Latest news with #ParisInternationalAgriculturalShow
Euronews
28-02-2025
- Business
- Euronews
France's agricultural crisis: Who will be part of the next generation of farmers?
Every year, thousands of farmers gather in Paris for one of Europe's largest agricultural fairs showcasing livestock, produce and tools. It's not only an opportunity to highlight the work of French farmers, but also a forum where they can voice their worries. One of the main concerns and biggest challenges facing the sector revolves around who will be part of the next generation of farmers. The profession is on the verge of a major generational shift. For every farmer that sets up, three leave the sector. With its workforce ageing rapidly, half of France's 400,000 farmers are set to retire by 2030. At the Paris International Agricultural Show — which runs until Sunday — a competition for sheep handling was underway when Euronews visited the fair. Students from all over France were there to either participate or help in the organisation of the competition. Jazon, a 20-year-old agriculture student, told Euronews that he initially dreamed of becoming a farmer. That's until he was confronted with the harsh reality of the job. "At one point I had the idea of setting up as a farmer during my technical training," he said. "I did my apprenticeship on a farm where I could have partnered up with my boss. But ... it was too demanding, there are too many problems and too much work." Every year, 10,000 farms close down in France due to a lack of buyers. "My old boss had no buyers so he decided to sell his farm. It's a very complicated profession", sighed Jazon. Optimism despite agricultural crisis Many farmers in France feel exasperated by low produce prices, heavy regulations, and global competition. This is a concern for many students in Jason's agricultural school, his teacher said. "When you take over a farm, if you have to acquire the farm's capital, you have to invest a lot. It's a loan over 25 to 30 years. Banks sometimes don't support you." said Sévérine Cassel, a training coordinator at an agricultural high school in southern France. "There's also the pressure of the job, you're working a lot. And that can demoralise young people who want to have a family and a life away from the farm," she added. But other students, such as 20-year-old Lucie, refuse to be discouraged by the low pay and long hours. She would like to eventually take over her father's sheep and cattle farm. "The challenges definitely make you reconsider; that's for sure ... But I tell myself that since I'm passionate about it, that's not going to stop me," she said. One in five farmers live below the poverty line in France and are heavily reliant on government subsidies for survival. In 2022, farmers worked an average of 15 hours more per week than the general population, according to French government statistics. But Cassel, the teacher, said she refuses to have a negative outlook despite the current agricultural crisis facing the country. "I think we have to be positive. These young people have so many bright ideas and they will make things happen. I'm confident," she said.
Ya Biladi
22-02-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's Govt. Head inaugurates Kingdom's pavilion at Paris International Agricultural Show
On Saturday, Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch inaugurated the Moroccan pavilion at the Paris International Agricultural Show, where Morocco is the first foreign guest of honor. Akhannouch was accompanied by French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, Morocco's Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests Ahmed El Bouari, as well as Ambassador of His Majesty the King in Paris Samira Sitail. Together, they cut the ribbon to officially open the Moroccan pavilion. Le chef du gouvernement marocain et le MAE français ont pris le temps de discuter avec de nombreux exposants marocains et de goûter aux nombreux produits du terroir? — (@yabiladi_fr) February 22, 2025 Following the inauguration, Akhannouch toured the pavilion and engaged in discussions with Moroccan exhibitors, in the presence of several members of the Moroccan community. French political figures, including Vice-President of the French National Assembly Naïma Moutchou, President of the France-Morocco Friendship Group in the French Senate Christian Cambon, and Senator Hervé Marseille, also participated in the visit. For Akhannouch, Morocco's presence at the Paris International Agricultural Show as guest of honor for the first time in the event's history reflects the «deep friendship» between Morocco and France, as well as the importance of agriculture and the solidarity of Moroccan farmers. He emphasized that Morocco's participation highlighted local products and the involvement of all territories, specifically noting the contribution of women's cooperatives showcasing their products. «This demonstrates the variety and richness of the agricultural products we have in our country», Akhannouch said. Amidst the exceptional relations between the two countries, Morocco's recognition at the 2025 SIA (February 22-March 2) underscores the uniqueness of the France-Morocco partnership. It is also a fitting tribute to Morocco, which has become a regional and continental leader in sustainable agriculture. The Kingdom will occupy a 476 m² pavilion, showcasing the diversity and richness of its agriculture at the heart of the Show. Organized under the motto 'A French Pride,' the 61st SIA is expected to attract over 600,000 visitors, with 4,000 animals and 1,000 exhibitors spread across a 16-hectare site with 9 pavilions. Morocco's tribute at the SIA is also a precursor to an upcoming event: next April, France will be the guest of honor at the International Agriculture Exhibition in Morocco (SIAM) in Meknes. This exchange serves as a powerful symbol of the complementary relationship between the two nations, extending beyond trade to tackle significant challenges in the sector, such as food security, water resource management, and agricultural innovation.
Morocco World
22-02-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
What's on Gérard Larcher's Agenda for His 3-Day Morocco Visit?
Doha – The French Senate confirmed in a press release yesterday what Moroccan newspapers have been reporting over the past few days about Senate President Gérard Larcher's upcoming official visit to Morocco on February 23-26. This visit comes at a time when Franco-Moroccan relations are witnessing unprecedented momentum, especially this month. The period has seen Culture Minister Rachida Dati complete a two-day visit earlier this week where she signed ten cultural cooperation agreements and visited Rabat, Tarfaya, Laayoune, and Dakhla. Elsewhere, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch today inaugurated Morocco's 476-square-meter pavilion as the first foreign guest of honor at the Paris International Agricultural Show. Larcher will be accompanied by a high-level delegation including Christian Cambon, President of the France-Morocco friendship group, Cédric Perrin, President of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Hervé Marseille and Corinne Féret, both Vice-presidents of the France-Morocco friendship group. The detailed program begins Sunday afternoon with Larcher's arrival at Rabat-Salé airport, where he will be welcomed by Mohamed Ould Errachid, President of the Chamber of Counselors. Read also: Morocco, France Strengthen Parliamentary Cooperation with New Agreement The evening includes a meeting with representatives of the French community in Morocco. Monday's agenda starts at 9:30 a.m. with a ceremony at the Mohammed V Mausoleum, followed by a series of high-level meetings with Moroccan officials, including the President of the Chamber of Counselors, the Vice-president of the House of Representatives, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, and Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch. The day will conclude with a meeting with Khalihenna Ould Errachid, President of the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs, followed by an evening reception in Laayoune. The highlight of the visit comes on Tuesday, February 25, when Larcher will travel to the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region, marking a further confirmation of France's new position regarding Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. The Senate President will meet with local authorities and visit several socio-economic projects, including the new University Hospital Center and other infrastructure developments in the region. The visit, organized at the invitation of Chamber of Counselors President Mohamed Ould Errachid, aims to strengthen interparliamentary cooperation and friendship ties between France and Morocco, according to the Senate's press release.
