The Agricultural Show is scheduled to be held from February 24 to March 3 for its 60th edition. This annual meeting is an event awaited by many French people. How will things happen this year in a context of crisis where farmers are making their anger heard by the government?
THE International Agricultural Show returns from February 24 to March 3, 2024. An event eagerly awaited by the French, young and old, who come to meet farmers and animals. This major exhibition, which has been moving the countryside to the capital for many decades and welcomes nearly 600,000 visitors each year, showcases the richness of local products, regions and French know-how. And every year, politicians go there to support professionals in the sector. But in a context of crisis, where farmers, peasants, growers, wine growers, market gardeners, orchardists, breeders, cereal growers (and many others) are trying to make their voices heard by the government, this 60th edition should have a completely different resonance than a simple anniversary.
Professionals in the sector denounce their living and working conditions, financial difficulties, the increase in energy prices and taxes on diesel, environmental standards that are too strict in France compared to other countries that import their products. by competing with them… Anger continues to grow among farmers who have stepped up their actions in Paris in recent days, particularly with the blocking of the A64 motorway.
After 10 days of protest, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced, on February 1 during a press conference in Matignon, measures to respond to the crisis in the agricultural sector. An envelope of 150 million euros will thus be allocated “in fiscal and social support” for breeders, “from this year and in the long term”. The government also promises the strengthening of the Egalim law to protect farmers’ income (with more controls) and the inclusion in law of the principle of food sovereignty. In addition, the Ecophyto plan, aimed at reducing the use of pesticides, is “paused” and fruits and vegetables containing them can no longer be imported into France.
While the farmers planned to continue their mobilization by blocking the capital, including during the Agricultural Show if they did not win their case, the latter finally put an end to the blockades, at the request of the presidents of the FNSEA and Young Farmers. But they expect the government to keep its promises. If necessary, “we will set the table again”, declared this February 2 to BFMTV Arnaud Rousseau, who wishes to see by June “things about facilities, competitiveness, (…) food sovereignty“.
If their minds are not yet turned towards the Agricultural Show, it will take place as planned at the Porte de Versailles in Paris, from February 24 to March 3. The opportunity for them to make themselves heard once again, by remaining in solidarity with each other. “Between hopes and problems, projects and dead ends, fed up and comfort, the show oscillates each year in a constant balance. This year will demonstrate this balance with a reinforced pedagogical duty. More than ever, there is a need to build bridges rather than walls.” declared Jean-Luc Poulain, President of Ceneca and President of the International Agricultural Show.