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Brazil’s Agrion Fertilizantes Targets 500,000 Metric Tons of Sugarcane-Waste Fertilizer by 2031

agrimachinery
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Brazil’s Agrion Fertilizantes Targets 500,000 Metric Tons of Sugarcane-Waste Fertilizer by 2031

RIBEIRAO PRETO, Brazil |March 13, 2026 — Brazilian fertilizer company Agrion Fertilizantes has set an ambitious target to produce 500,000 metric tons of organic fertilizer annually from sugarcane waste by 2031 — a move its founder says could help shield one of the world’s most important agricultural economies from mounting geopolitical supply-chain risks.

Ernani Judice, CEO and founder of Agrion Fertilizantes, made the announcement this week during a presentation at an industry event hosted by consultancy Datagro in Ribeirao Preto, in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo.

Judice highlighted the urgency of reducing Brazil’s dependence on imported fertilizers, particularly as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt global commodity markets.

 

“

Brazil imports 20% of its fertilizer from countries that are always embroiled in geopolitical issues.
Right now, there’s the serious situation with Iran — but something happens every year.

 

— Ernani Judice, CEO, Agrion Fertilizantes

Brazil’s Fertilizer Import Crisis

Brazil is an agricultural powerhouse — the world’s largest sugar producer and a leading exporter of soybeans, corn, and beef.

Yet the country imports approximately 85% of the 41 million metric tons of fertilizer it uses each year, according to Brazil’s national research agency Embrapa.

That dependence leaves its vast agricultural sector exposed to price shocks driven by wars, sanctions, and shipping disruptions far beyond its borders.

The vulnerability was thrown into sharp relief in recent weeks following military strikes by Israel and the United States against Iran, which sent global oil and commodity prices surging.

Data from consultancy Agrinvest show that an estimated 41% of Brazil’s urea imports — approximately 3 million metric tons in 2025 — passed through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically sensitive waterways.

Turning Sugarcane Waste into Organic Fertilizer

Agrion’s solution taps into Brazil’s most abundant agricultural resource.

The company builds fertilizer factories alongside existing sugar and ethanol mills, sourcing two key sugarcane by-products — vinasse (a liquid residue from ethanol distillation) and filter cake (the solid organic matter left after sugarcane juice is filtered) — to produce a range of slow-release organomineral fertilizers.

This integrated, co-location model reduces logistics costs, minimises environmental impact from waste disposal, and creates a circular economy loop in which sugarcane mills effectively become both the source of raw materials and the customers for the finished fertilizer product.

Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Uberlandia, Agrion currently operates one factory in Tupaciguara, Minas Gerais, in partnership with bioenergy company Aroeira, producing around 60,000 metric tons of fertilizer per year.

Two additional plants are under construction in the state of Sao Paulo, with the company focusing its expansion on Goias, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Sao Paulo, and Brazil’s Northeast region.

A Ten-Factory Expansion Backed by UN-Linked Investment

To reach its 500,000-metric-ton annual target by 2031, Agrion plans to expand to 10 factories, with an eventual ambition of 20 new plants over the following decade.

Brazil currently has more than 400 sugarcane mills, giving the company a substantial pipeline of potential sites.

The expansion is being funded in part by the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, managed by US investment manager Pegasus Capital Advisors.

The fund — whose primary investor is the United Nations’ Green Climate Fund — has committed up to R$250 million (approximately $50 million USD) to Agrion, of which $20 million has already been deployed, Judice confirmed.

Each new factory requires an investment of approximately R$30 million.

If the company hits its targets, annual revenues are projected to reach nearly R$2 billion (roughly $387 million USD) by 2031.

Protecting Coral Reefs Through Circular Agriculture

The involvement of a coral reef protection fund in an agricultural fertilizer startup might seem unusual, but there is a clear environmental logic at play.

Vinasse and other sugarcane processing waste are highly polluting when left unmanaged, and often leach into waterways that ultimately drain into coastal ecosystems, threatening coral reefs and marine habitats.

According to Dale Galvin, Executive Director of the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, Agrion fits squarely within the fund’s circular economy and pollution management mandate.

By providing a commercially viable destination for sugarcane waste, the company helps remove a significant source of marine pollution while supporting a more sustainable agricultural supply chain.

Judice has noted that the company is particularly focused on the Brazilian Northeast, home to the only coral reef ecosystem in the South Atlantic — underscoring the direct link between its industrial operations and ocean conservation.

Strategic Significance for Brazilian Agriculture

If Agrion achieves its 2031 targets, it would represent a meaningful — though not transformational — contribution to reducing Brazil’s fertilizer import bill.

Five hundred thousand metric tons is roughly 1.2% of the 41 million tons Brazil uses annually, but the model’s scalability and circular economy credentials give it outsized strategic value as a proof of concept for domestic organic fertilizer production.

With over 400 sugar mills nationwide and mounting political pressure to reduce Brazil’s exposure to fertilizer import risks, the company’s integrated, waste-to-nutrient model may attract further investment and government attention in the years ahead.

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Fields of Partnership: How Belarus Became Zimbabwe’s Farming Lifeline

Martin Blessing
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0
Fields of Partnership: How Belarus Became Zimbabwe’s Farming Lifeline

By Special Correspondent

HARARE | MARCH 2026: When the latest consignment of Belarusian agricultural machinery rolled off transport trucks in Harare recently, it was not a surprise.

It was, by now, a familiar ritual — one that has been playing out between Zimbabwe and Belarus for the better part of a decade, growing in scale and ambition with each passing year.

The new batch, arriving under the third phase of the Belarus Farm Mechanisation Facility, adds to a fleet that has already transformed the calculus of Zimbabwean agriculture.

Tractors bearing the distinctive red-and-grey livery of Minsk Tractor Works (MTZ) have become a common sight on farms from Mashonaland to Matabeleland, symbols of a bilateral relationship that has quietly become one of the most consequential agricultural partnerships on the African continent.

 

“

We are glad that today we are talking about a strategic partnership that envisages work on a systematic perspective basis.

— Vitaly Vovk, Director General, MTZ

A PARTNERSHIP BUILT PHASE BY PHASE

The roots of the arrangement stretch back to 2018, when Zimbabwe began importing Belarusian machinery in earnest.

Phases 1 and 2 of the mechanisation facility delivered more than 2,000 high-tech tractors, combine harvesters, and associated implements, helping Zimbabwe record a landmark grain harvest in 2022 — its first self-sufficiency in grain production in five decades, according to Belarusian officials.

Phase 3, the most ambitious yet, is valued at US$282 million and encompasses the delivery of over 3,700 units of various machinery — tractors, combine harvesters, and grain carriers — across 2025 and 2026.

The current delivery is part of that contracted programme.

Under its terms, the Zimbabwean government procures the equipment from Belarus and then resells it to farmers through a network of participating banks, including the People’s Own Savings Bank (POSB), under flexible three-year financing at 7.5 percent interest per annum with no collateral requirement.

The machinery on offer spans a wide range of power outputs — from 81-horsepower models suited to smallholder operations to the heavy-duty 155-horsepower tractors favoured by commercial farming enterprises.

Farming cooperatives, irrigation schemes, and registered agribusinesses are all eligible to apply.

KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE

 

Category Details
Total Deal Value US$282 million (Phase 3)
Units in Phase 3 3,700+ tractors, harvesters & grain carriers
Delivery Period 2025–2026
Zimbabwe Tractor Fleet ~15,300 (national need: 40,000)
Financing Terms 3-year repayment, 7.5% per year, no collateral
Service Network BiSON Agro Machinery: Harare, Mutare, Bulawayo
Assembly Plant Target 2027 — local production to begin

 

CLOSING THE GAP

The urgency behind the programme is not hard to understand. Zimbabwe has roughly 15,300 functional tractors against a national requirement that authorities have put at 40,000 units — a shortfall that constrains how much of the country’s 4.1 million hectares of arable land can be worked efficiently.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa flagged the deficit as far back as 2020, when the fleet stood at only around 9,000 machines.

