Election time is (at last) over in France. We have a new president, a new prime minister, a new government and a new chamber.

There is a tradition: that of the new minister of agriculture visiting the international market of Rungis. But nothing is simple in France, or I suppose in politics. Ms Catherine Lagarde, who was nominated in the first place, did not even have the time to say hello to the Parisian wholesalers before being promptly “redirected” to the Bercy Building, lair of the almighty ministry of economy and finances.

It would be churlish not to say good for her, even if the agricultural world regretted the move. Due to her high-profile international career, Lagarde was widely seen as the best person for the forthcoming negotiation on the CMO and her move to economic pastures was met with dismay by many.

Instead, it was Michel Barnier, her successor, who made the hallowed visit to the market.

He stated Rungis was the crucial link between production and the retail world and a major factor in ensuring consistent quality of the products making their way onto French consumers’ plates and maintaining the volume of sales of traditional products.

He might also prove to be a good card around the negotiation tables of Europe. Barnier is a connoisseur of the complex architecture of the European Commission by necessity, having spent a good amount of his political career and personal time within its walls.

Some may also remember that back in the 1990s, he was minister of environment and ecology. The topic of carbon has hopped the Channel and is gaining impetus in this country. The only state minister in the new government is in charge of the carbon labyrinth, which of course is very important for Rungis too, which dispatches six million plus delivery vehicles a year.

Recognising the importance of its place in the overall picture, Rungis president Marc Spielrein delivered some common sense to the debate when commenting recently to a French meat trade magazine: “The debate isn’t all white or all black,” he said, adding two pertinent and thought-provoking questions. “In spring, what is it best to give consumers: a French apple that has been stored for six months in cool chambers or a South African apple, air-flown but fresh? What causes the most pollution: the freight plane or the cool chamber functioning during these six months?”

It may have been said before in England, but these are new words for France and they will definitely be food for thought for Barnier.