French Agricultural Show 2026: A Celebration of Quality and Innovation
The annual French Agricultural Show (CGA), a cornerstone of French agricultural tradition, is set to take place from February 21 to March 1, 2026, at Porte de Versailles in Paris. This year’s event will showcase the best of French agriculture, despite facing challenges such as the outbreak of bovine lumpy skin disease and the ongoing wine crisis. The show aims to promote the quality and excellence of French agricultural production, offering economic valorization to producers and a guarantee of quality to consumers.
Adapting to Challenges: Animal Health and Show Organization
Due to the circulation of contagious bovine lumpy skin disease in several French departments, organizers have made the difficult decision to cancel cattle competitions this year. This measure, taken in consultation with selection organizations and breeders, aims to protect the genetics of French cattle herds from a disease that currently requires the automatic slaughter of affected herds.
Despite the absence of cattle competitions, the show will still feature competitions for sheep, pigs, goats, dogs, cats, horses, and donkeys, judged by professional juries. Visitors will be able to attend these competitions and witness the high standards of French livestock breeding.
Celebrating French Local Products: A Growing Competition
The CGA also features a significant competition for French local products. In 2026, a record 8,130 products are registered to compete across 19 diverse categories, including jams, dairy products, oysters, aperitifs, charcuterie, beer, meat, and foie gras. This represents an increase in submissions, reflecting developments in both production and consumption patterns.
Notably, there has been a 50% increase in honey submissions following two years of poor production, and a 32% increase in fruit juice submissions. Though, the wine sector is facing challenges, with a 10% decrease in submissions due to the current wine crisis and ongoing uprooting of vineyards.
The Rigorous Judging Process
The judging process for wines and products at the CGA is meticulous. Mixed juries, comprised of both professionals and trained consumer volunteers, conduct blind tastings. In 2025, 6,687 jurors participated, including 2,458 professionals and 4,229 consumers. For 2026, a record 11,207 jurors have registered, demonstrating strong consumer engagement. The CGA organized 47 training courses across France to prepare these citizen jurors.
Products and wines are collected directly from farms under strict regulations, renewed annually. Producers register between November 5 and January 7, allowing for seasonal variations and freshness. Samples are sealed and anonymized to ensure impartiality. Three samples are collected per producer: one for tasting, one as a backup, and one for potential dispute resolution.
Beyond Traditional Categories: Agroecological Practices and Young Talent
The CGA encompasses five competition categories. Beyond animals and local products, the show also recognizes agroecological practices, judged directly on farms, and celebrates young talent through seven competitions for students in agricultural, hotel, or commercial education, as well as young farmers and wine producers.
A Competition in Constant Evolution
The CGA is a dynamic event, with categories and product ranges evolving to reflect the changing landscape of French agriculture. The competition continues to adapt to the needs of professionals and consumers alike, ensuring its relevance and continued success.