Officials say the tractors already delivered have made a measurable difference. According to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, the existing fleet had tilled 2.8 million hectares of land by early 2025.

Each new combine harvester added to the fleet is capable of covering at least 10 hectares per day, meaningfully compressing the harvest window and reducing post-harvest losses.

Leonard Munamati, Acting Chief Director of Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), has said the new equipment is expected to push Zimbabwe’s daily harvesting capacity to around 4,000 hectares — a figure that would have been unimaginable before the mechanisation drive began.

 

“

Each combine harvester can cover at least 10 hectares per day. Our harvesting capacity for the summer cropping season will be around 4,000 hectares per day.

— Harrison Basikoro, Deputy Director, Agricultural Engineering

MORE THAN A SALE: AFTERSALES, TRAINING, AND LOCAL ROOTS

What distinguishes the Belarus-Zimbabwe partnership from a straightforward equipment purchase is its commitment to keeping the machines working.

The two governments jointly established BiSON Agro Machinery in Harare, a dedicated after-sales and maintenance company with branches in Mutare and Bulawayo, plus a warehouse of component parts.

BiSON’s marketing director, Andrei Kloeinov, has been candid about the rationale. Equipment that breaks down and cannot be repaired is equipment wasted.

Belarusian engineers have been training local technicians in the repair, operation, and maintenance of the machinery — a knowledge-transfer dimension that officials on both sides regard as essential to the programme’s long-term viability.

The next step, already agreed in principle, is deeper still. Plans are in place for Belarus to establish a tractor assembly plant inside Zimbabwe by 2027, which would shift the relationship from pure imports to co-manufacturing and potentially open the door to exporting jointly produced machinery to neighbouring countries.

ZIMBABWE AS A GATEWAY: BELARUS EYES THE CONTINENT

Harare’s experience has not gone unnoticed in Minsk — or in African capitals. Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov has described the Zimbabwe model explicitly as a template for the rest of Africa, noting that when leaders from other African countries visit Zimbabwe, they are taken to see the BiSON service centres and the Belarusian equipment firsthand.

The Ghanaian president, Ryzhenkov noted, uses a Belarusian tractor on his own farm.

The ripple effect is already visible. In March 2026, Minsk announced plans to supply roughly 4,500 units of agricultural machinery to Togo and 3,000 units to Ghana during the year — framed explicitly as significant pilot projects modelled on the Zimbabwean experience.

The pattern Belarus describes — first machinery deliveries, then service centres, then training, then local assembly — is precisely what has unfolded in Zimbabwe over the past eight years.

Belarus’s newly appointed ambassador to Harare, who took up the post this week, described Zimbabwe as a kind of gateway into Africa for Belarusian commercial ambitions.

With Western markets largely closed to Minsk following the political upheaval of 2020 and subsequent sanctions, Africa has become a strategic priority — and Zimbabwe, with its well-established infrastructure for Belarusian equipment, sits at the centre of that push.

 

“

Dealing with large empires is very difficult. We will always build, at our own modest level, a mutually beneficial cooperation that ensures agreements are fully honoured.

— Maxim Ryzhenkov, Foreign Minister

GEOPOLITICS IN THE FURROW

The partnership is not without its geopolitical dimensions. Belarus is under comprehensive Western sanctions, and Zimbabwe itself has long navigated a complicated relationship with Western donors and international financial institutions.

The two countries share, in Minsk’s framing, a common experience of dealing with external pressure — a narrative their leaders have deployed to frame the partnership as one of solidarity between sovereign states charting their own course.

Critics have noted that both governments are led by figures whose democratic credentials are contested, and some observers in the development community question whether the financing terms of the mechanisation facility, taken as a government-to-government debt arrangement, adequately serve the interests of ordinary Zimbabwean farmers or simply deepen sovereign indebtedness.

For now, however, the tractors are arriving, the harvesters are in the fields, and Zimbabwe’s agriculture ministry is reporting improved crop figures.

Whether the partnership ultimately proves to be as durable as its champions claim — or whether the assembly plant materialises on schedule in 2027 — will be the measure by which it is eventually judged.

WHAT COMES NEXT

The immediate outlook for the programme is busy. Remaining deliveries under Phase 3 are expected to continue through 2026.

The bus assembly plant agreed between the two governments is slated to begin production in Harare in the near term.

Negotiations on the tractor assembly facility, intended to be operational by 2027, are understood to be progressing.

Meanwhile, the network of service centres is being expanded, and training programmes for Zimbabwean technicians are ongoing.

For the farmers who have already taken delivery of their machines — repaying the loan in manageable tranches over three years — the politics of the arrangement are, perhaps, a secondary concern.

The tractor in the field is what matters.

As one Zimbabwean official put it privately: the country needed the machines, Belarus had the machines, and both sides wanted the deal.

In the often transactional world of agricultural development, that alignment has proven remarkably productive.

Additional reporting: BelTA, The Sunday Mail (Zimbabwe), Bulawayo24, Farmers Review Africa, POSB Zimbabwe

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U.S. Tractor Sales Fall 12% in February as Farmers Tighten Belts, AEM Data Shows

Martin Blessing
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0
U.S. Tractor Sales Fall 12% in February as Farmers Tighten Belts, AEM Data Shows

WISCONSIN |  March 13, 2026: U.S. farmers continued to pump the brakes on equipment spending in February 2026, with total tractor sales dropping 12.2% compared to the same month a year ago, according to the latest data released by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

The figures underscore a cautious mood across American agriculture, as elevated input costs and uncertain commodity markets continue to weigh on purchasing decisions.

The decline was broad, spanning every major tractor horsepower category.

The largest segment by volume — tractors under 40 horsepower — fell 11.5% year-over-year, with 6,014 units sold in February compared to 6,792 in February 2025. Mid-range 40–100 HP tractors slipped 9.5%, from 3,024 to 2,738 units.

The most dramatic drop came at the top end of the market: high-horsepower tractors of 100 HP or more tumbled 25.8%, with just 904 units sold versus 1,218 a year earlier.

The one category to buck the trend was four-wheel-drive (4WD) tractors, which posted an 11.3% gain — climbing from 133 units in February 2025 to 148 units last month.

While modest in absolute numbers, the uptick suggests that larger farming operations investing in premium, high-capacity machines are still active buyers.

“Farmers remain focused on managing input costs while maximizing productivity. Despite current pressures, the long-term outlook for modernizing equipment fleets and adopting advanced agricultural technologies remains strong.” — Curt Blades, Senior Vice President, AEM

 

February 2026 U.S. Tractor Sales at a Glance

Category Feb 2026 Feb 2025 Change
Under 40 HP 6,014 6,792 -11.5%
40–100 HP 2,738 3,024 -9.5%
100+ HP 904 1,218 -25.8%
4WD 148 133 +11.3%
Total Tractors 9,804 11,167 -12.2%

Source: Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), March 2026

Year-to-Date Picture

Zooming out to the first two months of the year, the weakness in tractor sales is consistent. Through February 2026, total U.S. tractor sales stand at 18,587 units, an 8.7% decline from the 20,365 units sold over the same period of 2025.

The trend suggests this is not simply a one-month blip but a sustained softening in farmer demand for new iron.

