The Paris Agriculture Fair, an annual event showcasing France's agriculture and livestock, has opened its doors without cows for the first time in history due to fears surrounding an outbreak of lumpy skin disease. This unprecedented decision comes as a significant change to a tradition that usually features a wide array of livestock, highlighting the pressing challenges faced by the agricultural sector.

French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the fair, but the absence of cattle is overshadowed by the boycott from France's two main farmer unions. These unions are protesting the economic pressures that farmers are currently grappling with, including rising costs and concerns about the European Union's agricultural reforms, which they believe threaten their livelihoods. The unions expressed their dissent through this boycott, which emphasizes the growing discord between French farmers and the government.

The implications of this year’s fair extend beyond just the missing cattle; they reflect broader issues in agriculture, including health crises affecting livestock and the urgent needs for policy changes to support farmers. The absence of livestock not only alters the fair's traditional atmosphere but also ignites discussions on agricultural policies, animal health, and the future of farming in France.