CAFRE horticulture students completed a study tour in France, gaining insights into innovative practices in horticulture. The tour took place in late April 2026, with visits to notable locations such as Nantes and Angers.
The itinerary included a stop at Pépinières Lepage, a large-scale ornamental and bulb producer in Nantes. Students also visited L’Institut Agro Rennes-Angers, which specializes in horticultural production and landscape design. They met Vincent Favreau, an organic market gardener who supplies seasonal vegetable boxes from his three hectares of land.
During their visit to L’Arboretum Gaston Allard, students saw around 1,000 mature trees from an 18th-century collection. This exposure offered them insights into sustainability and organic farming practices.
On May 1, significant demonstrations are planned across France to celebrate workers’ rights. The CGT union has called for protests against the high cost of living.
Expected participation:
Between 110,000 and 160,000 people are anticipated to join the marches. and 320 demonstrations will occur in major towns and cities nationwide.
May 1 has been a public holiday in France since 1947, marked by workers’ marches. This year’s protests aim to address economic concerns faced by many citizens.
The Tour de France will host Stage 1 in the Scottish Borders on July 2, 2027. The race is broadcast in over 190 countries, reaching an estimated global audience of 3.5-4 billion people.
Vincent Favreau commented on the local conditions: “The area presents challenging soil conditions and variable rainfall.” His experience underscores the importance of adapting agricultural practices to local environments.