The combine harvester segment tells a more nuanced story. While combine sales fell 12.6% in February alone, year-to-date numbers are actually running ahead of last year — up 15.4% through the first two months, with 322 units sold compared to 279 in early 2025. A strong January likely drove the favorable comparison.

What’s Driving the Slowdown?

The broader context is one of financial caution on the farm. After a multi-year run of relatively strong commodity prices and robust equipment purchases following the COVID-era supply shortages, U.S. agriculture is entering a more measured phase.

Corn, soybean, and wheat prices have softened from their peaks, while farm input costs — from fertilizer to fuel — remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic norms.

AEM’s Curt Blades acknowledged the caution while pointing to long-term durability in the market.

The organization noted that many farmers are choosing to service and hold existing equipment rather than trade up, a classic behavior during periods of margin compression.

Still, industry analysts remain cautiously optimistic about the second half of 2026. Pent-up replacement demand — particularly in the 100+ HP segment, where fleets have been aging — and the continued rollout of precision agriculture technology could help stabilize sales as the year progresses.

What to Watch

The next AEM monthly report, covering March 2026, will be closely watched. Spring planting season typically coincides with an uptick in equipment purchases as farmers assess field readiness.

Whether the spring selling season delivers a meaningful recovery — or confirms a deeper structural pullback — will be a key indicator for the agricultural equipment sector’s trajectory for the rest of the year.

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Mahindra Cuts Ties with Mitsubishi — Then Bets Big on North America

South Africa Fuel Restrictions Hit Farmers Hard as Harvest Season Approaches

Mahindra Cuts Ties with Mitsubishi — Then Bets Big on North America

Martin Blessing
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0
Mahindra Cuts Ties with Mitsubishi — Then Bets Big on North America

It is rare for a company to announce a strategic retreat and a strategic advance in the same breath.

Mahindra & Mahindra has done exactly that — and the agricultural equipment world is paying close attention.

Within the span of a single week in early March 2026, the Mumbai-based conglomerate confirmed it is winding down its long-standing Japanese joint venture — Mitsubishi Mahindra Agricultural Machinery (MAM) — while simultaneously unveiling a fresh wave of tractors designed to deepen its grip on the United States market.

The message, whether intentional or not, was unmistakable: Mahindra is not retreating. It is reloading.

The End of a Japanese Chapter

The Mitsubishi Mahindra Agricultural Machinery joint venture was, for many years, a symbol of the kind of East-meets-East industrial alliance that defined the globalization era.

MAM gave Mahindra access to Japanese engineering DNA and a foothold in Asia-Pacific markets; Mitsubishi gained exposure to Mahindra’s manufacturing scale and distribution reach.

But the numbers eventually told a harsher story. In the fiscal year ending March 2025, MAM recorded revenues of approximately ₹2,094 crore — a respectable top line — but posted a net loss of around ₹227 crore.

Its net worth had turned negative. Multiple rounds of restructuring failed to restore profitability, and after a thorough review of market conditions, demand patterns, and production economics, Mahindra concluded that the business could not be sustained on financially stable terms.

The formal wind-down will be measured, not abrupt. Research, development, production, and sales will cease by the first half of fiscal year 2026–27.

Critically, Mahindra has pledged that existing customers will not be abandoned — parts, warranty coverage, and service support will remain available for years to come, a reassurance aimed squarely at protecting dealer relationships and brand trust built over decades.

 

Mahindra is not treating the JV exit as a retreat. It is treating it as an opportunity to own its product line entirely.

Enter the OJA Platform

Announced at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky, Mahindra’s new tractor family is built on a platform the company calls Powered by OJA — a name drawn from the Sanskrit word Ojas, meaning energy and vitality.

It is an apt choice for a product line that is being positioned as a generational leap forward.

The initial rollout includes the 1100 series (20–26 HP subcompacts) and the 2100 series (23–26 HP compacts), offered in both cab and open-station configurations.

The 2126 compact cab variant arrives with air conditioning, a rear defrost function, and an enhanced 11-gallon-per-minute hydraulic pump that meaningfully increases lift capacity.

Perhaps most notably, the 1100 subcompact series is now backhoe-compatible — an unusual feature in the 20 HP class that Mahindra believes will set it apart in a crowded entry-level segment.

Woven throughout the new lineup is the OJA software platform, accessible via a smartphone app and designed to give operators an intuitive, connected cockpit experience.

For a company that has historically competed on durability and value, the move into smart-tractor territory signals that Mahindra is watching — and responding to — the digitization wave sweeping precision agriculture.

Reading the U.S. Buyer

Mahindra’s North American subsidiary, Mahindra Ag North America (MAGNA), headquartered in Texas, has framed the JV exit as a “well-planned and strategic decision” that reaffirms rather than undermines its commitment to the American market.

That framing is backed by data the company has clearly studied carefully.

Company analysis identifies two primary buyer personas in the U.S. compact tractor space: first-time rural property owners seeking capable, approachable machines, and buyers in their 50s and 60s with disposable income and an appetite for premium features.

Almost half of the U.S. tractor market sits below 20 HP, and roughly 70 percent of buyers in that band are purchasing their first tractor — a statistic that makes ease of use, connectivity, and brand confidence enormously important.

To ensure no gap opens in the portfolio as the MAM models are phased out, Mahindra has committed to new models spanning 26 to 70 HP — a range that covers the heart of North American compact and utility tractor demand.

The transition is being managed to be seamless for dealers and buyers alike.

What This Tells Us About Mahindra

Reading Mahindra’s two announcements together, a clear strategic logic emerges. The company is shedding a costly, structurally challenged partnership in a market where it could not achieve sustainable scale, while doubling down on North America — a market where it has built genuine brand equity over decades, particularly among rural landowners and hobby farmers.

Owning its platform outright, rather than sharing it with a partner, gives Mahindra full control over product roadmap, pricing, feature development, and brand narrative.

The OJA platform — with its emphasis on connectivity, modern cab comfort, and unexpected capability at entry-level horsepower — suggests the company is ready to compete not just on price, but on product.

Whether that ambition translates into market share gains against entrenched rivals like John Deere, Kubota, and Kioti remains to be seen. But the direction of travel is clear.

In a global agricultural equipment market defined by consolidation and complexity, Mahindra is choosing simplicity, focus, and ownership — and betting that North America will reward it.

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South Africa Fuel Restrictions Hit Farmers Hard as Harvest Season Approaches

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South Africa Fuel Restrictions Hit Farmers Hard as Harvest Season Approaches

Martin Blessing
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0
South Africa Fuel Restrictions Hit Farmers Hard as Harvest Season Approaches

South Africa fuel restrictions are no longer a distant warning — they are now a reality on the ground.

Several major agricultural suppliers began rationing diesel sales in early March 2026, driven by a sudden surge in global oil prices linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict.

The move is putting the squeeze on an agricultural sector already operating on razor-thin margins.

On 9 March, Oos-Vrystaat Kaap (OVK) Limited in the Eastern Cape notified customers that diesel orders at its distribution points were being suspended due to price increases from its fuel suppliers.

Meanwhile, VKB Group — one of the largest agricultural service companies in the country — capped purchases at 80 litres per customer per day.

For reference, a combine harvester burns through 300 to 600 litres over a typical harvest day, making the South Africa fuel restrictions a significant operational constraint for farmers.

Why South Africa Fuel Restrictions Couldn’t Come at a Worse Time

South Africa’s maize harvesting season typically gets underway in April, and fruit harvesting across major growing regions runs from January through May.

Diesel is the lifeblood of this activity — from tractors and harvesters to irrigation pumps and transport trucks.

The current South Africa fuel restrictions arrive at a moment when demand is at its peak, directly threatening the viability of this year’s harvest.

