The two areas which have seen the steepest drops were found to be the regions of Aquitaine and Midi-Pyrénées in south-western France, which also happen to be two centres for French wine production, notably the famous Bordeaux labels.
The French researchers behind the study say those two regions are home to some of country's largest number of farm workers, many of whom are likely to be exposed to pesticides - which researchers say are the chief culprit for the decline in sperm quality. The chemicals can disrupt the men's hormones and thus interrupt sperm production, the study found.
And Midi Pyrenees is top of the list of men surveyed who are infertile.
Does it seem ironic that this story follows on from water pollution in Midi Pyrenees from nitrates and pesticides and the viticulture who refuses to spray his vines and faces a heavy fine and prison term.
I am breaking into the song " Where have all the flowers gone, and when will they ever learn"
Bits of the report from Le Monde and the Local
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