France temporarily cuts maize share in Poulet du Périgord chicken feed during drought
France's agriculture ministry has temporarily loosened the maize rules for the Poulet du Périgord protected label, which certifies chicken raised in the Périgord region. The order, dated 22 October 2026 and published on 30 October 2026, halves the minimum maize share in chicken feed for both the starter and growing phases. The change runs from 1 October 2026 to 31 October 2027 because of a drought.
What does it mean?
Chicken sold under the Poulet du Périgord label must now be fed less maize, which is a corn grain used in feed. The lower limit applies until 31 October 2027 because of drought, and the change makes it easier for farmers to find enough feed.
Who is affected?
Farmers raising Poulet du Périgord chickens and the feed producers who supply them.
What changes?
Before, the minimum maize share in the cereal mix was 25% for yellow chicken and 15% for white chicken in the starter phase, and 30% and 15% in the growing phase; now it is 12.5% and 7.5% in the starter phase, and 15% and 7.5% in the growing phase.