Agricultural cooperatives have historically offered a critical lifeline to farmers, purchasing fuel in bulk to secure discounted rates and passing savings on to their members.

Unlike petrol, diesel prices in South Africa are unregulated, allowing sellers to set their own margins above the wholesale price.

This system has worked well for decades — but the current price volatility is making it unsustainable for some suppliers to honour forward orders.

NWK in the North West was also forced to abruptly raise its diesel prices this week following hikes from its own suppliers.

The company had little warning and passed the increases on to farmers with minimal notice, deepening the impact of South Africa fuel restrictions across multiple provinces.

April Price Shock Set to Worsen South Africa Fuel Restrictions Crisis

Data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) paints a worrying picture for the weeks ahead.

Based on current international oil prices and the rand-dollar exchange rate — which has slipped to around R16.54 to R16.79 against the dollar — the wholesale price of 50ppm diesel could increase by as much as R6.02 per litre in April.

That would bring prices close to the all-time record of R25.75 per litre last seen in October 2022, potentially entrenching South Africa fuel restrictions well beyond the current harvest window.

Compounding matters, fuel levies announced in the 2026 Budget Speech will add approximately 21 cents per litre from April, arriving at the worst possible time.

For grain farmers, where fuel accounts for roughly 13% of total input costs, the financial impact could be severe.

Beyond diesel, the conflict in the Middle East is also disrupting fertiliser shipments from key suppliers including Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

This dual pressure — on fuel and fertiliser simultaneously — risks a cascade of cost increases that will ultimately reach consumers at the supermarket checkout.

Government Response to South Africa Fuel Restrictions: Reassurance Amid Uncertainty

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has sought to reassure the public that the current South Africa fuel restrictions do not extend to ordinary motorists.

The department confirmed there is no immediate risk of petrol and diesel shortages at filling stations.

South Africa’s two operational refineries — NATREF and Astron Energy — are primarily supplied from West Africa and are therefore largely shielded from Middle East supply chain disruptions.

However, analysts warn that South Africa’s strategic fuel reserves cover only around 20 to 21 days of national demand — well below the international benchmark of 90 days recommended for energy security.

If the conflict escalates and disruptions persist, South Africa fuel restrictions could quickly spread beyond the farming sector.

For now, farmers and agricultural businesses are navigating the uncertainty as best they can.

But with OVK’s restrictions under review and more cooperatives likely to follow suit, the coming weeks could prove defining for both South Africa’s 2026 harvest and the broader trajectory of South Africa fuel restrictions.

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How to Get to Ribeirão Preto for Agrishow 2026: Flights, Drives, Buses & Caravanas

agrimachinery
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How to Get to Ribeirão Preto for Agrishow 2026: Flights, Drives, Buses & Caravanas

 

QUICK REFERENCE
  • 📍 Venue: Polo Regional de Agronegócios — Rod. Pref. Antônio Duarte Nogueira, Km 321, Ribeirão Preto, SP
  • 📅 Dates: April 27 – May 1, 2026 | 8am – 6pm daily
  • ✈️ Nearest Airport: Leite Lopes Airport (RAO) — ~15 min from venue
  • 🚗 By Car from São Paulo: ~315 km via Anhanguera (SP-330), approx. 3.5–4 hours
  • 🅿️ Parking at venue: Regular R$75/day · VIP R$580/day (advance only) · Vans/Buses R$120/day

Every year, more than 197,000 professionals — farmers, dealers, agronomists, investors, and machinery specialists from over 91 countries — converge on a single stretch of highway in the interior of São Paulo state.

Getting to Agrishow 2026 is not complicated, but it does require a plan. The venue sits outside the urban center of Ribeirão Preto, accommodation fills up weeks before the gates open, and on peak days the roads leading to the fairgrounds move slowly.

This guide covers every realistic option: commercial flights, private aviation, the drive from Brazil’s major agribusiness regions, long-distance buses, and how to organize or join a caravana.

Read it end to end, bookmark the one section that fits your situation, and tick this logistical box well before April.

Use the sections below to jump straight to your transport mode. All venue address, parking, and shuttle information is sourced directly from the official Agrishow website at agrishow.com.br — verify specific fees there, as prices are subject to change.

Where Exactly Is Agrishow? Understanding the Venue

Agrishow takes place at the Polo Regional de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico dos Agronegócios do Centro-Leste, which is a state government research campus that doubles each April as the largest agricultural fair in Latin America. The full postal address is:

 

📍 Official Venue Address

Address: Rodovia Prefeito Antônio Duarte Nogueira, Km 321, Ribeirão Preto – São Paulo – Brazil | CEP: 14031-800

GPS Coordinates: approximately 21°18’S, 47°48’W

The venue sits on the SP-322 highway (Rod. Antônio Duarte Nogueira), roughly 8–10 km northeast of the Ribeirão Preto city center.

This location matters because it determines almost every transport decision you will make. The venue is not in the city center — it is on a state highway at the edge of the urban area.

That means taxis and apps from the city take 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. It also means that during the fair week, the surrounding roads congest significantly between 7am and 9am as visitors arrive, and again between 5pm and 7pm on departure.

Planning around these windows is the single most impactful logistical choice you can make.

Flying In: Commercial Flights to Ribeirão Preto

Leite Lopes Airport (RAO) — Your Primary Option

The closest airport to Agrishow is Aeroporto Estadual Dr. Leite Lopes (IATA: RAO), located approximately 6 km from the Ribeirão Preto city center and roughly 15 minutes by road from the fair venue.

Inaugurated in 1939, the airport has undergone significant expansion in recent years, including a new terminal that doubled the boarding area capacity.

It currently handles commercial flights from LATAM, Azul, GOL, and Voepass (formerly Passaredo), operating aircraft including the Airbus A320, Embraer E190, E195, and ATR 72.

Airline Key Routes Serving RAO Notes
LATAM Airlines São Paulo (CGH/GRU), Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Campinas Largest network to/from RAO; competitive fares from Congonhas
Azul Campinas (VCP, its hub), Fortaleza, Curitiba, Goiânia, Recife, Uberaba Strong from VCP; 64% of passengers’ first choice for RAO
GOL São Paulo (CGH), Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília Good frequency on SP–RAO route
Voepass Regional connections, São José do Rio Preto, hub for interior SP routes Ideal for travelers from smaller interior cities

The São Paulo–Ribeirão Preto route is high-frequency: on average 14 flights per day connect the capital to RAO. A Congonhas (CGH)–RAO flight takes approximately 1 hour in the air, making it one of the fastest domestic connections in the state.

Book well in advance for Agrishow week — prices for the April 27 arrival window historically spike to 3–4x normal fares as demand from 197,000 expected visitors compresses into a handful of days.

 

Important: No Free Airport Transfer

Agrishow does NOT provide a complimentary shuttle from Leite Lopes Airport (RAO) to the fairgrounds.

From RAO, your options are:
• Rideshare app (Uber/99 — approx. 15 min, R$30–60)
• Taxi from the airport rank
• Pre-arranged rental car

Budget for this leg separately.

Flying from Major Agribusiness Hubs — At a Glance

 

Origin City Flight Time Approx. Fare* Recommended Airline
São Paulo (CGH) ~1 hour R$145–500 LATAM, GOL (direct)
São Paulo (VCP – Campinas) ~1 hour R$180–400 Azul (direct)
Belo Horizonte ~1.5 hours R$250–600 LATAM, Azul
Rio de Janeiro ~1.5 hours (direct) R$235–700 GOL, LATAM
Brasília ~1.5 hours R$300–800 LATAM, Azul
Goiânia ~1.5 hours R$350–900 Azul, LATAM
Curitiba ~2 hours (w/ connection) R$400–900 LATAM, GOL via CGH
Fortaleza ~3 hours (direct via Azul) R$500–1,200 Azul direct, longest RAO route

*Fares are indicative based on data through early March 2026. Expect significant price increases closer to the event. Book 60–90 days in advance for the best rates.

