Montichiari Fair Boosts Livestock Sector Amid BSE Challenges

The world of livestock farming is trying to bounce back from the Bassa Brescia. This morning, at the exhibition spaces of Montichiari, the 73rd edition of the Agricultural and Livestock Fair opened, one of the leading industry events in Italy.

The fair, a true testing ground for the sector dealing with the “mad cow disease” emergency, will remain open until Sunday, March 4. Spanning over 50,000 square meters, it will host more than 500 exhibitors representing the entire industry; additionally, 1,500 animals will be on display.

Ongoing Activities and Competitions

From today until Sunday the 25th, as part of the event, a cattle show for the «Bruna» and «Frisona» breeds will take place. There will also be a national pig exhibition, an inter-provincial rabbit show, and an exhibition of small farm animals.

Numerous conferences are scheduled, focused on agricultural topics but also addressing the BSE alarm. From Montichiari, the protest of the truck drivers affiliated with the Fai (Federazione autotrasportatori italiani – Italian Truck Drivers Federation) also begins: the crisis triggered by the mad cow disease emergency is severely impacting this sector, which is facing a halt in the trade of beef.

Protests and Demonstrations

To urge institutions to take urgent measures, such as granting unemployment benefits to distressed companies and extending aid decided by the government to livestock transport companies, Fai has organized a demonstration for tomorrow.

A long convoy of vehicles will leave at 9 a.m. from the Montichiari Fair Center heading to Brescia, traveling along the Goitese state road: once in the city, they will parade through the city center streets before entering the Southern Ring Road and returning to Montichiari. The demonstration is expected to conclude around noon with a meeting and discussion.