An experimental breeding project carried out by the Reunion Rabbit Producers Cooperative was presented on May 12 to Élisabeth Borne and the four ministers who accompanied her, including the Minister of Agriculture, Marc Fesneau. The visit to Sainte-Rose of the breeding of M. and Ms. Ferrere was on the Prime Minister's program.
La CPLR, which brings together all the professional rabbit breeders in Reunion, prepares the future of the rabbit industry with an innovative breeding model aimed at improving the comfort of rabbits and developing the breeder's profession, by making it more attractive. Anticipating the implementation of the European Parliament directive of June 2021, which aims to gradually eliminate cage farming of animals by 2027-2030, the CPLR is testing a method of farming on the ground, on slatted floors and in enclosures. A first in Overseas France and a major change in the industry since only 2% of farms in mainland France have already adopted this method..
The BEATRIX project
New two-by-three meter pens offer rabbits greater freedom of movement, a surface area per animal doubled and a possibility of exercise increased tenfold thanks to the addition of a mezzanine. This experimental project in Reunion, called BEATRIX (for Animal welfare transition relaunch innovation experimentation), is supported by European funds, national and Odeadom and is deployed with the assistance of the entire ARIV inter-profession. Pursuing the objective of better responding to animal welfare issues, in accordance with the expectations of the European Union, it also aims to ensure the sustainability of the sector thanks to the installation of young breeders. The modernization of industrial tools must make it possible to produce an offer that better meets the expectations of today's consumers, increasingly sensitive to the conditions of breeding and treatment of animals.
A market share of 51%
This experimental phase, which should last about a year, will make it possible to identify the adjustments to be made to the method for its local control in order to support the sustainable transition of the cooperative's livestock. By demonstrating its ability to innovate, the CPLR hopes to open the way to new generations of breeders likely to better flourish in the profession, with the stated objective of increasing the share of quality local products in local consumption, 51% today.