Flying Via Guarulhos or Congonhas + Driving

Travelers from international origins or cities without direct RAO connections frequently fly into São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport (GRU, 342 km from the fair) or Congonhas (CGH, 328 km) and then drive or take a connecting flight.

If you land at Guarulhos late the previous night, it may make sense to stay in Campinas — halfway — and drive the remaining 180 km fresh in the morning. Campinas is a logical overnight hub for visitors arriving from overseas who land too late for the Ribeirão Preto connection flight.

Private Aviation — Santa Lydia Aerodrome

For operators flying their own aircraft or chartering executive aviation, the internal heliport and landing strip inside the Agrishow exhibition park will NOT be in operation in 2026. The replacement is Santa Lydia Aerodrome (ICAO: SDUL), located 7 km by road from the fair entrance.

 

Santa Lydia Aerodrome — Private Aviation Details
Runway: 950m length x 18m width (1,100m paved total)
Operations: 24 hours / 7 days during Agrishow week
Fuel: Avgas and Jet A-1 available
Contact: Ana Garcia | Phone: (16) 98185-0048
Website: www.santalydia.com | Instagram: @Aerodromo_Santa_Lydia
Scheduling: Via AeroLydia app — file your flight plan to SDUL and receive a WhatsApp link to complete registration and book services.
ROTAER link: aisweb.decea.mil.br/?i=aerodromos&codigo=SDUL

 

Driving to Agrishow 2026: Routes from Brazil’s Key Agricultural Regions

Brazil’s agricultural belt is road-oriented, and a significant proportion of Agrishow’s visitors arrive by car, pickup, or fleet vehicle.

The road network connecting the country’s main producing regions to Ribeirão Preto is well-developed, with most major routes using high-quality toll highways.

From São Paulo (Capital)

Distance: ~315 km  |  Estimated driving time: 3.5–4 hours (without traffic)

The primary route is the Rodovia Anhanguera (SP-330), São Paulo’s third-longest state highway, running from the capital north through Campinas and continuing to Ribeirão Preto.

This is one of Brazil’s most important agricultural cargo corridors, well-maintained with multiple service areas. Exit at Ribeirão Preto and follow signs for SP-322 (Rodovia Pref. Antônio Duarte Nogueira) — the fair entrance is at Km 321 of this road.

Alternative: Rodovia dos Bandeirantes (SP-348) from São Paulo to Campinas, then SP-330 to Ribeirão Preto. The Bandeirantes is often faster from the western side of the São Paulo metro area. Both routes converge near Campinas.

 

Traffic Warning for Opening Day
On April 27 (Monday opening), expect heavy traffic on the SP-330 between 7am–10am and 4pm–7pm.
Coming the night before (Sunday, April 26) and staying in Ribeirão Preto eliminates this risk entirely.If you must drive on the day, aim to arrive at the venue by 7:30am — gates open at 8am and parking fills fast on Day 1.

From Campinas

Distance: ~178 km  |  Estimated time: ~2 hours via SP-330. Campinas is the most common intermediate stop for visitors from São Paulo who prefer a midpoint hotel or are connecting from Viracopos Airport (VCP).

From Brasília (DF)

Distance: ~800–850 km  |  Estimated time: 8–10 hours. Route: BR-060/BR-153 south toward Goiânia, then SP-330 through Uberlândia direction, entering São Paulo via the Triângulo Mineiro. Long but doable as an overnight drive. Most visitors prefer flying for this stretch — a direct or connecting flight saves 6+ hours each way.

From Goiânia (GO)

Distance: ~760 km  |  Estimated time: 8–9 hours. Route: BR-153 (Belém–Brasília highway) south to the MG/SP border area, then SP-330 toward Ribeirão Preto. This is a long day of driving. Splitting the trip with a night in Uberlândia (MG) is a popular strategy among producers from Goiás and MATOPIBA.

From the Triângulo Mineiro / Uberlândia (MG)

Distance: ~370 km  |  Estimated time: ~3.5–4 hours. Route: BR-050 southeast to Uberaba, then SP-330 south to Ribeirão Preto. The Triângulo Mineiro sends one of the largest contingents of visitors to Agrishow each year, and this is a clean, well-paved route.

From Mato Grosso (Cuiabá)

Distance: ~1,400 km  |  Estimated time: 14–16 hours. Driving from Cuiabá to Agrishow in a single stretch is not recommended. Most MT producers either fly directly or combine a drive to a connecting city (Rondonópolis, Jataí, or Goiânia) with a flight or overnight bus.

The caravana option (see below) is particularly popular from MT, where agribusiness cooperatives and dealers organize group transport.

From Porto Alegre / Curitiba (South Region)

Porto Alegre distance: ~1,150 km  |  Curitiba: ~850 km. Southern producers who drive typically combine the journey with stopovers, making it a multi-day road trip. The majority from the south prefer flying directly to RAO or taking an overnight bus, which is cost-effective and positions you to arrive fresh on Day 1.

Parking at the Fairgrounds

Parking Option Rate (per day) Details
Regular Parking R$ 75.00 Standard lot, self-park, near main entrances
VIP Valet (Green) R$ 580.00 Beside main entrance; leave keys, attendant parks. Advance purchase only via Carmob Eventos app.
VIP Fácil (Yellow) Included in VIP rate Opposite side of fair; self-park, direct highway exit, shuttle to entrance provided.
Vans & Buses R$ 120.00 Dedicated area with easy caravana drop-off/pickup
Disability Parking Reserved spaces Signposted close to main access points; present documentation at entrance.

 

Parking is managed by VVR Estacionamentos. Contact: (16) 3610-9281 / (16) 97400-2177 | agrishow@vvrestacionamentos.com.br. Advance purchase recommended — spots sell out on peak days. Book via: app2.carmob.com.br/evento/v3/4909

Free Shuttle from Alternative Parking Lots

Three off-site parking locations offer free shuttle transfers to the fairgrounds. This is the recommended option for visitors who want to avoid the congestion around the main venue entrance, or who booked a hotel near one of these transfer hubs:

Parking Location Address
Hotel Mont Blanc Av. Maurílio Biagi, 1577 — Ribeirânia, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14096-075
Hotel W Garden Av. Wladimir Meirelles Ferreira, 856 — Jardim Botânico, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14021-630
Arena EUROBIKE Av. Costábile Romano, S/N — Santa Cruz, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14096-079

 

🕐 Shuttle Timetable

First transfer (Alternative Parking → Agrishow): 7:00 AM

Last transfer (Agrishow → Alternative Parking): 7:00 PM

Service runs throughout the day. Check official signage on-site for intermediate departures.

 

Long-Distance Buses to Ribeirão Preto

For visitors on a budget, or those traveling from cities with strong bus connectivity, long-distance coach is a practical option.

Ribeirão Preto’s main bus terminal — Terminal Rodoviário, Av. Jerônimo Gonçalves, 640 — is a well-equipped facility operating 24 hours, managed by Socicam since 1976. It connects to dozens of Brazilian cities via multiple carriers.

