On April 30, 2026, CAFRE students completed a study tour to France, focusing on horticulture and innovative farming practices. The tour spanned key locations in Nantes and Angers, showcasing various aspects of sustainability.
Key visits included:
- Pépinières Lepage, a large-scale ornamental and bulb producer in Nantes
- L’Institut Agro Rennes-Angers, which specializes in horticultural production and landscape design
- Vincent Favreau, an organic market gardener in Saumur who supplies seasonal vegetable boxes
As of early May 1, significant protests are scheduled across France to mark the public holiday dedicated to workers’ rights. The CGT union has called for demonstrations against the high cost of living.
Between 110,000 and 160,000 people are expected to participate in these marches. Additionally, around 320 demonstrations will take place in major towns and cities nationwide.
The Tour de France will also be a focal point later this year. Stage 1 is set to begin in the Scottish Borders on July 2, 2027. This event draws an estimated global audience of 3.5-4 billion people, broadcasted in over 190 countries.
The study tour provided CAFRE horticulture students exposure to international best practices across production, research, sustainability, and amenity management. Vincent Favreau noted that the area presents challenging soil conditions and variable rainfall for organic farming.
The upcoming protests highlight ongoing issues related to workers’ remuneration and living costs in France. “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,” stated the CGT.