 people and covering 4.1 million hectares of farmland.
Five livestock production systems dominate the region: beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. The Massif Central is a stronghold for beef production, with over 1.4 million suckler cows and more than 22,500 specialised farms. It also accounts for 20% of national milk production. A quarter of France’s sheep population is raised here, and goat farming is well established. Horses are mainly bred for work and leisure, with local breeds such as the Auvergne horse and Bourbonnais mule being emblematic of the region.
Despite economic challenges, farmers in the Massif Central remain steadfast stewards of rural France, nature, and heritage. Their work goes beyond food production—they help maintain landscapes, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure the vitality of rural communities.
