SIA 2026: A One-of-a-Kind Edition
A unique edition marked by the absence of cattle
To all of you—farmers, exhibitors, partners, elected officials, professionals, media, and loyal visitors—the Paris International Agricultural Show 2026 has just closed its doors.
This edition was unlike any other. It will remain a unique year in the history of the Show.
The absence of cattle, resulting from the decision of the Cattle Breed Selection Organizations, a first in 62 years, deeply marked this edition. The Show has historically and emotionally been linked to cattle farming. It is a whole, just as agriculture is a whole.
We respected the decision of the breeders, but we must acknowledge that, beyond the legitimate emotion, a climate of hesitation followed. Some hesitated to come. Others chose not to participate. Calls for a boycott, conflicting statements, and sometimes exaggerated controversies may have contributed to fueling doubt: a Show announced as a place of tension is less inviting.
Exogenous factors also played a real role. We cannot precisely quantify the impact of school vacations, but this is the first time in eight years that the dates of the three regions have overlapped over several days. This inevitably influenced the dynamics of the first weekend. The sometimes difficult weather conditions also may have hindered some travel, particularly for families.
A Show Rich Beyond Attendance
However, reducing this edition to its attendance rate would be a mistake.
The Paris International Agricultural Show 2026 also hosted
- nearly 3,500 animals,
- 1,100 exhibitors,
- producers from all regions,
- and spaces dedicated to plant sectors, research, innovation, and new agricultural technologies.
It is the Concours Général Agricole, a historic pillar of the Show, with its seven categories in competition this year, its exceptional products, its young talents, and its engaged sectors.
It is the diversity of French agriculture coming together in Paris: livestock, crops, gastronomy, education, innovations, and solutions for tomorrow.
All of this is significant and inspiring.
Nine Days of Exchange, Respect, and Education
On the ground, the reality experienced there was often different from the image projected. The vast majority of the event took place in a calm, respectful atmosphere with high-quality exchanges.
What we have observed through feedback from many exhibitors is a Show where discussions were allowed to truly unfold—and this is the strength of the Paris International Agricultural Show! A place for exchange, discovery, education, transmission, and respect. While this edition may have been slightly less dense, the quality was undoubtedly present.
Strengthened International Reach
The Show has also strengthened its institutional and international role:
- 79 official visits,
- Côte d'Ivoire as the guest of honor,
- numerous foreign delegations,
- and ambassadors from nearly 50 countries.
This “I” of the Paris International Agricultural Show has been continuously reinforced over the past two years. Despite the context, the Paris International Agricultural Show remains unquestionably a powerful showcase for French agriculture and a sounding board for its challenges.
A Tribute to the Breeders and a Look Ahead to 2027
This year, we chose to honor all French cattle breeds in tribute to the breeders who were unable to attend. This was neither a hollow symbolic gesture nor a mere communication operation. It was a way of saying that we were thinking of them and that their place at the Show will never be questioned. Among the most memorable images of this edition, the Brahman from Martinique, initially planned as the Show's mascot, will remain a symbol: physically absent, but present in hologram... and in our minds.
We are convinced that after this very special year, the Show will return next year stronger than ever. If health conditions permit, cattle and poultry will be back. The whole family will be reunited... We will have time to talk about it, to prepare for it, and to promote it. But the rebound starts now: it does not depend only on the organizers. It depends on all those who love and support the Show.
The Show belongs to the agricultural world in all its diversity. It is loved by all, but it is also fragile. As soon as it is weakened by absences, tensions, or divisions, it immediately bears the consequences.
The Show is a bridge between farmers and the French, between sectors and regions, between France and the world. But it is also a place of family and friendly conviviality. To weaken it is to undermine this unique space for dialogue. We must not play with this common good that is the Paris International Agricultural Show.
