Farmers Arrive Angry at 2026 Paris Agriculture Fair

France’s 2026 Agriculture Fair Opens in Turbulent Times

France’s iconic Salon International de l’Agriculture has always been a showcase of rural pride and tradition — but this year, the mood is tense. As the 62nd edition opens in Paris from 21 February to 1 March 2026, farm unions are arriving with a long list of demands and a deep sense of frustration.

The annual event, usually vibrant with livestock parades and local delicacies, will look very different this year — and not just because of politics.

A Year Without Cows: An Unprecedented Crisis

For the first time in six decades, no cattle will feature at the fair, a symbolic reflection of the ongoing dermatose nodulaire contagieuse (DNC) outbreak. This fast-spreading viral disease among bovines has led to strict containment measures across France.

The absence of cows — the traditional stars of the Salon — highlights the growing crisis in French livestock farming, already strained by disease, falling prices, and environmental restrictions.

Farmers’ Unions Bring Strong Demands

FNSEA Pushes for Sovereignty and Water Rights

The FNSEA, France’s largest farming union, is demanding that food sovereignty and agricultural production be formally written into French law. Key points on their agenda include:

Making sovereignty and food security cornerstones of agricultural policy.
Expanding water storage capacity and ensuring priority water access for farmers.
Establishing permanent authorization to control wolf populations once they exceed 500 individuals.
EU-level alignment on pesticide and fertilizer use to maintain fair competition.

FNSEA vice-president Luc Smessaert stressed that “agriculture must not be excluded from water catchment protection zones,” underscoring tensions between environmental policy and food production.

Coordination Rurale: No More Red Tape

The Coordination Rurale (CR), the country’s second-largest union, has adopted a more confrontational tone. Secretary General François Walraet denounced limited water access, excessive paperwork, and the unbalanced competition between France and its EU neighbours.

CR has gone so far as to boycott the fair’s official opening by President Emmanuel Macron, warning of a “hostile welcome” if he tries to attend.

Confédération Paysanne: Focus on Farmer Incomes

Meanwhile, the Confédération Paysanne is also boycotting, accusing the government of neglecting farmers’ incomes and mishandling the DNC crisis. The union continues to campaign for fairer farmgate prices and better disease control compensation.

The Government’s “Emergency Law” Still on Hold

Announced in January by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, the “agricultural emergency law” was meant to address the crisis head-on. Yet, as the fair opens, many details remain unknown.

The bill — centered around water management, predator control, and production freedom — is now scheduled for Senate debate in June and possible National Assembly review in autumn 2026.

In the meantime:

The government has placed a moratorium on new water policy decisions.
13 hydraulic projects have been approved to support farm irrigation.
Young Farmers (Jeunes Agriculteurs) are proposing “Future Farm Contracts” to help farms adapt to climate pressures.

Despite the tension, JA president Pierrick Horel confirmed his group will attend the Salon, calling it “a space for dialogue, not confrontation.”

Why It Matters

This year marks a turning point for French agriculture, caught between tradition and transformation. Environmental demands, trade pressures, and climate-related challenges are redefining what it means to be a farmer in France.

As the country’s political leaders prepare for a difficult summer of negotiations, the 2026 Salon de l’Agriculture is shaping up to be less of a celebration — and more of a battle for the future of French farming.