with correspondents in Japan, Russia, USA, Sweden; edited by Simon Palmer

The 'Salon d'Agriculture' in Paris from the 23rd of February to the 3rd of March was the occasion for French presidential candidates to show their attachment to the rural world. President Chirac made a stop at the 'interprofessional' Cognac stand during an apéritif organised by the 'Association des 'Bouilleurs de Cru' and the 'Société des Agriculteurs' de France (SAF). The president described Cognac as one of the jewels in France's gastronomic crown and indicated that it had been served as an aperitif at the Elysée palace for a number of years now. I witnessed first hand the product knowledge programme presented by the 'bouilleurs de cru' who were backed up by a group of young producers (JAAC) and members of the private cellar's organisation (Caves Particulières) and their President Paul Giraud. During the week Martell, Hennessy and Rémy Martin also added their contribution. This kind of concerted action, on a stand co-ordinated by the BNIC, earns our whole-hearted approval.

28 February 2002