CAFRE horticulture students recently completed a study tour to France, where they gained exposure to innovative practices in horticulture. Their journey took them through the Loire Valley, specifically to Nantes and Angers, providing a rich educational experience.
During their visit, the students explored several key sites. They toured Pépinières Lepage, a large-scale ornamental and bulb producer in Nantes, which produces around 3 million perennials and grasses annually. They also visited L’Institut Agro Rennes-Angers, renowned for its focus on horticultural production and landscape design.
One highlight was meeting Vincent Favreau, an organic market gardener in Saumur who has been in business for over twenty years. He shared insights about his three hectares of land dedicated to organic gardening, emphasizing sustainability and the challenges of working with variable rainfall and soil conditions.
That context matters because it coincides with significant events unfolding across France. On May 1, a public holiday celebrating workers’ rights since 1947, approximately 110,000 to 160,000 people are expected to participate in protests organized by the CGT against the high cost of living. In total, around 320 demonstrations will take place across major towns and cities.
The CGT’s call for action reflects broader societal concerns about economic pressures impacting everyday life. “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,” the union stated.
Meanwhile, as these demonstrations unfold, the Tour de France is gearing up for its upcoming stages. Stage 1 will take place in the Scottish Borders on July 2, 2027. The event garners attention worldwide—broadcasted in over 190 countries with an estimated audience of 3.5 to 4 billion people.
As the CAFRE students reflect on their experiences in France, they not only learned about cutting-edge horticultural practices but also witnessed firsthand the vibrant culture of activism surrounding workers’ rights—an essential aspect of French society.