SPACE 2024: INTERNATIONAL FARMING BEACONS FROM RENNES

The 1 210 exhibitors present, including 370 international from 37 countries welcomed 101 757 visitors (+12% compared to 2023) out of which 12 534 international from 120 countries. This record attendance on the three days of exhibition reflects the exceptional density of this edition.

 

This 2024 SPACE generated high-quality exchanges thanks to a favourable economic conjecture in the Western farming sectors. According to exhibitors, visitors came to meet them with many projects. All stressed the high quality of exchanges and the development prospects for agriculture that they allow to be  envisaged. Many visitors, both French and foreign, came to SPACE looking for suppliers and advice that will enable them to make our agriculture ever more efficient and sustainable in order to meet the global food challenge. 

For the first time since 1995, due to government context, SPACE did not host an incumbent Minister of Agriculture. However, French and international political leaders, close to the field and farmers’ concerns, came in large numbers to meet SPACE participants.

The Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources of Ivory Coast, Mr. Sidi Tiémoko Touré honored SPACE with his visit. Mr. Touré was accompanied by many Ivorian professionals, including ANAVICI, the Ivory Coast National Association of Poultry Farmers that works every day to succeed in the challenge of feeding their population locally in the future.There were yet again many delegations from Africa, with lots of projects for the development of agricultural sectors in their countries. The Agri’Panel, organized for the first time as part of the Show to discuss the importance and challenges of raw material flows between our continents, was also a highlight among the over 100 conferences held in all meeting spaces.

 

The Prefect of the Region, Philippe Gustin, the President of the Brittany Region, Loïg Chesnais-Girard, made the opening visit of this edition. Nathalie Appéré, Mayor of Rennes and President of Rennes Métropole also had the opportunity to exchange views with the various stakeholders present at SPACE during her dedicated visit. 

 

Luis Carazo Jimenez, Acting Director of the DG Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission also honoured us with his presence in a visit co-organised with the european association Maison de l’Europe. His presence gave rise to high-level exchanges on the future challenges of European agriculture with the guidelines for the future CAP which are now being written. FDI, mirror clauses, France’s place in the European and world chess board, all these crucial subjects were addressed through these exchanges.

 

A cross-party delegation from the Economic Affairs Committee of theNational Assembly, organized on the initiative of MP Nicole Le Peih alsowalked through the aisles of SPACE. Chaired by Mr Antoine Armand, newMinister of Economy, Finance and Industry, this visit was highly appreciatedby the professional leaders who were able to express their impatience withthe definition of a clear course for French agriculture.

 

Many parliamentarians were also present individually at the Show to take thepulse of the agricultural world. Among them, we can mention first of all Françoise Gatel, new Minister for Rural Affairs, Crafts and Trade, and SophiePrimas, new Minister for Foreign Trade.

 

Among the various visits of national organizations, it is important mentioning that of about twenty representatives of the National Commission for Organic Farming of the Chambers of Agriculture of France who were able to discover with interest the offer that corresponds to them on SPACE.The Espace for Future was this year under the theme: «Empowering Generations: let’s invent the Future». This slogan perfectly reflects the general spirit that prevailed on this edition. Many exchanges, very busy round tables, practical solutions exposed… A complete offer to discuss the themes of transmission, financing, organization and organisation of working time,… to answer the crucial questions for the future: how to attract and transmit, how to retain employees, how to understand each other across generations, how to chart your own path…All these subjects have once again made Espace for the Future a real melting pot for the future of animal farming in the West.

Bet won! SPACE has reached the new generation. The Youth Forum has set the course two years ago with its desire to give young people a space to express their expectations of living well in their profession. It was completed by the Tech’Agri Challenge by Innov’Space, which promotes the joint work of students in innovation to provide solutions for farmers. This year, the organization has again proposed new features to its young public, with the Farming Simulator which was very successful in terms of participation. We also welcomed the community of influencers who share their lives as young farmers in a positive light on social media. Their meet & greet session was very popular. It was one of the most exciting moments of this week.

The animal presentations and competitions provided a unique genetic showcase for visitors. The strict sanitary framework imposed by SPACE on exhibiting breeders and the derogation of official authorities, allowed these presentations and competitions to take place in a configuration almost identical to that foreseen before this uncertain health context due to the EHD and Ovine Catarrhal Fever epidemics. The competitions were of a very high standard, with beautiful animals, as well as the “Meat Excellence” auction and Genomic Elite auction which are now references at international level. The Supreme Championship, unique in the Exhibitions’ world and crowning the judges’ favourite of all competitions, this year has awarded a “Pie Rouge” cow, after having rewarded a Jersey, a Normand and a Prim’holstein in previous years. This diversity is the best proof of the excellence offered by SPACE animal presentations regardless of breed. This year’s honour breed, the Limousin and the Prim’Holstein as part of the Challenge France offered all genetics enthusiasts exceptional moments of professionalism and quality.

The public at the Show greatly appreciated these new features proposed by SPACE. These participants also noted and welcomed the high level of overall organization of the event. The participants also enjoyed the convivial moments in the new dedicated areas on the Show, such as the first Breton Medallists’ Village of the French General Agricultural Competition or the new Terrace area which offered a wide range of restaurants. The return of the exhibitors’ breakfast on Thursday was much appreciated. The evenings at SPACE, starting with the Before party and going to the Young Farmers Association closing party, the Exhibitors’ party and the farmer’s evening, were marked by an extraordinary atmosphere of exchange and conviviality.

This 2024 SPACE edition was the full expression of the modernity of agriculture by allowing to clearly and openly ask questions related to the farms acquisitions. Faced with these questions, professionals have found the technical solutions, innovations, advice and guidance to enable them to flourish in their jobs and live well tomorrow. It is the best guarantee for the future of agriculture in the West and in the 120 countries that come to meet SPACE. Our farming models are attractive and meet the expectations of the industry. This SPACE 2024 was an inspiring and shining proof of it.