The FNSEA said that the Commission has decided to suddenly halve the refunds which is just adding to the burden on the sector that has seen the financial crisis of the Doux group and the decommissioning of some plants that has been decided by the courts.

The FNSEA said: "FNSEA and CFA denounce this blow to farmers who have already ben traumatised through bad debts and business closures.

"The French Government must take determined action to convince the Commission of the need to maintain a level of refunds that is economically sustainable and socially just.

The FNSEA said that the proposals by the Commission has brought the future of the French poultry sector into question, especially the 1000 producers and 5000 employees affected by exports that account for 50 per cent of national production.

Xavier Beulin, President of the FNSEA is in Berlin during Green Week to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Elysée Treaty and while celebrating their trade with their German colleagues and Commission officials called on them to oppose the Commission decisions.

The FNSEA said that the export refunds are one of the last remaining useful tools for market regulation left in the Common Agricultural Policy.