PARIS - The 61st edition of the Salon International de l'Agriculture saw French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard take center stage, delivering powerful messages about the significance of sovereignty and production. On Sunday, February 23, 2025, Genevard inaugurated the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty's stand, centered around the theme "Proud of Our Agriculture." This exhibit showcases the dedication and expertise of farmers across France, featuring thematic sessions, interactive cooking workshops, quizzes, awards, and tastings of products from agricultural high schools throughout the event.
Genevard's address began on a hopeful note, highlighting the successful opening weekend. "The elections passed, the budget voted, the commitments upheld, the emergency aid payments made, and the legislative texts voted or pending," she stated, underscoring the foundation for fostering collective ambition for French agriculture and agribusiness. She called for unity to rekindle national pride, saying, "Let us carry together the ambition of this regained pride and share it with the French people." Genevard's remarks were aimed at strengthening support for local farmers and the agricultural sector.
During her visit to the cider producers' stand on the same day, Genevard discussed the challenges surrounding international cider marketing, indicating the importance of common standards. "It is imperative to establish a common definition of cider," emphasized Thomas Pelletier, the president of the national interprofessional cider union (Unicid). He highlighted the need for regulations to prevent lower quality products from being sold under the cider label, affecting the sustainability of the cider industry.
Genevard spoke passionately about the need for France to increase its agricultural output to aid food sovereignty. "France must produce more to eat well," she proclaimed, adding, "Produce more to reclaim the French plate, produce more to import less and guarantee the production standards we demand from our farmers." Her statement received enthusiastic applause from the audience, which mostly consisted of representatives from the agricultural community.
While framing her vision within the current geopolitical climate, Genevard stated, "The world is undergoing significant upheaval, and France must assert its agricultural sovereignty as a key concern and reinforce its food power." This call to action aligns with President Emmanuel Macron's previous commitments to protecting French food sovereignty. "Tomorrow, there is nothing to say food may not become a weapon, and our responsibility is to produce locally what sustains us and nourishes our children," Macron insisted.
Despite these bold assertions, Genevard faced criticism, particularly from leftist and environmentalist groups. They worry about the potential adverse effects of increased production on environmental sustainability. She rejected claims of promoting agricultural practices harmful to the environment, stating, "We must turn away from advocates of degrowth," and criticized those who romanticize the traditional agricultural model. She maintained the need for balance, arguing, "I do not want to leave future generations with an agricultural debt alongside our environmental responsibilities." This perspective starkly contrasts previous administration views emphasizing ecological transition.
The Minister’s speeches were met with mixed reactions from different agricultural organizations. The FNSEA hailed her insistence on loans and financial aids as mechanisms proving tangible support to struggling farmers and economic recovery. Conversely, the Confédération Paysanne, which advocates for genuine agroecological transitions, opted to boycott Genevard's speaking events, citing unresolved issues like the insufficient addressing of minimum price guarantees for farmers.
The majority of attendees during her speeches were optimistic about Genevard's tenacity, particularly after the previous year's turmoil characterized by widespread agricultural unrest and demonstrations. Reflecting on the calmer atmosphere of this year's salon, Genevard noted, "It is not like any other salon; it follows almost 12 months of crises, and here, we have the farmers ready to show what they can do well for the French."
Genevard's Vision for Agriculture
Genevard’s overarching message was clear: enhancing agricultural productivity is pivotal for maintaining France’s position as a global agricultural powerhouse. This assertion gives rise to discussions about the need for viable solutions to support farmers tackling various adversities, whether climatic, economic, or social. During her time at the salon, many expressed hope for more significant reforms, including necessities like remunerative pricing practices, aimed at stabilizing farmer revenues and ensuring farm viability.
Alongside these concerns, the issue of competing international trade deals, such as the controversial Mercosur agreement, was brought to light. Genevard firmly opposes the deal, fearing it would lead to unfair competition against French agricultural products. “All political positions align to say ‘no’,” she declared, emphasizing the need for cohesive action to protect national interests.
Overall, Genevard's participation at the 2025 Salon International de l'Agriculture was marked by strong commitments to bolster French agricultural sovereignty and encourage unity among farmers. While celebrating successes and addressing past disappointments from the agricultural community, Genevard’s ambitions resonate as the foundation upon which France can reaffirm its agricultural leadership and resilience.