(1888PressRelease)
June 12, 2008 - Sommet de l’Elevage, the leading European trade show specialising in livestock production, will be held from 2 to 4 October 2008 in Clermont-Ferrand (in central France). The event will welcome 1,100 exhibitors and 75,000 professional visitors – including 2,000 international visitors from 60 countries – to a 150,000m2 exhibition site. More than 350 international exhibitors from 30 countries are expected. Romania will be the country in the spotlight for 2008.
The event is primarily devoted to showing animals and more than 1,800 animals of high genetic value will be presented at the show – 1,100 heads of cattle from 22 French and European breeds, 400 sheep from 26 breeds, and 300 horses from 16 breeds. Three major competitions will be held during the show and, in 2008, all of the rings will be equipped with giant screens, to provide spectators with a better view of the competitions. The National Aubrac Competition will include 400 animals. Over the last 10 years, the Aubrac breed has experienced a major quantitative and geographic expansion (with 54,000 cattle registered in 1988, and 135,000 in 2007).
The competition will include different classes being judged in the ring, an auction of prize bulls and heifers, and a presentation of the genetic selection process of the breed. The National Charollais Sheep Competition will present 120 animals in different sections, together with an overall prize and a male and female championship prize. The Interregional Holstein Competition is the leading forum for dairy cattle in the south of France and the Sommet 2008 will host the grand interregional competition of this leading French dairy breed. The competition is organised by the Federation of Holstein breeders of the Massif Central region, and will present 150 animals and two guest regions of France – Rhône-Alpes and Midi-Pyrénées.
In order to better meet the needs of international visitors, Sommet de l’Elevage has entrusted ADEPTA (Association for the Development of International Exchanges in Agricultural & Agrifood Products & Techniques) with the task of running a reception area entirely dedicated to international delegations. It will be located on the mezzanine in Hall 1, close to the VIP lounge, and will provide international visitors with information and a personalised reception, as well as offering guided tours of the show. Exhibitors will be able to meet international delegations in this area. Sommet de l’Elevage is located in Clermont-Ferrand in the Massif Central region of central France, the largest beef-cattle breeding region in Europe.
Given this ideal location, the Sommet will offer international visitors the chance to visit local farms and meet breeders. In 2008, the show has scheduled visits of farms with Charolais, Limousin, Aubrac, Salers, Holstein and Montbeliarde cattle breeds, as well as with sheep-breeding units and an insemination centre. In total, about 10 tours will be organised over the three days. These half-day visits are free and are accompanied by an expert guide/interpreter. Professional and business meetings will be held during the event in the Conference Centre. The International Inter-professional Seminar, which is organised by Interbev trade commission, will focus on Beef production in Europe: favourable prospects despite a difficult economic environment. A conference organised by the French Livestock Institute will be on the theme of Approaches and advice with regard to buildings. Various other conferences will also be organised (a full programme will be available soon).
The programme for the 2008 event also includes the Sommets d’Or competition (a technical innovation competition reserved for exhibitors), the Trophée des Massifs (animals judged by young agricultural students), and the Fermiers d’Or competition (food products competition).
About Sommet de l’Elevage
As a dynamic showcase for the latest technological innovations in the sector and a platform for meetings and exchanges, Sommet de l’Elevage is the leading European event for professionals in the stock-breeding sector.
The event will be held at the Grande Halle d’Auvergne show ground in Clermont-Ferrand (in central France), from 2 to 4 October 2008.
For further information, please go to: www.sommet-elevage.fr
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