The 61st edition of the Salon International de l'Agriculture (SIA) officially opened on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Parc des Expositions, Porte de Versailles, Paris. This year’s event features the Kingdom of Morocco as the guest of honor, underscoring the importance of international agricultural partnerships.
With expectations of drawing around 600,000 visitors over nine days, the Salon has become the premier gathering for agriculture enthusiasts, industry experts, and the public alike. President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the show just after 9:00 AM, participating actively with various agricultural unions and stakeholders earlier, hoping to set a cooperative tone following the turbulent events of the previous year.
Last year’s opening was marred by significant unrest, including protests and violent clashes related to widespread farmer dissatisfaction over economic conditions and regulatory pressures. Macron addressed these issues head-on, stating, "Our farmers cannot be the variable adjustment of purchasing power... nor of agricultural agreements," emphasizing his commitment to supporting French agriculture against international competition.
During his remarks, Macron also mentioned the contentious EU-Mercosur trade agreement, which has faced backlash from many French farmers concerned about unfair trade practices. He declared, "We will do everything to prevent the EU-Mercosur trade agreement from proceeding as it is," reinforcing his stance on protecting the national agricultural sector and advocating for food sovereignty.
Macron's call for calm and respectful dialogue was particularly poignant as he navigated the complex relationship between political directives and agricultural needs. "I call for calm and respectful dialogue," he stressed. This approach aims to create space for constructive discussions about the future of farming policies, especially as many farmers face harsh economic realities.
Intriguingly, the event this year is marked by enhanced security measures and restrictions on the size of political delegations attending. Organizers sought to avoid the chaos seen during past editions by limiting group sizes and implementing strict crowd control. "We aim to create a peaceful environment where agricultural issues can be discussed openly," noted Jerome Despey, the new president of the Salon.
A popular highlight of the show remains its tradition of featuring prominent animals, with Oupette, a six-year-old Limousine cow, representing this year's agricultural pride. Her owner, Alexandre Humeau, shared, "Oupette will be the star of all photos," as she welcomes visitors and symbolizes the rich diversity of the French agricultural sector.
Reflecting on the atmosphere compared to last year, Arnaud Rousseau, president of FNSEA, remarked, "This year, we hope everything goes smoothly," signaling a shared desire among attendees for more positive interactions.
The SIA is not only about showcasing livestock and crops; it also serves as the cultural heart of rural France, connecting urban populations with agricultural realities. From tasting local wines to engaging with farmers, visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves fully in the agricultural experiences highlighted throughout the venue.
This year's show runs until March 2, 2025, with exhibitors displaying everything from innovative farming techniques to traditional agricultural practices, ensuring every type of visitor finds something of interest.