93RD INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL FAIR OFFICIALLY OPENED

Agriculture is the foundation of national stability and security. The 93rd International Agricultural Fair was officially opened by the Ministers of Agriculture of the Republic of Serbia and the Czech Republic, Dragan Glamočić and Martin Šebestjan, the leading fair event, which for the tenth year in a row represents the strength of agriculture and the meeting place of science, practice, technology, economy and international cooperation. During the upcoming six days at the Novi Sad Fair, from 16 to 21 May, 1,200 exhibitors from Serbia and 40 countries will be presented, once again confirming the title of "The Best of Vojvodina".

"This is a place to connect producers, companies and investors, creating space for cooperation, new jobs and joint projects," said the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Serbia, Dragan Glamočić, at the opening, adding that the presence of numerous friends and partners from all over the world gives special strength to this event. "This says one important thing, that Serbia is a country that is respected, that talks to everyone, that builds partnerships both in the east and in the west, preserving its national interests, peace and stability, pursuing an independent and responsible policy. Agriculture has become one of the most important bridges of this cooperation, because through agriculture we connect investments, new technologies, irrigation systems, processing industry, scientific cooperation, export to new markets... Serbia wants partnerships based on shared respect, economic development and long-term stability, and that is why the Agricultural Fair is much more than an event. It is a place where we show our economic strength, political stability and openness to the world. This is the place from which we send the message of what kind of Serbia we are building. This is Serbia that knows that without a strong village there is no strong state, that without domestic producers there is no secure food supply, that agriculture is much more than an industry, it is the foundation of national stability and security.

At a time of global economic upheavals, climate challenges, unstable markets and the growing struggle for food, it has become clear that countries that have strong domestic production have both political and economic strength, and that Serbia pursues a policy in which agriculture is one of the key pillars of the country's development.

In the first months of this year alone, 52 billion dinars were paid to Serbian farmers, or 47 percent of the total agrarian budget, which is three times more than in the same period last year. This year, for the first time, we have introduced the Incentive Calendar, so that every farmer can plan his investments and his future on time, which is just one of the measures we have adopted for the benefit of our producers – said Glamocic.

After five years, the Czech Republic is again the Partner Country of the largest agricultural event in Southeast Europe, while the General Sponsor is the Danube Insurance Company, the Gold Sponsor is Al Dahra, the Partner Bank is Postal Savings Bank, and the Donor in the Gift Game is the Company Kite DOO.

"Our countries are united not only by the fact that we are geographically close and have a common history, but also by the fact that we have improved common trade," said the Minister of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, Martin Šebestjan. "Like other countries, we are trying to cope with climate change that affects agriculture, which is why we need to adapt and change what we produce.

The Provincial Government, with its line secretariats and funds, supports the International Agricultural Fair.

"Today, when the whole world is facing the challenges of climate change, rising production costs and the need for safe food supply chains, international cooperation is becoming more important than ever," said the President of the Provincial Government, Maja Gojkovic. - That is why such fairs have added value, because they connect people, ideas and the market. The Provincial Government continues to strongly support the development of agriculture in Vojvodina through concrete measures and investments.

The City of Novi Sad, as the host of the 93rd International Agricultural Fair, provides inexhaustible support this year as well, making this city a small world.

- This year, the Fair offers the opportunity to get acquainted with the latest achievements in agriculture and related industries - said Mayor Žarko Mićin. "I'm sure that thousands of satisfied visitors and a multitude of completed deals will mark this year's edition. Novi Sad, as a confirmed city of youth, culture and sports, on the European and world map, a city with a rich cultural, historical and architectural heritage, will, I am sure, be up to the task. Everyone will leave the city with great memories. I wish all participants good luck and a pleasant stay in our city.

This year, there will be 1,200 exhibitors from Serbia and 40 countries at the Novi Sad Fair, machinery will be exhibited on an area of 35,000 square meters, 750 livestock will be exhibited and eight collective exhibitions will be held, and numerous small food and beverage producers will be presented.

- For decades, the fair has been successfully following trends and is a place where an advantage is gained - said the General Manager of the Novi Sad Fair, Slobodan Cvetković. - We are a safe and reliable partner. Thank you to our exhibitors. The support of key institutions for the organization is significant, as well as sponsors. The fair contributes to the intensification of international cooperation, focusing on digitalization, new technologies and green initiatives.

The first day of the International Agricultural Fair, May 16, is also a Family Day, while the Livestock Breeders' Day is reserved for the last day, May 21, when there will be a ceremony of awarding the best breeders with a parade of awarded horses. On the same day, the winner of the John Deere 5045 D tractor will be announced in the Gift Game for visitors with purchased tickets.

Novi Sad Fair