Issued on: 22/02/2026 - 14:44Modified: 22/02/2026 - 14:46

The Paris Agriculture Fair opened on Saturday without cows on display for the first time in its history – a major attraction that has drawn large crowds in previous years – due to concerns over a recent outbreak of lumpy skin disease. The government’s handling of the epidemic, which included culling entire herds in affected areas, has been criticised by some French farmers. Anger over the issue was among the drivers of protests in Paris last month. Jean-Luc Demarty, former director-general for trade at the European Commission, said the broader problems plaguing France’s farming sector stem from “15 years of failure” in the country’s agricultural policy.

Keywords for this article

French high school students react to Education Minister’s measures

France education minister promises 3,000 extra teachers in bid to quell protests

French student protests: Police impunity ‘below' the standards of a 'well-functioning democracy’

'Fighting for our future': France high school students vow no let-up

France suspends stun grenade use at student protests after pupil loses hand

France schools protests: more than 6,000 arrested since start of demonstrations

France: Government suspends stun grenade use in school protests

French policeman charged after firing tear gas grenade at high school student

Calls to block social media platforms for minors in France amid school protests

Students, unions and teachers in mass movement to demand better learning conditions

The content you requested does not exist or is not available anymore.