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Label Rouge — PGI — Pays de la Loire
Since 1958, the Coopérative des Fermiers de Loué has upheld the traditional farm rearing of Maine — free-range poultry, heritage breeds, 100% plant-based feed. Label Rouge since 1966, PGI (IGP) since 1996.
Free-range poultry from Pays de la Loire, PGI (IGP) since 1996.
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Since 1958, the Coopérative des Fermiers de Loué has stood as a pioneer in free-range poultry rearing and responsible development. Today, it brings together more than 1,000 independent farmers committed to a collective, sustainable approach. The Label Rouge for Volailles du Maine (Fermiers de Loué) was obtained in 1966 — one of the very first certifications of its kind.
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The PGI geographical area is demarcated according to its hydrography: the départements of Sarthe and Mayenne in their entirety, as well as bordering areas drained by the basin of the river Maine and all its tributaries (the Loir, the Sarthe, the Mayenne). This demarcation ensures territorial coherence and the unity of a temperate oceanic climate characteristic of Maine.
Volailles du Maine come from slow-growing strains and have access to a vast, grassy and tree-planted range; chickens reared 'in total freedom' have at least 4 m² of range per bird. Their feed, primarily composed of cereals produced within the geographical area (at least 75% for table chickens), excludes added fats, animal meal, artificial colourings and growth promoters — including antibiotics used for this purpose. Any medicinal treatment remains subject to prior approval from the certifying body.
Appearance
Well-conformed carcasses, plump breast, thin and taut skin.
Aroma
Subtle and fresh, with light grassy notes.
Taste
Slow fattening 'to the core' develops all the tenderness and succulence of the meat.
Texture
Tender and delicate meat, plump, free from stringiness.
red plumage, tender meat
delicate meat
firm meat
reared to the same PGI standards
slow-growing strains or crossbreeds, reared to a minimum age of 81 days (compared with ~40 days for a standard chicken)
primarily composed of cereals produced within the geographical area, at least 75% for table chickens
mandatory access to a vast, grassy and tree-planted range
reduced, 4 m² per bird in 'total freedom' rearing
poultry houses of 480 m² maximum, situated at least 50 m apart from one another
individual slaughter sheet, monitoring from rearing to slaughter in approved facilities within the production area
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Excellent roasted whole, braised in dry cider, or simply pan-fried. The delicate meat lends itself to gentle cooking. Accompaniments of regional vegetables (mushrooms, root vegetables). Dry cider from Maine, light white or red wines from the Val de Loire.
Since: 1966
Area covered: Sarthe and Mayenne (in their entirety), parts of Orne, Eure-et-Loir, Loir-et-Cher, Indre-et-Loire and Maine-et-Loire
Key requirements: Minimum of 81 days' rearing, 2 m² grassy range per bird, feed comprising at least 70% cereals, slow-growing strains
Since: 1996
Area covered: Sarthe and Mayenne (in their entirety), parts of Orne, Eure-et-Loir, Loir-et-Cher, Indre-et-Loire and Maine-et-Loire
Key requirements: Same area and production method as Label Rouge, European geographical recognition
Interprofessional association
Agricultural cooperative
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The Coopérative des Fermiers de Loué presents itself as a pioneer ever since its founding in 1958, dedicated to free-range poultry farming and a production method it describes as healthy and sustainable. It was awarded the Label Rouge in 1966, followed by PGI (IGP) 'Volailles du Maine et Œufs de Loué' in 1996.
Its farmers, based in Sarthe, raise chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, capons and laying hens outdoors on tree-planted runs; the range expanded into organic farming in 1994, with the first organic Loué chicken and egg.
| Address | La Cr du Bois, 72550 Coulans-sur-Gée, France |
| +33 2 43 39 93 13 | |
| contact@loue.fr | |
| loue.fr | |
| Facebook page | |
| @fermiers_de_loue | |
| Visits | Yes — visits to partner farms on request |
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Part of the production is certified organic, since 2012. |
