The latest data published by the Agricultural Statistics Service (Agreste) of the French Ministry of Agriculture indicate a 1% decrease in pig production in France during 2011. According to Agreste there were a total of 25,200,000 animals, down by 1% compared with 2010.
As far as exports of live pigs, these were also reduced by 26% compared with 2010 (220,000 fewer animals). Imports of live animals followed the same trend and decreased by 12% in 2011 compared to 2010 (35,000 fewer animals).
In 2011, exports of pigmeat increased by 2% from 2010. While shipments to EU Member States decreased 3%, shipments to third party countries were up 16%. Imports of pork decreased by 2.5%.
Finally, consumption of meat decreased by 2%. This was almost stable (- 0.12%) between 2009 and 2010.
February 2012/ Agreste/ France.
http://www.agreste.agriculture.gouv.fr