Two agricultural exhbitions in Paris

There were two agricultural exhibitions in Paris, France, and I participated both of them. It was the first time for me to cover interesting farm shows in the country. As I have covered The Green Week of Berlin several times, I could see some differences among the three agricultural events.

ISA or The Paris International Agricultural Show, held annually in this season was an event for the people, including consumers, small kids, and farmers. Nearly one million people participated in it and enjoy the event by seeing farm animals and tasting local foods in many parts of France. It is similar to the Green Week of Berlin.

On the other hand, SIMA, or The Paris International Agribusiness Show, a bi-annual event, was for professionals, including farmers, farm machine companies and dealers. Although the number of participants was 238,848, much smaller than ISA, it was more a trading show than an show for the public.

I did an interview with Mr. Stephan Le Foll, French agricultural minister on 28 February, asking his comments on the ongoing Japan and EU EPA negotiations. The interview story was carried in the Japan Agricultural News two day later in Japan. As he requested the Japanese government to open up more food market of it, he also stressed importance of cooperation between France and Japan by mentioning Kubota's large investment on its farm machine factory in France.