During their tour, the students visited Nantes and Angers in the Loire Valley region. They explored various horticultural sites, including Pépinières Lepage, which produces approximately 3 million perennials and grasses annually. The students also learned about sustainable practices from Vincent Favreau, an organic market gardener in Saumur, who utilizes 3 hectares of land for his organic gardening business.

The tour included a visit to L’Institut Agro Rennes-Angers, known for its specialization in horticultural production and landscape design. Additionally, they visited L’Arboretum Gaston Allard, which features around 1,000 mature trees from an 18th-century collection. This exposure provided students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainability and best practices in horticulture.

As the students returned from their tour, they faced the backdrop of impending demonstrations. On May 1, between 110,000 and 160,000 people are expected to participate in marches across France. The CGT union has called for these protests to address concerns over the high cost of living and to demand fair compensation for workers.

The demonstrations will take place at approximately 320 locations throughout major towns and cities across France. This annual event highlights the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights and social justice.

The Tour de France is also on the horizon, with Stage 1 set to take place in the Scottish Borders on July 2, 2027. This iconic cycling event is broadcast in over 190 countries and reaches an estimated global audience of 3.5-4 billion people.

This sequence of events underscores the importance of sustainability in agriculture and the persistent fight for workers’ rights in France. As CAFRE students apply what they learned about horticulture back home, they will do so against a backdrop of activism that continues to shape societal norms.

The post France appeared first on cottenhamnews.