Volailles du Gers

Volailles du Gers is a PGI covering poultry raised in the Département of Gers and adjacent districts. The designation requires slow-growing rural stock, low stocking density, cereal-based feed, limited flock sizes, access to a shaded grassy run, and a guaranteed minimum slaughtering age. The specification describes the flesh as firm and the skin as fine, with superior bacteriological quality.

About this designation

Volailles du Gers was registered as a PGI on 21 June 1996 under file number PGI-FR-0147, with eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000012930. The protected name as registered is Volailles du Gers. The geographical area is defined as the Département of Gers and adjacent districts. The applicant group at the time of registration was the Association Avicole du Gers, based in Mirande. The specification sets out eight production requirements: the use of rural slow-growing stock; low stocking density; feed rich in cereals; limited flock sizes; access to a shaded grassy run; a guaranteed minimum slaughtering age; analysis of chickens' food intake; and bacteriological analyses of products after slaughter on a linear basis. The Gris du Gers breed is cited in the source as the stock used for chicken production, and cereal feed is described as being grown primarily in the Département of Gers. Traceability is maintained through a documented network covering hatcheries, feed producers, breeders, and slaughterhouses, with numbered labels applied after slaughter. The certifying authority is Avigers, based in Mirande. Products are labelled in accordance with applicable statutory provisions and carry the designation Volailles Fermières du Gers; the Indication Géographique Protégée certification may also appear on the label.

Source: The register document this entry was written from · retrieved August 26, 2026

Distinctive facts

• Registered as a PGI on 21 June 1996 under file number PGI-FR-0147 (eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000012930).
• The specification requires the use of rural slow-growing stock, including the Gris du Gers breed for chicken production.
• All labels applied after slaughter are numbered, enabling full traceability back through hatcheries, breeders, and slaughterhouses.
• The certifying authority is Avigers, based in Mirande, operating under French standard EN 45011.

Tasting notes

Gers (Gascony) free-range yellow poultry IGP. Yellow-skinned corn-fed, firm flavored flesh.

HoReCa use

Gascon cassoulet, foie gras production, and magret de canard preparations.

Packaging

• whole-bird-fresh-1.5-2.5kg
• magret-300-400g
• foie-gras-cru-500g