professionals in the sector warn of the need to attract young people, otherwise “in twenty years we will be like doctors today”

Final preparations before the opening of the agricultural show, 500,000 visitors are expected from 9 a.m. on Saturday February 25, until March 5. It will be inaugurated by the President of the Republic, who should, as usual, spend a good part of the day there.

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In the main hall, the cries of animals still alternate with the shrill noises of drills. At the entrance, in the place of honor, Ovalie arrived in the early morning. This 5-year-old Salers cow came from Cantal. A muse cow, they say, her photo is everywhere, on all the posters at the show. She is surrounded by her two little twin calves, born in January. His breeder, Marine Van Simmertier, is very proud to be there: “We will try to represent our Salers breed well. It is a rustic and mountain breed.”

“It’s a breed that is very maternal and has a lot of economic quality also because of its hardiness which allows young people like us to be able to settle in somewhat difficult areas in the mountains. We are proud to represent that today. today.”

Marine Van Simmertier, breeder

at franceinfo

Especially since the Ovalie breeders have a specificity. They are not from an agricultural background. They grew up far from animals, and even further from Cantal. As we know, half of the farmers will retire by 2030 and there are not enough sons and daughters of farmers to take over, hence the importance of making people want to become a farmer. An issue for the show provided we know where we are going. “We know that if we do nothing in twenty years, we will be like doctors today, we will lack farmers, says Jean-Luc Poulain, president of the agricultural show. Giving prospects to the profession is giving prospects to young people to settle down.”

“What I intend to say to the President of the Republic is: ‘Give us a long-term perspective and stop changing the rules like that every year.'”

Jean-Luc Poulain, president of the agricultural show

at franceinfo

Benchmarks and a clear roadmap, the tone is set a few hours before the start of the Show.