This article appears in the July issue of Poultry International. View all of the articles in the digital edition of this magazine.
SPACE will celebrate its 30th edition from September 13-16, 2016, in Rennes, France.
The livestock sector is going through difficult and uncertain times. Farmers and their partners are dealing with profound changes. In this volatile environment, SPACE promotes innovation by showcasing the technical and technological solutions that farmers and all livestock sectors need to compete and improve their working conditions. SPACE is also a source of new prospects, new ideas and new directions to help build the future and improve the visibility and confidence of an industry that plays a vital role in feeding humanity.
This year’s expo will look back at the changes that have occurred in the livestock sector over the past 30 years, using various materials and media. In 1987, SPACE had 260 exhibitors from 18 countries, and 32,000 visitors. In 2015, SPACE had 1,446 exhibitors from 492 countries, and 106,226 visitors. Exhibitors present this year who were also present in 1987 will receive a special distinction.
Innov’Space
The Innov’Space event allows exhibitors to promote their new products and services.
Billed as a place for companies to launch new products, Innov’Space offers exhibitors a place to promote new products and vie for the Innov’Space award. Innov’Space prize-winners are featured in the French and international press. There have been 1,073 prizes awarded in 20 years.
The Innov’Space label is a marketing and promotional tool for companies at SPACE. This distinction attracts customers and prospects looking for new products to the stands, where exhibitors can showcase their ability to innovate.
Research and Development Village
The Research and Development Village at SPACE, spearheaded by the Brittany Chambers of Agriculture, has been a vector of proactive discussions for livestock farmers on the challenges of the future.
This year, the village will address the major future challenges related to climate change, with a central concern, “Producing for the future,” addressing changes related to the climate, energy management and land use. The goal is to showcase practices for each sector that can have a positive impact on the productivity and profitability of farms. Solutions and ideas will be presented in four main areas: saving energy, producing energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and storing carbon.
Farm visits
SPACE is held in Brittany, at the heart of one of Europe’s most important livestock areas. Visitors are invited to partake in visits to livestock farms and agri-industrial units in the region. Farm visits for 2016 include Normand dairy farm, Prim’Holstein dairy farm, sheep farming on the Mont St. Michel salt marshes, rouge de prés beef farm, pig farm with farrowing and fattening unit, Derval experimental dairy farm, layer farm, Montbéliard dairy farm, broiler farm, and an embryo donor farm in Sucé sur Erdre.
