(Decanter) - French coopers are lobbying the French government's forestry commission for greater transparency, and price protection, in an industry worth €300m a year. Les Tonneliers de France, the group representing the coopers, has secured twice-yearly meetings with the Office National des Forets (ONF). This is vital, they say, for ensuring their survival. Barrel makers are the biggest value purchasers of oak in France, spending €106m in 2011 for 265,000 cubic metres of oak. Prices vary from €350 to €600 per cubic metre.