Key Intercity Bus Routes to Ribeirão Preto

From City Distance Journey Time Main Carriers
São Paulo (Tietê) 315 km 4–5 hours Viação Cometa, Rápido Ribeirão Preto, Viação Piracicabana
Campinas 180 km ~2.5 hours Multiple operators via Tietê connection
Uberlândia (MG) 370 km 3.5–5 hours Viação Jarlentur, Expresso Adamantina, Eucatur, Expresso União, Buser
Uberaba (MG) ~230 km ~2.5 hours Multiple MG/SP operators
Brasília (DF) ~820 km 11–12 hours Viação Catedral, FlixBus, Roderotas
Goiânia (GO) ~913 km 11–18 hours Expresso Diamante, FlixBus (R$148+), Roderotas
Cuiabá (MT) ~1,400 km 30–33 hours Andorinha, Expresso Itamarati — leito/cama class recommended
Belo Horizonte (MG) ~540 km 7–8 hours Multiple operators from BH Rodoviária
Foz do Iguaçu (PR) ~800 km 18 hours Viação Garcia (leito class)

 

For overnight routes (Brasília, Goiânia, Cuiabá), choose leito or semi-leito class (reclining bed seats) — the cost premium over standard seats is modest and the difference in arrival freshness is significant, especially if you’re heading straight to the fair on Day 1.

Book intercity bus tickets via Clickbus, Buson, BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus, or CheckMyBus. During Agrishow week, seats on high-demand routes (São Paulo → RP, Uberlândia → RP) fill up fast.

Book at least 3–4 weeks in advance. Prices from São Paulo average R$40–80 for basic class and R$80–160 for executive/premium, based on current March 2026 data.

Getting from the Bus Terminal to the Fair

The Ribeirão Preto bus terminal (Av. Jerônimo Gonçalves, 640) is approximately 8–10 km from the Agrishow venue.

From the terminal, your options are: Uber/99 app (10–20 min, R$25–50 depending on time of day), taxi from the rank outside the terminal, or the Agrishow special bus line operated by RP Mobi during fair week (public urban bus — check the official RP Mobi schedule, lines include route M 606 — Fazenda Experimental and the dedicated Agrishow special line).

The RP Mobi special line is the most economical ground option from the city center.

 

🚐  Caravanas: The Smart Way to Go as a Group

One of the most distinctive features of Agrishow’s visitor profile is the caravana culture. Across the agribusiness belt — from cooperatives in Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, to dealer groups in Goiás, to producer associations in the Triângulo Mineiro — organizing or joining a group charter bus is the dominant way to attend for many visitors.

Why Caravanas Make Sense

The economics are compelling: a full charter bus typically holds 40–50 passengers, and the combined cost per seat for a round-trip from a city like Uberlândia, Goiânia, or Cuiabá is often competitive with (or cheaper than) individual bus or flight tickets, while adding the convenience of door-to-door service with a defined group schedule.

Many caravanas are organized by SIMR: cooperatives, machinery dealers, input distributors, and rural producer associations.

Official Caravana Support from Agrishow

The official organizer (Informa Markets) encourages caravana attendance and has set aside a dedicated caravana drop-off and pickup area within the fairgrounds, designed for easy arrival and departure of buses. This eliminates the bus parking coordination headache.

Official Accommodation & Transport Partners

AD Turismo — Agrishow’s official travel agency (flights, hotels, group packages)

Phone: +55 (11) 5087-3455

 

Feiras e Congressos — Official caravana and accommodation organizer

Phone: +55 (11) 93464-3019  |  Email: atendimento@feirasecongressos.com.br

Website: feirasecongressos.com.br/agrishow-2026/

Groups of 9+ passengers: contact directly for special group rates.

 

IMPORTANT: Only AD Turismo and Feiras e Congressos are officially authorized

accommodation providers. Other agencies claiming official affiliation are not authorized.

 

How to Organize Your Own Caravana

If you represent a cooperative, dealer group, or producer association, organizing your own caravana is straightforward:

  1. Confirm your group size — a minimum of 15–20 people typically justifies a charter. Below that, group tickets on scheduled services may be more economical.
  2. Contact Feiras e Congressos directly for groups of 9+ for structured packages including the bus, hotel in Ribeirão Preto, and event registration.
  3. Alternatively, contact local charter bus companies (rodoviárias in your city can provide leads) for a dedicated vehicle. Get three quotes.
  4. Coordinate your group’s registration in advance — each participant needs to register individually at agrishow.com.br. The credential is free and valid for all 5 days.
  5. Plan your drop-off for the caravana-designated area (separate from individual car parking) — this dramatically reduces time spent navigating traffic around the main entrance.

Getting Around Ribeirão Preto During Fair Week

Once you’re in Ribeirão Preto, the city has several transport options to reach the venue:

RP Mobi Special Agrishow Line: The city’s public transport operator (RP Mobi / Próurbano) runs a dedicated Agrishow line during fair week, supplementing the regular route 606 (Fazenda Experimental).

This is the most affordable option from the city center and several hotel zones. Check the RP Mobi schedule published close to the event at the Prefeitura de Ribeirão Preto website.

The special line has historically been served by one of the city’s electric buses — a detail worth noting for sustainability-focused visitors.

Rideshare Apps — Uber and 99: Both operate in Ribeirão Preto and are widely available. From the city center to the venue: 15–20 minutes, R$30–60 depending on time of day. During peak arrivals (7:30–9am) and departures (5–6pm), wait times increase and surge pricing applies. Consider scheduling your Uber via the app’s scheduling feature for reliable pre-show pickup.

Taxis: Available at taxi ranks throughout the city, at the bus terminal, and at Leite Lopes Airport. A metered taxi from the city center to the venue runs approximately R$40–70.

Rental Cars: Eight rental car companies operate near Leite Lopes Airport. For visitors arriving from outside SP who want maximum mobility during fair week (including day trips to neighboring cities), renting a car at RAO and driving directly to the venue is efficient. Park at one of the three free-shuttle alternative lots if arriving after 8am to avoid the main entrance queue.

Electric Cart at the Venue: For visitors with reduced mobility or disabilities, Agrishow provides electric carts (circular, not exclusive to specific individuals) available at the north and south entrance gates. Request from staff at the entrance.

A Word on Accommodation — Book Now

Transport to Agrishow and accommodation in Ribeirão Preto are inseparable decisions. Hotels within the city fill up weeks before the event — the last edition (2025) generated an estimated R$500 million in local economic activity, and accommodation demand is one of the primary drivers.

The entire regional hotel inventory within 100 km of Ribeirão Preto essentially disappears by early April.

🏨 Official Booking Partners

AD Turismo — +55 (11) 5087-3455

Feiras e Congressos — +55 (11) 93464-3019 / atendimento@feirasecongressos.com.br

 

Booking through the official channels guarantees event-week rates, proximity to the venue,

and coordination with the official shuttle system. Avoid third-party bookings

during Agrishow week — they carry real risk of incorrect hotel assignments and

inflated rates with no event support.

 

 

Pre-Departure Checklist: Transport Edition

  • Register online at agrishow.com.br (free, valid all 5 days) — print credential + bring photo ID
  • Book flights to RAO: LATAM / Azul / GOL / Voepass. Buy at least 60–90 days ahead
  • Book accommodation through AD Turismo or Feiras e Congressos — do not wait
  • For drivers: plan your route, book advance parking via Carmob app (R$75/day regular)
  • For bus travelers: book intercity ticket via ClickBus, Buson, or FlixBus. Book 3–4 weeks ahead
  • For caravanas: contact Feiras e Congressos for groups of 9+; book charter bus locally for groups of 20+
  • Plan your arrival time: aim to reach the venue by 7:45am on Day 1 to avoid peak traffic
  • Download Uber or 99 app and set up your account before arriving — saves time on-site
  • Yellow fever vaccination: Ribeirão Preto had a 2024/25 Yellow Fever alert. Check your vaccination card and get the free vaccine via SUS if needed before travel
  • Dress code: no flip flops, tank tops, or shorts — Agrishow is a business event

Final Word

Ribeirão Preto is well-connected by Brazilian standards — a direct flight from most major cities, a clearly signed highway route, and a long-distance bus network that reaches the far corners of the country.

