The show, taking place between 13-16 September, attracted more than 100,000 French and international visitors last year, mostly farmers and professionals connected with the livestock sector.

Organisers have made special efforts to woo potential customers from emerging markets this year. France’s traditional export destinations in west Africa are well represented with five ministers from the region expected to attend, but the new focus is on Iran. Food and agri-business trade with the country is forecast to develop as international sanctions over its nuclear programme are phased out. A 130-strong Iranian delegation including vets, farmers, importers and breeders is due to visit SPACE this year.

The minister for agriculture of the Eurasian commission, comprising Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia, is also on the guest list, as lobbying to lift the Russian ban on European agricultural products continues. Delegations from other emerging markets including India and Mexico will be there too.

This will give the 1,445 exhibitors a chance to showcase their products to potential new clients, including nine Irish machinery, farm equipment and nutrition manufacturers. One of them, JFC, is shortlisted for the innovation awards to be announced on Tuesday.

We will be reporting from the show on www.farmersjournal.ie and in the Irish Farmers Journal this week.