France, Feb. 21 -- The Paris agricultural show is the largest in Europe. But for the first time since its creation in 1964 cows have been banned after an outbreak of lumpy skin disease in France sparkedfears of contamination, according to organisers.

Another difference this year is that two French unions - Coordination Rurale and Confederation Paysanne - are boycotting the traditional meeting with the president to draw attention to the difficulties faced by farmers due to economic pressures and concerns over the EU's trade deal with the South American Mercosurbloc.

The unions will still hold stands at the fair.

French AgricultureMinister Annie Genevard announced Friday that France had now lifted most of the curbs that were imposed on m...