The 62nd International Agricultural Show (SIA) came to a close on Sunday, March 1st at 7pm. While the Porte de Versailles exhibition center regained a semblance of activity during the final weekend, the overall assessment of this year remains tinged with gloom for organizers and exhibitors.

A plummeting turnout

The figures speak for themselves: the 2026 edition attracted 437,402 visitors , a drastic drop of 27.9% compared to the previous year (607,000 visitors). This is still far from the historic record of 2014, which surpassed 700,000 enthusiasts.

From the launch on February 21st, the trend was downward, with a 25% drop in the first four days. Despite a final recovery driven by a younger, family-oriented crowd in the food halls, the aisles remained unusually quiet throughout the week.

A private lounge for its four-legged "stars"

Several factors explain this public disaffection:

1. Animal health crisis: The total absence of cattle this year, decimated by dermatosis , has dealt a severe blow to the attractiveness of the event.
2. Persistent gaps: The poultry sector has been absent since 2019 due to avian flu.
3. Complex logistics: The reorganization of spaces due to ongoing work has disrupted the habits of visitors and professionals.

Ivory Coast, a radiant guest of honor

Amid this gloomy assessment, Ivory Coast managed to stand out. As guest of honor, the country occupied a 550 m² pavilion.

A high-level ministerial delegation traveled to Côte d'Ivoire to promote Ivorian expertise, including:

1. Sidi Tiémoko Touré (Animal and Fisheries Resources);
2. Jacques Assahoré Konan (Water and Forests);
3. Bruno Nabagné Koné ;
4. Bernard Comoé (Food Production).

Note: Despite the overall decline in attendance, the Ivory Coast pavilion was one of the focal points of the show, highlighting the growing importance of international agricultural cooperation.