Upcoming Trade Shows Bologna, Italy for Agriculture

If we’re to talk about the role of Bologna in Italy’s agriculture sector, we have to take a step back and explore the state of agriculture in the Emilia-Romagna region, where the city is located. Let’s cover the most important numbers first. In 2016, Emilia-Romagna's agri-food sector accounted for approximately 7 billion euros in exports, constituting 16.5% of the national total. This region's various agri-food segments contributed 12.5% to the overall exports from Emilia-Romagna. Notably, the agri-food value chain experienced consistent export growth from 2008 to 2016, with an impressive 32.8% increase, demonstrating exceptional resilience during a tense period marked by a variety of economic crises. The meat and meat-based products, other produce, agricultural and forestry machinery, and dairy products sectors were the most export-oriented, collectively representing 57.7% of total exports. Emilia-Romagna possesses a unique geography characterized by vast lowlands and abundant water sources from both rain and irrigation, which ultimately positions it as one of the country’s foremost agricultural regions. Here, the primary crops include wheat, corn (maize), fodder and sugar beets. The lowlands yield an abundance of vegetables and fruits, while the Apennine slopes are home to vineyards. The region is also recognized for its extensive livestock and dairy farming, contributing to a thriving food-processing and packaging industry. It’s when it comes to the industrial sector that Bologna comes in as a vital communications hub, facilitating commerce between northern and southern Italy. The region benefits from an extensive network of secondary railway lines and highways, ensuring efficient transportation. In addition, it’s also important to note that the region between Bologna and Parma is known as an active centre for the production of industrial food packaging machinery. Ultimately, it’s this dual nature of rich culinary contributions and cutting-edge manufacturing that have turned Emilia-Romagna into a name known around the world.