Jean-Baptiste Marty / Photo credits: LUDOVIC MARIN / AFP 6:55 a.m., February 22, 2024
Two days before the opening of the 60th edition of the Salon de l'Agriculture, safety is more than ever at the heart of concerns.
According to information from Europe 1, farmers plan to carry out several striking actions throughout the event.
An Agricultural Show also targeted by environmental activists.
What to expect from the Agricultural Show in terms of security?
Against a backdrop of agricultural anger, this 60th edition, which begins this Saturday, promises to be agitated.
According to information from Europe 1, the authorities fear heavy-handed actions orchestrated by farmers during visits by political representatives.
Starting with Emmanuel Macron, who should confirm his presence or not in the coming hours.
“Take the head of state to task”
On site, the President of the Republic, who has never missed an edition since 2017 with the exception of 2021 due to Covid, will be the target of certain angry farmers.
According to an Intelligence note that Europe 1 was able to consult, several union representatives plan to "take on" the Head of State, "in particular with regard to his European aspect for the agricultural sector".
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Concrete actions are also planned.
Some cattle breeders plan to remove their animals during Emmanuel Macron's stroll through the aisles of the Show "in order to illustrate the policy of the empty chair and the abandonment of breeding for 30 years" by political representatives for several years .
Young Farmers from several regions have also asked their activists not to accept politicians who would come to their stand "if nothing was done before the start of the Show" regarding the promised measures.
“Highly monitored” stands
Another fear of the police is incidents on certain stands.
Dairy farmers plan to carry out targeted actions, particularly around the Lactalis stand, an agri-food group which crystallizes the discontent of a good number of breeders due to the low remuneration per liter of milk.
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According to information from Europe 1, farmers from foreign countries are organizing to come to the Agricultural Show to join the movement.
Hundreds of Belgian, Swiss and even Luxembourg dairymen are planning a media action during the event, characterized by a stroll inside pavilion 1 "with plastic cows in the colors of Europe".
Major brands under fire from critics
The stands of major brands will also be under close surveillance.
This is particularly the case of Aldi, a brand founded by the grandfather of the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, criticized by many farmers.
In this context, the Carrefour group, which had reserved a stand, finally reversed course and canceled its appearance.
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Finally, the authorities will also have to be more vigilant with environmental activists.
Very active at each edition of the Agricultural Show, the animalist and environmentalist movements could carry out various symbolic actions to denounce the government's environmental policy.