Based right in the heart of the Massif Central – Europe’s largest grassland region and a cradle of livestock excellence, is the Sommet De L’Èlevage. More than a trade fair, the SOMMET has become an international platform for innovation, exchange, and solutions to the pressing challenges facing agriculture today.
Each year, the event attracts 1,750 exhibitors and over 120,000 visitors, including 6,000 international attendees from 96 countries. The 2025 edition will place a strong focus on sustainability, genetics, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.
Livestock excellence
Taking place from the 7-10 October, visitors to this year’s event will have the chance to discover 2,000 animals representing 70 breeds of cattle, sheep, goats, and horses.
National breed championships will showcase Charolais, Simmental, and Montbéliarde cattle – underlining the strength of French genetics.
Alongside this, the show offers a packed programme of over 140 conferences and symposiums, addressing issues such as climate resilience, animal welfare, rural vitality, and economic transition.
A headline keynote by Jean-Marc Jancovici, co-founder of The Shift Project, will explore agriculture’s crucial role in the climate transition.
International reach and opportunities
The SOMMET has built a reputation as a hub for international business. For Irish farmers, the fair is a unique opportunity to benchmark their practices, discover new genetics and equipment, and learn how European neighbours are tackling common challenges.
The International Business Club provides tailored services: free entry, interpreters, B2B meetings with exhibitors, guided tours, and shuttle services connecting the fairgrounds with the airport and train station.
Innovation in the field
One of the most popular features of the SOMMET is its comprehensive farm tour programme. Each day, buses depart to visit 35 carefully selected farms and agri-industrial sites, from beef and dairy operations to cheese producers, sheep and goat farms, a biogas facility, a cattle export centre, and even a meat research laboratory.
A highlight will be the visit to INRAE, France’s leading agronomic research institute, offering a glimpse into the future of livestock science.
Spotlight on Morocco
Every year, the SOMMET honours a guest country. In 2025, the spotlight will be on Morocco, whose delegation will showcase a vibrant and rapidly growing livestock sector. Their presence reflects a shared commitment to sustainable agriculture and international cooperation.
Information about the event, including registration, show times, tours, tickets and so on, can be found online at www.sommet-elevage.fr.
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