The occupied exhibition area at the International Agricultural Exhibition AGRA has registered a rise of 35% in comparison with last year's edition. The expositions of the Bulgarian companies have scaled up by 47% in total and the size of the outdoor exhibition area has doubled. This was announced by Bogomil Bonev, Executive Director of International Fair Plovdiv, the organizer of the exhibition.
"The fact that companies from Europe, the US and Asia participate in the exhibition is a proof of the increased interest in AGRA", underscored Tzetan Dimitrov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food in his address before the opening of the exhibition. Companies and exhibits from 24 countries are on display at AGRA 2011 to be held from 9 to 13 March. Thirty-eight innovations, including five world novelties and four European ones, can be viewed by visitors. This year, 48 products presented by 32 companies and research institutes have entered the Innovations completion.
"The growth of the exhibition area shows that the sector is developing well. This, however, is also the result of the flexible marketing policy of International Fair Plovdiv aiming to support businesses through the hard economic times. Now, the government support adds on, because AGRA 2011 is organized under the auspices of the Minister of Agriculture and Food, Mr. Miroslav Naydenov", said Ivan Sokolov, Chief Director of IFP at the press conference prior to the opening. "Agriculture is overcoming the crisis to become one of the most promising economic sectors, according to Ivan Sokolov.
A rise in the export of agricultural production accounting for 18% of the country's total export has been registered. This indicates that the agricultural sector is developing in the right direction, but further efforts are needed to modernize equipment and technologies. "AGRA is the right venue, where many problems could find their solutions, where producers, traders and consumers meet", commented the Deputy Minister of Agriculture Tzvetan Dimitrov.
AGRA 2011 is attended by world leading companies in agricultural machinery, equipment and technologies. On display at the exhibition are 28 research institutes within the framework of the Agricultural Academy, which is the co-organizer of the exhibition. They show new cultivars, breeds and methods.
Participants in AGRA 2011 are also three universities and a college. At the exhibition stand of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, experts are providing information and consulting on projects funded under by EU funding programmes. Banks are also present among the exhibitors to offer special preferences for agricultural loans during the business forum.
Highlights at AGRA 2011 are organic agriculture, ecology and issues related to climate changes. These topics are discussed at most of the business events included in the accompanying programme.