CAFRE horticulture students completed a study tour in France, focused on innovative practices in horticulture. This educational journey included visits to Nantes and Angers, where they explored sustainable farming methods and organic gardening.
The tour featured several key locations. Students visited Pépinières Lepage, a large-scale ornamental and bulb producer in Nantes, and L’Institut Agro Rennes-Angers, which specializes in horticultural production and landscape design. They also met Vincent Favreau, an organic market gardener in Saumur who supplies seasonal vegetable boxes—his three hectares of land showcase the challenges of organic farming.
As May approaches, France prepares for a different kind of gathering. On May 1, a public holiday since 1947, workers will march to celebrate their rights. Between 110,000 and 160,000 participants are expected across the country, with around 320 demonstrations planned in major towns and cities.
The CGT union has called for protests against the high cost of living. Their message is clear: “This May 1, we are calling on all workers to protest against the high cost of living and to demand that our work be properly remunerated.” These demonstrations highlight ongoing tensions regarding workers’ rights amidst rising economic pressures.
Meanwhile, the Tour de France is gearing up for its Stage 1 event in the Scottish Borders on July 2, 2027. This prestigious race captivates an estimated global audience of 3.5-4 billion people, broadcast in over 190 countries. The intersection of these events—education in sustainable agriculture and mass mobilization for workers’ rights—paints a complex picture of contemporary French society.
The study tour provided CAFRE students with exposure to international best practices across production, research, sustainability, and amenity management. Such insights could be crucial as they prepare to enter a rapidly evolving industry.
The upcoming protests will not only emphasize workers’ rights but also reflect broader societal concerns about sustainability and economic fairness. As these events unfold, they will undoubtedly shape discussions around both horticulture and labor rights in France.