Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the 61st International Agricultural Show in Paris, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue with farmers amid concerns over foreign competition. He reaffirmed his opposition to the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, reflecting farmers’ frustrations over declining local productivity and unfair trade practices. Despite a calmer atmosphere this year, many farmers still seek concrete solutions, criticizing the dominance of large retailers and demanding better remuneration and support for various agricultural challenges.
Emmanuel Macron Opens the 61st International Agricultural Show
On Saturday, Emmanuel Macron officially inaugurated the 61st International Agricultural Show in Paris, marking a stark contrast to the tumultuous atmosphere of last year, which was marred by boos and violence. This year, he faced farmers eager for tangible solutions regarding the challenges posed by foreign competition.
Following discussions with key agricultural unions, the French president emphasized the importance of maintaining a ‘respectful dialogue’ with farmers, asserting that they should not serve as the ‘adjustment variable’ in matters of purchasing power and trade agreements.
Concerns Over Foreign Competition and Agricultural Productivity
Macron reiterated his commitment to maintaining a ‘blocking minority’ within the European Union against the free trade agreement with Mercosur countries, a stance echoed by the agricultural community that feels overwhelmed by competition from imports, particularly from South America. Véronique le Floc’h, president of the Rural Coordination union, articulated the sentiment, stating, ‘We want producers to be able to produce, not for export but to fill our plates.’
She criticized the current system, saying, ‘It’s so easy to export cheaply, import expensively, and as a result… not pay producers in France.’ This autumn, resistance to the EU-Mercosur agreement has reignited protests among farmers, who also voice concerns over tariffs from China and potential trade restrictions from the new American administration.
Arnaud Rousseau, president of the FNSEA, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting, ‘We told the president that things are not moving fast enough and that the geopolitical landscape puts us in great uncertainty.’ He stressed that French agricultural productivity is on the decline, with consumers increasingly opting for imported goods often produced under less favorable conditions than those in France.
The show opened this year amidst lingering agricultural discontent, following a tumultuous period marked by protests that saw thousands of visitors temporarily blocked from entering the exhibition center. This year’s atmosphere is notably calmer, with enhanced security measures in place, including a mobile police station and charters to manage political visits.
Over the nine days of the event, more than 600,000 visitors are anticipated, as the show showcases approximately 2,500 animals, with farmers dedicated to their care in preparation for various competitions.
Despite the calmer atmosphere, many farmers like Jean-Philippe Yon from Manche are still voicing their frustrations. He expressed dissatisfaction, stating, ‘We expect concrete answers from the head of state. There is still no income. There is a problem with the distribution of margins; everything is captured by large retailers.’ He added, ‘Macron, I won’t shake his hand.’
Macron’s team advised him to limit his visit to avoid a repeat of the extensive 13-hour tour from the previous year. He ceremonially cut the traditional ribbon on Saturday, under the watchful eye of Oupette, the Limousin cow mascot for the 2025 edition, before embarking on his tour, with barriers keeping the public at a distance.
As farmers gather around the president, they present a long list of concerns, including issues related to remuneration, animal diseases, training for young farmers, wolf predation, and the need for administrative simplification. For the government, they claim to have met their commitments, such as providing €500 million in tax relief, supporting struggling farmers, and offering indemnities for livestock owners impacted by epizootics. Additionally, just two days prior to the show, Parliament passed an agricultural orientation law, which elevates agriculture to a ‘major public interest’ status, streamlining processes related to installations, livestock buildings, and water storage.