The economy in the Vendée is driven primarily by tourism, agriculture, food processing, and light or medium industry, with its low unemployment rate of around 7 percent in late 2006 (as against the national rate of over 9 percent).

Vendée relies much on agriculture as a significant source of employment. The region in fact has the second-highest level of revenue from agriculture in France. Maize, colza (oil seed rape), sunflowers, and wheat comprise the major crops grown in the region.

Meat and dairy production are also popular and so is the offshore farming of shellfish such as oysters and mussels. Poultry from Challans and lamb made from the salt marshes in the North of the Vendée are highly esteemed throughout the nation.

The agricultural sector of Vendée is backed by the support of the Conseil Generale of the Vendée as demonstrated by a stated policy to promote the erection of irrigation reservoirs to minimize Vendée’s dependence on ground water during key summer growing seasons.

Large numbers of food processing firms, some of which are regarded as nationally important firms, can also be found in the Vendée. Take Fleury Michon (in French) for example.

A manufacturer of ready-made meals and charcuterie, Fleury Michon employs a large part of its workforce (some three thousand people) at plants in the Vendée. Biscuit producers and bakeries are also other important employers.

In the Vendée’s manufacturing industry, most are geared in reflecting the region’s rank as a major tourist destination. Plants in Lucon manufacture mobile homes; motor and sail yachts are being built in various locations all throughout the place.

Even the service sector pitches in the Vendée tourism bandwagon by putting up campsites, restaurants, and other businesses which not only promote tourism but are also important sources of revenue and employment for Vendée’s inhabitants, generally referred to as Vendeans, as well.