Dr. Reinhard Grandke, Chief Executive Manager of the DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts- Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society), Frankfurt am Main

Number of visitors increases by 30 percent – 340,000 professional visitors - Some 71,000 visitors from abroad

Dr. Reinhard Grandke, General Executive Manager of DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society), Frankfurt am Main

Agritechnica 2007 has impressively demonstrated agriculture’s new significance. According to the organiser DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society), this was documented by an increase of 40 percent in the number of exhibitors and 30 percent in the number of visitors. 340,000 farmers and professionals, including some 71,000 from abroad, came to the Exhibition Grounds in Hanover between 11 and 17 November 2007. Agritechnica is thus the unique meeting place for the agricultural machinery sector worldwide.

The following provisional conclusions can be drawn:

1. Excellent use was made of Agritechnica 2007 by the agricultural machinery and supplier industries. 2,247 companies from 36 countries presented a complete programme of machines, implements, spare parts and accessories. The foreign contingent grew from 33 to 43 percent.
2. With over 340,000 visitors, Agritechnica has achieved a new record figure. This result shows the enormous interest among farmers and experts in the latest in modern technology and concepts for the future. In the light of the positive perspective in the agricultural sector, farmers want to develop their farms further successfully.
3. Over 260,000 visitors to the exhibition came from Germany. The survey of visitors reveals that farmers from all regions were well represented. Of the total number 35 percent came from South-West Germany, 52 percent from Northern and Western Germany, and 13 percent from East Germany.
4. The international nature of Agritechnica has reached a new dimension. The 60-percent increase in the number of 71,000 international professional visitors came in particular from Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, Ireland, France, Italy, Denmark and the United Kingdom. The numbers from Italy tripled, and those from France and Ireland doubled. With nearly 14,000 decision-makers and investors from the large farms in Central and Eastern Europe, Agritechnica proved to be the expected magnetic attraction. These figures represent a doubling of the numbers for the year 2005. Distinct increases were noted in particular from Poland, Ukraine, Russia, the Czech Republic and Belarus. The clear rise in the number of visitors from North America to 3,200 also deserves mention. Visitors from altogether 81 countries came to Agritechnica.
5. Some 55 percent of visitors to Agritechnica are business farmers. 23 percent work farms with an area of up to 50 ha, 23 percent work farms with an area of 50 ha to 100 ha, 38 percent farms with an area of 100 ha to 1,000 ha, and 16 percent farms with an area of more than 1,000 ha. 40,000 visitors came from the sector of agricultural machinery dealers and distributors, and over 25,000 from the machine manufacturing and supplier industries. In addition over 20,000 private contractors from home and abroad came to Agritechnica 2007.
6. According to the results of a survey of visitors, nearly two thirds of the farmers interviewed plan to invest. This represents a slight increase over the figures for 2005 and reflects the upswing in the mood throughout the sector.
7. The professional visitors were particularly interested in tractors and transport vehicles, everything to do with tillage, and harvesting machinery for grain, forage and root crops. Furthermore, distinct interest was shown in machinery and equipment for drilling, plant care, fertilising and plant protection, as well as in accessories and spare parts. The many special segments such as machinery and equipment for forest management, vegetable cropping, or municipal applications and landscape care, also attracted substantial attention.
8. Farms, consultant engineers and manufacturers all still display a high demand for information on all matters relating to bioenergy, local energy production and Renewable Raw Materials. Professionalising of this innovative sector continues to advance. Attention was focused on aspects of boosting plant efficiency. In addition farmers are looking intensively at questions of alternative energy plants. The Forum events at the Bioenergy Center with their detailed information on all major issues made an excellent contribution to satisfying this demand for information.
9. The World Soil and Tillage Show aroused major interest. In an impressive, international special showcase, visitors were able to gather information about aspects of cost-effectiveness and soil fertility, how to prevent soil erosion and soil compaction, as well as the influence of climate change on soil.
10. Agricultural machinery is a high-tech branch with a variety of occupations that are becoming increasingly more attractive. This was demonstrated impressively at Agritechnica. The broad scope of information offered on the various trades and occupations available in the agricultural machinery industry, with agricultural machinery workshops and dealers, and throughout the agricultural sector met with a very positive response. The Special “Workshop Live” in particular was a great attraction. A wide range of individuals from apprentices to master craftsmen demonstrated their skills and potential by carrying out typical maintenance and service work professionally on high-tech machines.
11. The European Young Farmers and Students Conference on Thursday and Friday was a great success. Over 10,000 young farmers, school pupils and students from home and abroad used the various events offered at Agritechnica. The panel discussion at which some 600 young business people from many European countries discussed important questions related to the future deserves particular mention. The young people stand by their profession and believe confidently in a successful future. A highlight at Agritechnica 2007 was once again the Young Farmer’s Party attended by some 2,500 young people.

The next Agritechnica will be held from 10 to 14 November 2009 (Preview Days on 8 and 9 November) at the Exhibition Grounds in Hanover.

We look forward to welcoming you in 2009!