November 6, 2025

SPACE 2025: A Record-Breaking Global Showcase for Animal Farming

The 39th edition of SPACE, held from 16–18 September 2025 at the Rennes Exhibition Centre, broke all records. The event gathered 1,230 exhibitors from 40 countries and 102,528 visitors, including 14,011 international attendees from 125 nations—an 11% increase from 2024.

The September 17 show alone drew 45,781 visitors, the highest single-day attendance in the show's history. This record-breaking diversity reflected the enthusiasm seen even before the event, with exhibitor demand surpassing available space.

Over three dynamic days, Western France's animal farming sector showcased its strength on a truly global stage, supported by major political figures. Annie Genevard, France's Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, inaugurated the show, joined by Mabouba Diagne, Senegal's Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock— the first African Minister to take part in the opening ceremony.

Delegations from France's National Assembly and the Brittany Region led discussions on CAP reforms and youth support measures. SPACE reinforced its role as a hub for innovation and international partnerships. The Top Buyers initiative with Business France hosted 25 global investors, while delegations from West Africa presented concrete animal farming projects.

Young Africans joined a new poultry training programme designed for hot climates. A partnership with the Maison de l'Europe aims to enhance European engagement at future editions. Youth and innovation were central themes. The Youth Forum encouraged debate and creativity, while the Tech'Agri Challenge invited students to design tools to simplify farm work.

The Espace for the Future focused on artificial intelligence, showcasing technologies such as robot dogs and smartwatches for cows. The first Agreen Challenge AI Hackathon generated prototypes tackling issues like heat stress prediction and data management. Innov'Space celebrated its 30th anniversary, honouring 43 award-winning innovations, notably in digital tools and predictive analytics. Despite a complex context, livestock contests and presentations thrived. Highlights included Madison, a Prim'Holstein from Marne, crowned Grand Champion, and Susette, a French Brown from Maine-et-Loire, winning the Supreme Championship.

The Genomic Elite auction reached record averages of €6,470, with one heifer selling for €17,500. Over 120 conferences and 50 SPACE TV programmes covered sustainability, farm succession, and climate adaptation. Women in agriculture were also honoured through portraits and awareness initiatives supporting the French Cancer League. SPACE 2025 will be remembered for its energy, innovation, and global impact— affirming its position as a key event shaping the future of animal farming. The next edition of SPACE is on 15–17 September 2026 at the Rennes Exhibition Centre

- SPACE