Trade fairs Federal Councillor Amherd opens the Olma with piglet Leonie
Olma piglet Leonie was less than pleased with the visit from Bern. Federal President Viola Amherd (center) was flanked by St. Gallen Mayor Maria Pappa (left) and St. Gallen District President Susanne Hartmann.
Image: Keystone
A replacement sow had to be brought in. Federal President Viola Amherd (center) with the unnamed second piglet, the President of the Government of St. Gallen Susanne Hartmann (right) and the Mayor of St. Gallen Maria Pappa.
Image: Keystone
Olma piglet Leonie was less than pleased with the visit from Bern. Federal President Viola Amherd (center) was flanked by St. Gallen Mayor Maria Pappa (left) and St. Gallen District President Susanne Hartmann.
Image: Keystone
A replacement sow had to be brought in. Federal President Viola Amherd (center) with the unnamed second piglet, the President of the Government of St. Gallen Susanne Hartmann (right) and the Mayor of St. Gallen Maria Pappa.
Image: Keystone
The 81st Olma opened in St. Gallen on Thursday. At the ceremony, President Viola Amherd spoke about the challenges facing agriculture. Olma piglet Leonie was only partially enthusiastic about the Federal Council's visit.
The highlight of the Olma opening is always the moment when a member of the national government holds a piglet in their arms. This year it was President Viola Amherd (center) who received Olma piglet Leonie in front of a crowd of photographers and cameramen.
Amherd had said before the tour that she hoped the piglet was not afraid of the visit from Bern. However, this fear was clearly noticeable: while Leonie was quiet at first, she began to squeal loudly shortly afterwards.
Lots of squealing
Even a replacement sow brought in soon afterwards, whose name was not revealed, was no calmer. And so it was only after a lot of squealing that she continued her tour of the trade fair.
During her speech in the Theater St. Gallen, Amherd had previously spoken about the fact that climate change was progressing at a rapid pace and changing the production conditions in agriculture. "Today, agriculture must once again prove its adaptability and resilience," said Amherd.
Farmers must also meet a wide range of demands from politicians and the population. For example, there are demands for food production to be efficient and innovative as well as sustainable and ecological.
"Uf Bsuech dihei"
The 81st Olma trade fair for agriculture and food lasts until October 20. It offers a mixture of public festival and exhibitions on agricultural and social topics.
This year's guest canton is St. Gallen. At St. Gallen's Olma appearance under the motto "uf Bsuech dihei" with an oversized green living room, 30 St. Gallen personalities and many of the 75 municipalities will be in the spotlight.
The host canton will also take part in the traditional parade on the first Saturday of the Olma, which will lead around 1500 participants through the city center. Around 330,000 visitors are expected at the Olma. Parallel to the fair, over 200 market stalls and various fairground rides are set up at the traditional autumn fair in the city.
