Assises de la pêche et des produits de la mer will take place in Lorient, Brittany.
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Representatives of France's fishing and seafood sector are to gather next week in the port town of Lorient in Bretagne (Brittany), north-west France, for the 14th edition of the national Assises de la pêche et des produits de la mer (Fishing and Seafood Products) Conference.
The annual event, organized by Le Marin and Ouest-France since 2010, brings together key stakeholders and decision-makers from the French fishing and seafood industries (production, processing and distribution) to discuss pressing issues and industry trends.
This year's conference features a keynote by the well-known French politician - and lead EU Brexit negotiator - Michel Barnier, who has extensive experience in agriculture, fisheries, and environmental policy, and who is expected to provide valuable insights into a sector facing numerous challenges.
Known in France for his role in the 2008 Barnier Plan addressing fuel price issues, and for his contributions to environmental protection laws, Barnier will offer his analysis of the fishing and seafood industry's current state and future prospects.
The conference will also unveil the results of a consumer survey on consumption patterns and public perception of seafood products in France.
On June 20, Jérôme Fourquet, director of the Opinion and Corporate Strategies department at polling and market research firm IFOP, will present the survey results initiated by French media outlets Le Marin and Ouest-France.
The event will also debate the future of fishing and shellfish farming in Brittany, with input from politicians Loïg Chesnais Girard, President of the Regional Council of Brittany, Maël de Calan, President of the Finistère Council, Fabrice Loher, Mayor of Lorient, and David Lappartient, President of the Morbihan departmental council.
Over the two days, discussions will cover a range of topics, including fuel and fish prices, industry organization, business profitability, vocational crises, water quality, resource access, European regulations, environmental pressures, and offshore wind energy.
Michel Barnier will conclude the conference on Friday, June 21, at 1 pm, offering his vision for a "sustainable and thriving future" for the French fishing industry, emphasising the strategic importance of the sector for French food supply and coastal employment.
The event will take place at the Palais des Congrès in Lorient.