The variables that trip people up are not the infrastructure; they are timing and advance booking. Flights to RAO for Agrishow week are finite and expensive when bought late.

Hotel rooms evaporate. Parking fills. The good news: all of this is entirely solvable by planning in the next two to three weeks.

Use this guide, lock in your transport and accommodation, and focus on what actually matters when you get there — the machinery, the deals, and the conversations.

Questions about getting to Agrishow 2026? Drop them in the comments. We read and answer every one.

Follow this blog for daily articles counting down to April 27 — next up: ‘First Time at Agrishow? The Complete Beginner’s Survival Guide.’

Official Agrishow website: www.agrishow.com.br  |  How to Get page: agrishow.com.br/en/visit/how-to-get/  |  Event information verified March 2026.

Also Read

The Countdown Begins: 48 Days to Agrishow 2026

Road to EIMA 2026: 10 Brands You Must Follow Ahead of Bologna

The Countdown Begins: 48 Days to Agrishow 2026

Martin Blessing
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0
The Countdown Begins: 48 Days to Agrishow 2026

 

The clocks are ticking. With just 48 days standing between the agricultural world and one of its most anticipated events of the year, the buzz around Agrishow 2026 is building fast.

Whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor, a first-time visitor, or an agtech startup looking to make your mark, now is the time to finalize your plans, book your travel, and prepare for five days that could define your entire year in agribusiness.

What Is Agrishow — and Why Does It Matter in 2026?

Agrishow is not just a trade fair. It is the pulse of Brazilian agribusiness — a living, breathing showcase of everything driving one of the world’s most productive agricultural nations forward.

Held annually in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, the fair is widely recognized as the largest agricultural technology trade show in Brazil and one of the three largest in the world.

Its 31st edition carries a powerful theme: “A Força de Nossas Raízes” — The Strength of Our Roots. That phrase isn’t nostalgia.

It’s a declaration. Brazilian agribusiness has been rewriting global records in grain production and exports for years, and Agrishow 2026 is where the industry gathers to show exactly what’s fueling that ascent: data, automation, precision, and relentless innovation.

The Numbers Behind the Hype

Before talking about what’s coming, it helps to understand what came before.

The 2025 edition — the 30th — set a record with R$14.6 billion in declared business intentions, a 7% jump from 2024’s R$13.6 billion.

More than 197,000 professionals from over 50 countries walked through those gates, with tickets selling out on most days before the event even opened.

The fair occupies a staggering 520,000 m² of exhibition space and brings together over 800 national and international brands under one roof.

Those numbers aren’t just impressive — they set the benchmark for what 2026 needs to surpass.

What’s New and What’s Returning in 2026

Agrishow Labs: Where Startups Meet the Field

Tucked inside the Technology and Innovation Arena, Agrishow Labs is the heartbeat of the fair’s future-facing identity.

In 2025, it was one of the most heavily trafficked spaces on the entire grounds — a clear signal that the industry’s appetite for precision agriculture software, autonomous machinery, and data management tools has moved well beyond curiosity into operational urgency.

In 2026, Labs doubles down on practical innovation: tools that demonstrably improve field efficiency, reduce input waste, and connect farm operations to integrated digital platforms. If you’re an agtech founder or investor, this is where you need to be.

Agrishow Pra Elas: Amplifying Women in Agribusiness

One of the most meaningful initiatives returning for 2026 is Agrishow Pra Elas — a dedicated program honoring and elevating the role of women in Brazilian agriculture.

The space brings together women from across Brazil for panels, experience exchanges, and expert-led presentations. In 2025, it drew overflow crowds. Expect 2026 to be even bigger.

The Digital Transformation of the Field

The defining narrative of Agrishow 2026 is the digitalization of agricultural production. According to SAE Brasil research on technological pathways in agribusiness, the shift is already well underway: 91% of producers now use GPS in agricultural operations, 85% use financial management applications, 76% rely on satellite imagery and agronomic management tools, and 70% apply precision agriculture practices across their operations.

Agrishow 2026 is where that transformation gets its most comprehensive showcase. Tractors, sprayers, and harvesters operating with integrated monitoring systems.

Digital platforms aggregating field data, operational costs, and equipment maintenance in real time. And drones — appearing in 61% of surveyed properties — taking on everything from crop monitoring to localized spraying.

As Agrishow president João Carlos Marchesan puts it, the fair represents “the definitive transition from reactive agriculture to precision agriculture, where every decision is based on data and every hectare is enhanced by intelligence.”

What to Expect Across Five Days

Agrishow 2026 runs from Monday, April 27 to Friday, May 1, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The categories on the exhibition floor span the full breadth of modern farming:

  • Precision agriculture tools, sensors, and automation systems
  • Agricultural machinery and equipment — tractors, harvesters, sprayers
  • Seeds, fertilizers, and soil correction
  • Irrigation equipment
  • Livestock systems
  • Biodiesel and bioenergy
  • Storage infrastructure — silos and warehouses
  • Financial services and rural credit
  • Software, hardware, and digital platforms
  • Research centers and universities

Whether your operation covers a family farm or a large-scale commercial property, the show is specifically designed to serve all scales and crop types — a distinction that makes it unique among global agricultural fairs.

Practical Information for Visitors

Location: Polo Regional de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico dos Agronegócios do Centro-Leste, Rod. Prefeito Antônio Duarte Nogueira, Km 321, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo.

Tickets: Currently available at R$85 (full price) or R$42.50 (half-price) online. At-the-door pricing rises to R$150 full / R$75 half-price — so buying in advance is strongly recommended.

Parking: Available from R$75/day at the fairgrounds. A VIP weekly package (all 5 days) is available for R$580.

Nearest Airport: Aeroporto Estadual Dr. Leite Lopes (RAO), Ribeirão Preto.

Dress code: Business casual required. Flip flops, tank tops, and shorts are not permitted at this professional trade event.

Pro tip: Use the official Agrishow app’s interactive map to navigate the exhibition floor efficiently — and use the “Where I Parked” feature so you’re not searching the lot at 6 PM after a full day of walking.

Why the 48-Day Mark Matters

Forty-eight days is the sweet spot for serious preparation. Hotel rooms in Ribeirão Preto fill up fast. Travel packages in partnership with Agência Feiras & Congressos offer special rates that won’t last.

If you’re an exhibitor, your booth logistics, product demonstrations, and team briefings need to be locked in now.

For visitors, this is the window to map out your agenda: which exhibitors you need to visit, which panels align with your operation’s challenges, and whether Agrishow Labs or Agrishow Pra Elas deserve time on your schedule (they do).

For the industry as a whole, Agrishow 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment. Brazil’s agribusiness sector accounts for 25% of national GDP and 44% of total exports. The world watches what happens in these fields — and for five days in Ribeirão Preto, it watches what happens at this fair.

Final Word: Don’t Wait for Opening Day

The countdown to Agrishow 2026 is not just a calendar marker — it’s a reminder that the most valuable experiences at the world’s great trade fairs go to those who prepare.

The R$14.6 billion in business intentions generated at the 2025 edition didn’t happen by accident.

They happened because the right people came prepared, connected with purpose, and showed up ready to do business.

Forty-eight days. The roots are strong. The field is waiting.

Agrishow 2026 runs April 27 – May 1, 2026, in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. Register and purchase tickets at agrishow.com.br.

