Big issues of the future at Grüne Woche

The largest agricultural food exhibition in the world was referred to as the “most prestigeus ever” by the representative of the organiser, Messe Berlin at the opening ceremony, attended by chancellor Angela Merkel, and the current chairman of the European Committee, Manuel Barroso, as well as the Hungarian Minister of Agriculture. During the 81 year history of the event, a total of 72 thousand exhibitors from 116 countries have attended and thirty million visitors have been registered. Hungary has participated for the 35th time. Seven companies displayed their products and services at the Hungarian stand, in addition to those who had their own, individually financed stands. The thought that Europe needs sustainable growth was emphasised by many experts in several forums. A great danger to bio-diversity is seen in the termination of agricultural production as a result of low profits. This year, 1601 exhibitors from 56 countries attended the event, where the largest foreign participant was Russia. 250 conferences and meetings were held during the ten day event. Two entire halls with a floor area of over 6,000 square meters were occupied by exhibitors of pets like dogs, cats, fish and birds while more serious topics like renewable sources of energy also had their own exhibitions. One of the most important conferences held during the event was the 14th East-West Agricultural Forum with a thousand participants, focusing on the prospects for world trade of agricultural products and issues of food safety. New EU members received special attention with many questions concerning their agriculture. Fruit Logistica, the accompanying event will now be held – for the fourth time – in February as Grüne Woche has simply become too big for the two events to be held simultaneously.