The 61st edition of the International Agricultural Show (SIA) commenced on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 9 a.m. at the Parc des Expositions at Porte de Versailles in Paris, with Morocco as the guest of honor. President Emmanuel Macron arrived shortly before the official opening, around 8 a.m., to inaugurate the event.

Context and Agricultural Sector Expectations

This edition takes place in a calmer atmosphere compared to the previous year, which was marked by agricultural protests and clashes during the presidential visit, leading to delayed gate openings and the closure of Pavilion 1 until 3 p.m. Despite the recent adoption of the Agricultural Orientation Law, farmers continue to express concerns regarding regulatory reductions, international trade threats, notably from Donald Trump, and the EU-Mercosur agreement.

Measures to Regulate Political Visits

To prevent the disruptions of previous years, organizers have implemented a charter limiting political delegations to 25 individuals, excluding security personnel, for a single day. Jérôme Despey, the new president of the event, emphasized that some delegations previously numbered up to 80 people, necessitating this regulation.

Event Ambassador: Oupette

Oupette, a six-year-old Limousine cow from Poitou, serves as the mascot for this edition. She arrived in Paris the day before with her breeder, Alexandre Humeau, and welcomes visitors at the entrance of Pavilion 1, accompanied by her calf named Vienne.

Reactions from Agricultural Unions

Arnaud Rousseau, president of the FNSEA, expressed his desire for this edition to proceed in a peaceful climate, recalling the significant support from the French public for the agricultural sector over the past year. He emphasized the importance of hosting the public in a convivial atmosphere, highlighting the tasting of local products and the presentation of livestock.

European Agricultural Reforms and Trade Issues

Simultaneously, the European Commission has unveiled a roadmap aiming to modernize agriculture and food systems within the EU by 2040. This initiative seeks to streamline bureaucracy, ensure fair incomes for farmers, and harmonize production standards, particularly concerning pesticides and animal welfare. This effort comes amid trade tensions, notably with the United States, where threats of tariffs on European imports, including wine, have raised concerns among producers. Additionally, the trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur faces criticism from French farmers, who fear unfair competition due to less stringent production standards in Mercosur countries.

In response to these concerns, French Minister of Agriculture Luis Planas stated that any dialogue with the United States should occur with mutual respect and without threats, underscoring the importance of defending French producers’ interests while adhering to international trade rules.

Thus, this edition of the SIA unfolds at a pivotal moment for the French agricultural sector, confronting significant national and international challenges.