Agritechnica attracts record crowd

Agritechnica 2023, the world’s largest agricultural trade fair, ended with a bang on November 18, successfully attracting a record 470,000 visitors from around the globe, alongside 2812 exhibitors from 52 countries, according to show organiser, DLG (German Agricultural Society).

The expo was held at the Hanover Fairground in Hanover, Germany, from November 12 to 18, 2023.

The fully booked exhibition saw all the latest products, innovations and services in the agriculture sector go on display across 24 halls over the week-long event.

The theme of the global event was “Green Productivity” to highlight farming practices and technology that promote environmental sustainability.

As part of Agritechnica’s technical program, some 400 experts took part in more than 300 professional events to highlight green practices, shining the spotlight on sustainability in farming and providing much food for thought for current and future farmers.

Of the 470,000 visitors, around two-thirds came from Germany. Of the international visitors, 84 per cent hailed from Europe, with the remaining 16 per cent coming from other parts of the world, with a particular increase from Central and South America.

Agritechnica was a platform for world leading manufacturers to showcase their products and innovations, with 251 products submitted for consideration for the 'Agritechnica Innovation Award'.

An inaugural 'Drive Experience' on-site test track allowed show-goers the opportunity to test drive tractors, especially ones with alternative power systems.

A new program for this year, 'Inhouse Farming', managed to not only attract farmers exploring new branches in farming, but also the attention of the general media.

Other show programs including 'System and Components', 'Agrifood start-ups', 'Smart Farming' and 'Campus and Career' all proved to be very popular with the masses, DLG added.

“As the world's leading trade fair for agricultural machinery, Agritechnica 2023 has demonstrated how highly innovative the industry is,” said Agritechnica Project Manager, Timo Zipf.

“After four years, exhibitors were finally able to present their wealth of innovations to the world here in Hanover once again.

“Everyone appreciated the opportunity for face-to-face discussions, exchanges and networking opportunities, also to make new business contacts.”

DLG Holding GmbH CEO, Freya von Czettritz, said the show was an important platform for those working in the industry to make valuable connections.

“Personal networking and maintaining contacts at Agritechnica are invaluable for each and every visitor,” she said.

“With awards such as ‘Woman in Ag’ and the ‘DLG Agri Influencer Award’, we not only recognize the work of a wide range of farmers, but we also support them in expanding their networks.

“The Dealers Lunch, which was held for the first time, also brought together top sellers and young professionals from the international agricultural machinery trade.”

Exhibitors have expressed their satisfaction with attendance numbers and the connections they have made at Agritechnica.

“We felt that the trade fair was buzzing. The atmosphere was great. We could tell that, after four years, everyone was genuinely pleased to be back in direct contact with us as exhibitors,” said CLAAS’ Senior Vice President for Middle Europe, Sales and Service, Dr. Benjamin Schutte.

“We were able to register record numbers of visitors to our stand. The main theme of 'Green Productivity' could not have expressed the current situation and challenges facing agriculture any better. It’s important that the industry meets up at Agritechnica every two years,” said Horsch Machinery Managing Director, Michael Horsch.

The next edition of Agritechnica is scheduled to be held from November 9 to 15, 2025.