The agricultural production of France reached over 63 billions euros in 2002 and is on first position in the European Community; it represents 23% of the whole european agricultural production, followed by Italie and Germany (both 15%). France is the first European producer of cereals, sugar beet, cattle, poultry and wine. In 2001, France remained the second exporter in the world of foodstuffs and agricultural products behind the United States (70 billion dollars) and the largest exporter in the European Union. It is also the first exporter in the world of processed foods.

This sector represents 4.5% of the French economy. This share is shrinking notably because of the relative drop in agricultural prices over the past few decades. In 2002, 915 700 people declared being actively engaged in agriculture, either as farmers or farm workers.

The turnover of maritime fisheries exceeds 1 billion Euros corresponding to a production of 597 293 tonnes of fish, crustaceans, mollusks and other sea foods. France, like its European partners, suffers a structural commercial deficit as production does not meet national demand as a result of the reduction in the catch.