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The Paris Salon de l'Agriculture is underway, bringing more than 1,000 exhibitors and 4,000 animals to the capital in a showcase event for the French farming sector.

The event is also an annual pilgrimage for politicians looking to shore up their public image with photo opportunities. More than 60,000 members of the public attended last year.

Whereas the 2024 show was mired by the national farmers’ protests, this year’s event has been largely free of controversy.

The show in numbers:

More than 1,000 exhibitors and 1,400 breeders are taking part in the Concours Général Agricole des Animaux, in which 2,166 animals are presented in competitions promoting genetic excellence, sustainable breeding practices and animal welfare.

Among them is the event's emblematic mascot - a six-year-old Limousin cow, named Oupette, accompanied by her breeder Alexandre Humeau.

• Cattle: 45% of participants, with a predominance of Limousin, Charolais and Norman breeds.

• Sheep and goats: 30% of breeders, highlighting hardy breeds adapted to regions (Solognot, Rove).

• Poultry and rabbits: 15% of breeders, with specific competitions for heritage breeds.

• Horses: 10% of breeders, including presentations of draught and saddle horses.

• While the figure of 1,400 breeders corresponds strictly to the participants in the Concours Général Agricole, other professionals are also present in the themed pavilions.

• Hall des Régions: 200 breeders from the Loire, Brittany and Alsace will be running educational workshops and milking demonstrations.

• International area: 50 breeders from Morocco, Brazil and Australia share their pastoral or intensive breeding techniques.