The Paris International Agricultural Show (, or SIA) is an annual agricultural show and trade fair, that takes place at the end of February or beginning of March at the Paris expo Porte de Versailles in Paris, France. It is one of the world's largest and most important agricultural shows, drawing larger crowds than any other in Paris except the Foire de Paris.

History This event was first held in 1870 as the (CGA, "General Agricultural Show"). Its name was changed in 1964, but the Concours still exists and is one of the fair's main attractions.

Number Year Dates Location Exhibitors Visitors Notes 44 2007 3 March 11 March Paris expo Porte de Versailles 1,120 The show was opened by Jacques Chirac. Under new management, it covered with 1,120 exhibitors and 3,800 animals. Among the exhibitors from 80 countries, Russia, Japan and Syria were represented for the first time. The show was marked by a return to normal levels of attendance after the avian flu crisis of the previous year, and by the visits of the main presidential candidates, which has become almost obligatory in an election year. 45 2008 23 February 2 March Paris expo Porte de Versailles 1,017 608,372 As always, it included the Concours général agricole: there were 35 official visits and 200 visits by foreign delegations. 49 2012 25 February 4 March Paris expo Porte de Versailles 1,000 680,200 50 2013 22 February 4 March Paris expo Porte de Versailles 1,300 693,752 Representation from 37 countries, 917 exhibitors showed 2,300 animals, Seven animal families were represented, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, donkeys and dogs, with 370 species and 1900 exhibitors, with 53 official visits. 51 2014 22 February 2 March Paris expo Porte de Versailles 1,300 703,407 22 countries represented: 4,000 animals split over 6 exhibition halls. 52 2015 21 February 1 March Paris expo Porte de Versailles 1,050 691,058 3,859 animals represented over 6 exhibition halls.53201627 February6 MarchParis expo Porte de Versailles1,200611,01554201725 February5 MarchParis expo Porte de Versaillesca. 1,000618,95855201824 February4 MarchParis expo Porte de Versaillesca. 1,000672,56856201923 February3 MarchParis expo Porte de Versaillesca. 1,000633,21357202022 February29 FebruaryParis expo Porte de Versaillesca. 1,000483,22158 (cancelled)202127 February7 Marchcancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic58202226 February6 Marchca. 1,000502,75759202325 February5 March Notes

Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic forced the event to close a day earlier than anticipated on 29 February.

The CENECA's president Jean-Luc Poulain announced the cancellation of the 2021 event, initially planned from 27 February to 7 March. Valérie Le Roy, head of the event, is looking into other ways to represent and promote agriculture, a key sector of the French economy.

Structure This show is organised on several themed zones (cows, goats, sheep, exotic animals, gastronomy, etc.) in different buildings (there are 8 exhibition halls) at the Paris expo Porte de Versailles.

Themed zones

In 2015 the stands were grouped into four zones: ("Livestock and related sectors"): This zone houses a representative gathering of animals from the 360 exhibited species. At the 2014 show there was a total of more than 3,850 animals in this zone. ("Food products"): This sector represents the food culture of 18 different countries from around the world as well as from the different regions of France. ("Vegetable crops and related sectors"): Here were exhibited vegetable crops, especially from the cereal sector which is very important in France. This section also informed the public of new trends in gardening as well as providing activities and entertainment for all ages. ("Agricultural trade services"): This was run by the French Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood, and Forestry, which is a major player in the development of agriculture and agricultural training in France.

Since 2010, the show has established thematic guided tours which varied from day to day, depending on whether they were targeted for schoolchildren or trade visitors. In 2013, ten thematic guided tours were offered to visitors, one of which was a special golden jubilee tour.

Related shows Every two years (odd-numbered years), the (SIMA, "Paris International Agribusiness Show") is held simultaneously at the Parc des expositions de Paris-Nord at Villepinte, Seine-Saint-Denis. Entrance is restricted to those working in the agriculture or forestry(here in English)

On the alternate (even-numbered) years, the ("Cheese and Dairy Products Show") is held. It is the largest showcase for cheesemaking know-how. With 150 exhibitors and 5,997 visitors (of which 20% were from abroad), this is a major trade fair for cheesemongers and buyers of cheese and dairy products. (here in English)

Organisers The show is organised by the CENECA (, "National Centre for Agricultural Shows and Trade Fairs"), in partnership with the French Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood, and Forestry. The French Minister of Agriculture is ultimately responsible for decision-making; its opening and closing dates are fixed by ministerial decree.

CENECA brings together various professional organizations in the agricultural world, agri-food and communities. The city of Paris and the government are the ultimate backers of the show. Although CENECA sets the general strategy, it subcontracts operational matters to Comexposium. Official visits are arranged and managed directly by the CENECA. Jean-Luc Poulain is the current president of the CENECA and of the show.

Comexposium Comexposium is one of Europe's leading exhibition organizers. It is a joint venture wholly owned subsidiary of the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Unibail-Rodamco, Comexposium organizes around 114 public and trade events per year, including five of the ten largest French fairs.

Politics and media The mass media play an important role in publicising the show, with stands taken by Public Sénat, Campagne TV, France 3 and France Ô Visits by the French President, and the leaders of the French political parties, is usually covered. Politicians take the opportunity to reach out to the general public to debate the issues of the day, in an attempt to seem more "down to earth", and improve their party image.

The media coverage also increases the importance of the show in the public mind, and it is keenly followed by the public. Because of this, it has become an event of international importance. It allows the French government to present the best of its agricultural sector to its European neighbours and its views on maintaining the Common Agricultural Policy, which is very important for subsidising French farmers and for many years has also paid farmers to help protect the rural environment.

See also Berlin International Green Week

References

External links

www.salon-agriculture.com www.cga-paris.com