Thessaloniki prepares to host one of south-east Europe's largest agricultural exhibitions, the 31st International Exhibition for Agricultural Machinery, Equipment and Supplies, AGROTICA, which opens this week at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre.
As per its organisers, the event, running until 15 March, aims to showcase the future of agricultural production by bringing together innovation, technology and the practical needs of farmers, highlighting the growing importance of the primary sector in Greece's economy.
"Particular emphasis is placed on showcasing smart farming technologies and digital applications, with a strong presence of exhibitors presenting the most advanced solutions for agriculture," said Andreas Mavromatis, chief executive of TIF-Helexpo, during a press conference presenting the event. He added that the sector "contributes almost 4% of national GDP".
This year's edition will host 1,520 exhibitors from 42 countries across 38,000 square metres of exhibition space, underlining the event's international reach. Foreign participation has risen sharply, with a 49% increase in international exhibitors compared with the 2024 event. Mavromatis described the figure as "a record since the exhibition was founded in 1985 and proof of its outward-looking character".
Innovation and knowledge exchange will also be central to the programme. The 11th Panhellenic AGROTICA Conference, titled "From the seed of knowledge... to the fruit of innovation", is co-organised with the School of Agriculture at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, which marks 100 years since its founding.
Another key feature will focus on the intersection of bioeconomy, energy and digital agriculture, demonstrating how circular economy models, the energy transition and artificial intelligence are reshaping farming practices.
For the first time, the exhibition will also host scheduled B2B meetings organised with the Federation of Industries of Greece and the Enterprise Europe Network. The Hosted Buyers programme will welcome 33 trade visitors from nine target markets, alongside an organised delegation of 500 professionals from across the Balkans.
Organisers say they aim to attract around 100,000 visitors. Greece's minister of agricultural development and food, Kostas Tsiaras, will officially open the exhibition on Thursday evening.
AGROTICA was described as a key reference point for agricultural production and technology in Greece, with 40 members of the Agricultural Machinery Importers and Representatives Association occupying more than 40% of the exhibition space.
Industry representatives highlighted major challenges facing the sector, including rising energy costs, war-related disruptions, regulatory changes and climate change. Despite a 6% drop in fertiliser consumption in 2025, new biostimulant technologies have doubled in recent years, reaching a market value of 31 million euros, while the wider agricultural inputs market approaches 1 billion euros.
Sector leaders also stressed that Greek farmers are facing a difficult period due to extreme weather, unstable prices and bureaucracy, calling for faster funding programmes, simpler procedures and stronger investment tools to support producers.
