The Paris International Agricultural Show (french: Salon International de l'Agriculture, italic=no, or SIA) is an annual
agricultural show
An agricultural show is a public event exhibiting the equipment, animals, sports and recreation associated with agriculture and animal husbandry. The largest comprise a livestock show (a judged event or display in which breeding stock is exhibit ...
and
trade fair
A trade fair, also known as trade show, trade exhibition, or trade exposition, is an exhibition organized so that companies in a specific industry can showcase and demonstrate their latest products and services, meet with industry partners and ...
, that takes place at the end of February or beginning of March at the
Paris expo Porte de Versailles in Paris, France. It is one of the world's largest and most important agricultural shows, drawing larger crowds than any other in Paris except the
Foire de Paris.
History
This event was first held in 1870
as the (CGA, "General Agricultural Show"). Its name was changed in 1964, but the ''Concours'' still exists and is one of the fair's main attractions.
''Notes''
Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic
In 2020, the
coronavirus pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identifie ...
forced the event to close a day earlier than anticipated on 29 February.
The CENECA's president Jean-Luc Poulain announced the cancellation of the 2021 event, initially planned from 27 February to 7 March. Valérie Le Roy, head of the event, is looking into other ways to represent and promote agriculture, a key sector of the French economy.
Structure
This show is organised on several themed zones (cows, goats, sheep, exotic animals, gastronomy, etc.) in different buildings (there are 8
exhibition hall
A convention center (American English; or conference centre in British English) is a large building that is designed to hold a convention, where individuals and groups gather to promote and share common interests. Convention centers typica ...
s) at the
Paris expo Porte de Versailles.
Themed zones
In 2015 the stands were grouped into four zones:
# ("Livestock and related sectors"): This zone houses a representative gathering of animals from the 360 exhibited species. At the 2014 show there was a total of more than 3,850 animals in this zone.
# ("Food products"): This sector represents the food culture of 18 different countries from around the world as well as from the different regions of France.
# ("Vegetable crops and related sectors"): Here were exhibited vegetable crops, especially from the cereal sector which is very important in France. This section also informed the public of new trends in gardening as well as providing activities and entertainment for all ages.
# ("Agricultural trade services"): This was run by the
French Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood, and Forestry, which is a major player in the development of agriculture and agricultural training in France.
Since 2010, the show has established thematic guided tours which varied from day to day, depending on whether they were targeted for schoolchildren or trade visitors. In 2013, ten thematic guided tours were offered to visitors, one of which was a special
golden jubilee tour.
Related shows
Every two years (odd-numbered years), the (SIMA, "Paris International Agribusiness Show") is held simultaneously at the
Parc des expositions de Paris-Nord at
Villepinte, Seine-Saint-Denis
Villepinte () is a commune in the northeastern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located from the centre of Paris. It is near the Charles de Gaulle Airport. The Parc des Expositions de Villepinte is located in the city. , the city had a popu ...
. Entrance is restricted to those working in the agriculture or forestry
On the alternate (even-numbered) years, the ("Cheese and Dairy Products Show") is held. It is the largest showcase for cheesemaking knowhow. With 150 exhibitors and 5,997 visitors (of which 20% were from abroad), this is a major trade fair for cheesemongers and buyers of cheese and dairy products.
Organisers
The show is organised by the
CENECA (french: link=no, Centre national des expositions et des concours agricoles, "National Centre for Agricultural Shows and Trade Fairs"), in partnership with the
French Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood, and Forestry. The French Minister of Agriculture is ultimately responsible for decision-making; its opening and closing dates are fixed by ministerial decree.
CENECA brings together various professional organizations in the agricultural world, agri-food and communities. The city of Paris and the government are the ultimate backers of the show. Although CENECA sets the general strategy, it subcontracts operational matters to
Comexposium.
Official visit
A state visit is a formal visit by a head of state to a foreign country, at the invitation of the head of state of that foreign country, with the latter also acting as the official host for the duration of the state visit. Speaking for the host ...
s are arranged and managed directly by the CENECA.
Jean-Luc Poulain is the current president of the CENECA and of the show.
Comexposium
Comexposium is one of Europe's leading exhibition organizers. It is a joint venture wholly owned subsidiary of the
Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry and
Unibail-Rodamco
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield SE (previously Unibail-Rodamco SE) is a French commercial real estate company headquartered in Paris, France. Its history originates with the formation of two separate shopping centre operators, Unibail (founded in Fran ...
, Comexposium organizes around 114 public and trade events per year, including five of the ten largest French fairs.
Politics and media
The mass media play an important role in publicising the show, with stands taken by
Public Sénat,
Campagne TV,
France 3
France 3 () is a French free-to-air public television channel and part of the France Télévisions group, which also includes France 2, France 4, France 5 and France Info.
It is made up of a network of regional television services provi ...
and
France Ô Visits by the French President, and the leaders of the French political parties, is usually covered. Politicians take the opportunity to reach out to the general public to debate the issues of the day, in an attempt to seem more "down to earth" , and improve their party image.
The media coverage also increases the importance of the show in the public mind, and it is keenly followed by the public. Because of this, it has become an event of international importance. It allows the French government to present the best of its agricultural sector to its European neighbours and its views on maintaining the
Common Agricultural Policy
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is the agricultural policy of the European Union. It implements a system of agricultural subsidies and other programmes. It was introduced in 1962 and has since then undergone several changes to reduce the ...
, which is very important for subsidising French farmers and for many years has also paid farmers to help protect the rural environment.
See also
*
Berlin International Green Week
References
External links
www.salon-agriculture.comwww.cga-paris.com
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Agricultural shows
Agriculture in France
Annual events in Paris
1870 establishments in France
Recurring events established in 1870