Demonstration mars opening of SPACE

Riot shields are not a common sight at agricultural trade shows, but they were in evidence at the International Trade Fair for Livestock (SPACE) this year.
Like many European dairy farmers, France’s dairy producers have had a hard time of late. The visit of their Agriculture Minister, Bruno Le Maire, to SPACE proved the ideal opportunity for them to highlight their difficulties.The demonstration saw convoys of tractors descend on the showground along with numerous demonstrators, with estimates varying from 200-300 as to how many farmers chose to demonstrate.
Exits to the showground were blocked and the Minister was unable to reach the dairy hall, despite having come to announce additional funding for the sector. Eventually the police charged to protect the president of SPACE, who is also head of the largest union opposed to the now week-long strikes organized my some associations of dairy farmers.
There are no reports of casualties, however, bystanders were pushed and food was spilled.Protestors unfurled banners and accused the Minister of having “sold out” and of being a “traitor”. While there was no evidence of the protestors on the second day of the show, the police presence was felt.