CAFRE horticulture students completed a study tour to France, focusing on innovative practices in horticulture. The tour took place just ahead of significant protests planned for May 1.
The students visited key locations, including Nantes and Angers in the Loire Valley region. They explored Pépinières Lepage, a major ornamental and bulb producer, and L’Institut Agro Rennes-Angers, which specializes in horticultural production.
Vincent Favreau, an organic market gardener from Saumur, shared insights from his 20 years in organic farming. He emphasized the challenges posed by the area’s soil conditions and variable rainfall.
May 1 is a public holiday in France that has been observed since 1947. This year, between 110,000 and 160,000 people are expected to participate in marches across the country.
Protests and demonstrations:
- 320 demonstrations are set to take place in major towns and cities.
- The CGT union has called for protests against the high cost of living.
- These events aim to celebrate workers’ rights and demand fair remuneration.
The Tour de France will begin its Stage 1 in the Scottish Borders on July 2, 2027. This global event reaches an audience of approximately 3.5-4 billion people across over 190 countries.
The study tour provided CAFRE students with valuable exposure to international best practices in production, research, sustainability, and amenity management. They gained firsthand knowledge relevant to their future careers.
