LUÍS EDUARDO MAGALHÃES, Brazil – The 20th edition of Bahia Farm Show concluded with strong growth across key indicators, reinforcing its position as one of Brazil’s leading agricultural exhibitions despite a challenging economic environment for the sector.

Organized by the Association of Farmers and Irrigators of Bahia (Aiba), the event attracted 172,328 visitors, a 6% increase compared to the previous edition. The exhibition also recorded significant expansion in industry participation, hosting 554 exhibitors, up 28% year-over-year, and 1,421 represented brands, a 26% increase. Organizers have already confirmed that the next edition will take place from June 7-12, 2027.

The results were presented during a closing press conference attended by Moisés Schmidt, President of Aiba and Bahia Farm Show; Alessandra Zanotto Costa, President of the Bahia Cotton Producers Association (Abapa); Maicon Crestani, President of the Association of Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Dealers of Bahia (Assomiba); Jarbas Bergamaschi, President of Fundação Bahia; and Alan Malinski, General Coordinator of Bahia Farm Show.

According to Schmidt, the event exceeded expectations at a time when many agricultural segments continue to face financial pressure.

“The agricultural sector remains optimistic by nature, and this fair demonstrates that confidence. Farmers, exhibitors, and sponsors believed in the event, and producers attended in large numbers to evaluate technologies, conduct business, and strengthen relationships,” said Schmidt.

Government participation also contributed to the positive atmosphere. Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin attended the opening ceremony alongside federal ministers and state authorities, announcing new financing initiatives, including the Move Brasil program, which will allocate approximately R$14 billion in credit for agricultural machinery purchases.

Demand Diversifies Beyond Grain Production

While machinery sales remained an important focus, exhibitors reported increasing interest in solutions beyond traditional row-crop production.

According to Maicon Crestani, President of Assomiba, demand expanded toward livestock equipment, soil preparation technologies, and diversified production systems.

“Given high interest rates, limited credit availability, and market uncertainty, expectations were initially cautious. However, we observed strong visitor traffic and a broader range of purchasing interests, reflecting producers’ efforts to improve efficiency and diversify operations,” Crestani noted.

Cotton and Soybean Performance Support Optimism

For Alessandra Zanotto Costa, President of Abapa, strong soybean yields and favorable expectations for cotton production helped encourage producer participation.

She highlighted the inauguration of Abapa’s new Fiber Analysis Center during the fair and the success of the Cotton Village exhibition area, which showcased the importance of cotton production to western Bahia and the broader Matopiba region.

Innovation and Knowledge Transfer

Organizers emphasized that Bahia Farm Show has evolved beyond a commercial exhibition into a platform for technology transfer and professional development.

General Coordinator Alan Malinski noted that investments in educational activities, technical tours, and student participation continue to strengthen the event’s role as a hub for agricultural innovation.

Similarly, Jarbas Bergamaschi, President of Fundação Bahia, said the fair served as an important venue for researchers, producers, industry representatives, and institutions to exchange knowledge and discuss future challenges and opportunities for Brazilian agriculture.

Family Farming and Technical Outreach Expand

The event also increased visibility for family farming operations. A dedicated pavilion hosted 34 exhibitors, representing a 21% increase compared to 2025.

Meanwhile, organized visitor groups remained a key feature of the exhibition. Bahia Farm Show welcomed 265 technical caravans, bringing more than 10,000 producers, students, consultants, and industry professionals from different regions of Brazil.

Media participation also expanded, with 201 accredited journalists and a 40% increase in digital content creators, including international media representatives.

Among the highlights of this year’s edition were the Startup Space, the Vozes do Agro discussion platform, the fair’s first livestock auction, expanded food facilities, and new infrastructure improvements.

The inaugural BFS auction, organized through a partnership between Aiba and Agro Antônio Balbino, generated approximately R$3 million in transactions.

With record attendance, increased exhibitor participation, and strong engagement from both producers and policymakers, organizers believe the 20th edition further strengthened Bahia Farm Show’s position as one of Latin America’s most influential agricultural events.

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Rimini, Italy – Macfrut 2026 officially opened its 43rd edition at the Rimini Expo Centre, reaffirming its position as one of Europe’s leading events for the fresh produce industry and a strategic meeting point for the global fruit and vegetable supply chain.

The opening ceremony was attended by Francesco Lollobrigida, Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, alongside ministers from Cameroon, Lebanon, Senegal, and Syria, underscoring the international scope of the exhibition.

Describing the event as more than a trade fair, Lollobrigida said Macfrut has become a strategic platform for strengthening international relations and fostering agricultural development partnerships. He emphasized the importance of the fruit and vegetable sector to Italy’s economy, noting that the government has allocated over €2 billion in direct funding for the supply chain through national investment initiatives, including the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, generating nearly €3 billion in related investments.

Italian fruit and vegetable exports continue to expand

New figures presented during the opening by Nomisma highlighted the economic relevance of Italy’s horticultural sector. According to the study, the country’s fruit and vegetable industry includes more than 150,000 companies operating across 887,000 hectares, generating a production value of approximately €17 billion—equivalent to 26% of Italy’s total agri-food output.

Exports of fresh and processed fruit and vegetables reached €12.9 billion in 2025, accounting for 18% of the country’s total agri-food exports. Between 2020 and 2025, exports rose by 38.1% for vegetables and 37.1% for fruit, with the European Union remaining the main destination for fresh produce shipments.

The report also pointed to increasing pressure from geopolitical tensions, rising logistics costs, climate instability, and phytosanitary challenges—factors that continue to reshape the competitiveness of the European horticultural sector.

Internationalization drives the 2026 edition

According to Lorenzo Galanti, the 2026 edition marks a major step forward in international outreach. Agenzia ICE brought 920 international buyers from more than 80 countries, more than doubling last year’s participation.

More than 5,000 business meetings have already been scheduled between international buyers and Italian exhibitors, reinforcing Macfrut’s role as a business-oriented platform for export development.

This year’s international spotlight is on the Caribbean, with strong representation from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ecuador. South America also expanded its presence, with Brazil and Peru joining returning participants such as Chile and Argentina. More than 20 countries from Sub-Saharan Africa are participating as well.

Innovation and sustainability at the center

For Patrizio Neri, the fair’s strong international participation confirms the strategic role of the fruit and vegetable sector for Italy and global markets. The industry accounts for nearly one-quarter of Italian agricultural production, making Macfrut an important venue for identifying trends and accelerating innovation.

The 2026 edition features several thematic areas dedicated to critical industry challenges, including water management, nursery technologies, biological crop inputs, digital agriculture, berries, healthy minimally processed foods, medicinal plants, and agrivoltaic systems.

Among the featured attractions are two outdoor demonstration areas covering 2,500 square meters, where exhibitors present innovations in fruit production and horticulture. A dedicated startup area hosts 26 emerging companies from different regions, highlighting new technologies and solutions for the supply chain.

Over the course of the three-day event, around 100 conferences and technical sessions are scheduled, focusing on topics such as sustainability, logistics, plant health, and digital transformation.

Strategic platform for global horticulture

With exhibitors from five continents and a record number of international buyers, Macfrut 2026 consolidates its role as a global hub for the horticultural industry. At a time when supply chains face mounting economic and environmental pressures, the event is positioning itself as a strategic platform for promoting innovation, international trade, and collaborative growth.

By combining business opportunities with technological showcases and institutional dialogue, Macfrut continues to strengthen Italy’s role as a leading player in the international fruit and vegetable market while fostering stronger commercial links across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

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