Upcoming Trade Shows in France for Agriculture

Connected to famed cheeses and nutrient-rich produce, France has been a traditional agricultural hub of production, innovation and exports. The country’s role within the European Union cannot be understated. Since the inception of the European Union, France has held a dominant position in agricultural production on the continent. As the largest producer within the European Union, France accounts for 19% of the entire output. But it’s not just within Europe that France stands out. The country ranks seventh globally in crop production, following behind giants like China, the United States, India, Brazil, Russia and Indonesia. The nation commands a diverse portfolio of agricultural practices and production – wheat, barley, corn, root vegetables like potatoes and sugar beets. Additionally, France is a world leader in livestock production, particularly in beef, pork, raw milk and cheese. It proudly holds the title of the world's largest producer of wine. France signed the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) in 2002, dedicating itself to sustainable agriculture and crop conservation. France entered a network of 132 other nations and currently has 263,722 crop varieties in collections to meet these goals. Amidst the devastating side effects of climate change, this mission has become one of urgent importance. These effects have become evident in France’s own challenges pertaining to difficult harvests and a decline in export sales. Market shares have shifted to other agricultural powers, creating stiff competition on the global stage. Nevertheless, France maintains a resilient domestic market thanks to the contribution of wine consumption. Challenges such as a decreasing farming population, dwindling farmland due to urbanization, and environmental concerns tied to the excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers are creating rather bleak expectations for the upcoming decade. These challenges are far from unique as other developed countries find themselves in similar predicaments.