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These exhibitors welcomed 90,771 visitors, including 12,125 international visitors from 122 countries. Overall, these figures reflect a 23% increase in the number of international visitors, as well as a record number of countries represented.
The three-day Exhibition, which took place in a warm and positive atmosphere, reflects the healthy economic situation of the farming industry, but also its concerns regarding the future, as production volumes for beef, milk, pork and poultry are falling. At the same time, consumer demand for quality food at affordable prices has never been higher. The three days of intense activity were therefore more necessary than ever for all those involved in the dynamics of animal farming, to allow them to address these issues, to alert political leaders to this unprecedented situation and to reflect together on solutions for the future. Once again, SPACE exercised its role to the full as a high-quality event that is vital for the future of animal farming. As the geopolitical context becomes increasingly unstable, it is essential that we do not develop a tendency to depend on third countries to fill our plates.
Energy as a major theme
This edition was also dedicated to energy. This central theme of SPACE was explored in numerous discussions, conferences and debates. It was the focus of the Espace for the Future organised by the Chambers of Agriculture. This area, which was redesigned for this year’s edition, provided SPACE visitors with all the necessary information to help them reduce their energy bills and diversify their activities around the opportunities offered by this market. Photovoltaics, wind power, methanisation, biomass... there are many avenues to explore and keeping informed is essential to maintain a profitable balance with the farm's main production. At a time when strategic decisions need to be taken to meet the dual challenge of energy and food sovereignty, SPACE was a key opportunity to prepare for the future in this area. The new Experts' Area within the Espace for the Future provided animal farmers with very practical and useful information on subjects such as fuel consumption, hydrogen, reducing energy consumption in buildings, the law on renewable energies, etc.
Innov’Space
Innovation is one of the hallmarks of SPACE, and exhibitors' enthusiasm for the Innov'SPACE label remains undiminished. A total of 118 applications were submitted, and were rigorously examined by a jury of over 50 members. 37 companies were awarded one or two stars depending on the degree of interest for the farmer or end user. Four winners received the special three-star distinction: Kverneland Group France’s Pudama, which applies fertiliser to each individual seed; Leretrif Rossard Bâtiment’s Watt’N’Wall, which consists of prefabricated walls for pigsties equipped with a hydraulic network to heat part of the space; and finally Mastaplex’s Mastatest and Zoetis’s Vetscan MastiGram+, both of which diagnose mastitis quickly, so the animals affected can be treated more efficiently.
Conferences
SPACE continues to offer its participants knowledge-rich content in the hundred or so conferences included in its programme. Together, these presentations are what make SPACE a unique platform for the development and progress of the animal farming industry. This dimension was confirmed once again this year.
The 37th edition of SPACE, with its abundance of opportunities to meet and share ideas, its highly committed exhibitors, its dynamic and enthusiastic visitors all keen to maintain and develop animal farming in our regions and around the world, was a fantastic platform for all these players to find the keys to feeding the world's 10 billion people in the next 30 years, in an increasingly carbon-free economy.
We look forward to seeing you at SPACE 2024: from Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 September.
September 20, 2023 - SPACE