Road to EIMA 2026: 10 Brands You Must Follow Ahead of Bologna

Martin Blessing
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0
Road to EIMA 2026: 10 Brands You Must Follow Ahead of Bologna

With less than eight months to go, the countdown to EIMA International 2026 is officially on.

Held every two years at the Bologna Exhibition Centre in northern Italy, EIMA is one of the world’s most important showcases for agricultural and gardening machinery.

The 47th edition, running from November 10 to 14, 2026, is expected to host over 1,500 exhibitors from more than 100 countries, drawing upwards of 300,000 trade visitors from around the globe.

Whether you are a farmer, dealer, investor, journalist, or agri-tech enthusiast, there is one question worth asking right now: which brands should you be watching on the road to Bologna? We have done the research.

Here are 10 brands that are setting the pace for EIMA 2026 — and why each one deserves a place on your radar.

 

1. New Holland Agriculture (CNH Industrial)

Sector: Tractors, Combines, Forage Harvesters, Precision Tech

Few brands arrive at EIMA with as much momentum as New Holland. A perennial star of the Bologna show, the CNH Industrial brand has consistently used EIMA as a stage for headline launches.

At EIMA 2024, the brand unveiled its T5 Dual Command tractor range — the first production New Holland tractor to feature the company’s bold new styling — alongside its industry-first CropSpeed system for forage harvesters and a LiDAR-based Advanced Vision Assisted Guidance system that won a Technical Innovation award.

For 2026, expect New Holland to push further into automation and AI, building on its ForageCam technology, which uses camera sensors and artificial intelligence to optimise kernel processing for livestock feed — a system that won the Smart Farming & Robotics category at the 2026 Farm Machine of the Year awards.

Why follow them: If autonomous and AI-driven farm machinery is the future, New Holland is already living it.

 

2. Fendt (AGCO)

Sector: Tractors, Combines, Forage Harvesters, Precision Farming

Fendt is arguably the most decorated brand in recent agricultural award history.

At Agritechnica 2025, the German-based AGCO brand walked away with a Silver Medal Innovation Award, the Farm Machine 2026 Award for Mid-Range Tractor, the Audience Choice Award, and recognition for its ForageQualityCam — an AI-powered retrofit system that monitors grain processing quality in real time.

The newly debuted Fendt 500 Vario Series, combining compact dimensions with FendtONE smart farming integration and autonomous capability, is the kind of product that turns heads on any exhibition floor.

Why follow them: Fendt has become the benchmark against which all other premium tractor brands are measured. Bologna 2026 will be no different.

 

3. Case IH (CNH Industrial)

Sector: Tractors, Combines, Crop Production Equipment

The sister brand to New Holland within the CNH Industrial family, Case IH is equally formidable.

The Case IH Quadtrac 715 won the 2025 Tractor of the Year award in the HighPower category at EIMA 2024, and the brand’s Optum 440 was recognised at the 2026 Farm Machine of the Year awards.

CNH’s 2026 equipment roadmap includes a complete redesign of its tractor lineup spanning 20 to over 700 horsepower, with AI and precision agriculture technologies — including agronomic sensors, autonomous functions, and the FieldOps digital platform — now standard across the range.

The company has also set an ambitious target of producing 90% of its precision technology in-house by 2030.

Why follow them: Case IH is undergoing its most comprehensive product refresh in years. EIMA 2026 could be where much of it lands in Europe.

 

4. Merlo

Sector: Telehandlers, Electric Material Handling

Italy’s own Merlo is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time EIMA comes to Bologna — and for 2026, the stakes are even higher. The brand is pushing aggressively into electrification through its Generation Zero range, which aims for zero fuel consumption, zero emissions, and zero vibration.

Its TFe43.7 electric telehandler — capable of running a full eight-hour work shift on a single charge — earned a Mention at EIMA 2024’s Technical Innovation Contest.

Merlo is also exploring new electric prototypes that are expected to join the e-Worker as production-ready machines, signalling that the company is not merely concept-showcasing but genuinely electrifying its fleet.

Why follow them: As the regulatory and commercial pressure for zero-emission machinery intensifies, Merlo’s early-mover advantage in electric telehandlers makes it a must-watch.

 

5. Antonio Carraro

Sector: Specialised & Compact Tractors, Electric Tractors

No brand better embodies the Italian agricultural engineering tradition than Antonio Carraro, and the Venetian manufacturer had a standout EIMA 2024.

Its Tony 8900 TRG won the Tractor of the Year 2025 award in the Best Specialised category.

Beyond the trophies, Carraro showcased the SRe — a fully electric, compact, reversible and articulated tractor delivering 100 hp equivalent performance with zero direct emissions, fitted with a rear power lift, PTO, and a 10 kW electric power socket.

The brand’s F28 engine family is also powering an expansion of the AF orchard and vineyard tractor range to over 100 hp for the first time in company history.

Why follow them: For specialty crop growers — vineyards, orchards, and steep-terrain farms — Antonio Carraro’s innovations directly address real-world constraints.

 

6. John Deere

Sector: Tractors, Combines, Sprayers, Precision Agriculture

The American giant may be headquartered in Moline, Illinois, but its presence at EIMA is deeply European in focus.

At EIMA 2024, John Deere launched 17 new 6M Series tractor models in Italy — the most comprehensive refresh of that range in years — offering four frame sizes from 95 to 250 hp, all equipped with Intelligent Power Management and full precision agriculture connectivity.

The brand’s global pipeline for 2026 continues to expand its See & Spray technology for targeted herbicide reduction, autonomous tillage capabilities, and the broader integration of AI across its S7 combines and 9RX tractors.

Why follow them: John Deere’s See & Spray precision technology alone could represent billions of dollars in savings for European farmers. Bologna is where European adoption stories get told.

 

7. Massey Ferguson (AGCO)

Sector: Tractors, Planters, Sprayers

Massey Ferguson brings a different flavour to EIMA compared to its AGCO stablemate Fendt — one focused on accessible, practical, and dependably robust machinery enhanced by proven technology.

The brand’s MF 9S tractor, 500R sprayer, and planter lineup reflect a farmer-first philosophy that resonates across mid-scale European operations. AGCO has also launched MF Always Running, a built-in warranty programme designed to provide predictable total cost of ownership.

As precision farming retrofits become more accessible through the PTx FarmEngage and Tractor Implement Management (TIM) systems, Massey Ferguson is bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical farm economics.

Why follow them: For the majority of European farmers who need reliable, cost-effective equipment with smart technology layers, Massey Ferguson speaks their language.

 

8. Bednar Farm Equipment

Sector: Soil Tillage, Seeding, Crop Care Machinery

Czech manufacturer Bednar is a consistent EIMA exhibitor and a brand that has quietly built a strong reputation for innovative soil tillage and seeding solutions across European markets.

The company’s approach to high-precision, heavy-duty implements — including combination seeders, disc cultivators, and cover crop technology — addresses the growing demand for conservation agriculture practices.

As European farming policy continues to push toward soil health and input reduction, Bednar’s technical expertise in minimal tillage and precision seeding places it firmly in the conversation for 2026.

Why follow them: Soil health is no longer just an environmental talking point — it is central to European agricultural policy and farm profitability. Bednar is building the tools to address it.

9. Kubota

Sector: Compact Tractors, Telehandlers, Utility Machinery

Japan’s Kubota has been expanding its European footprint steadily, and EIMA provides a key platform for that growth.

The brand’s compact utility tractors and telehandlers — including a range manufactured by Giant for new European markets — cater to the growing segment of smaller farms, urban agriculture, and professional landscaping.

Kubota’s presence spans both its agricultural and Gianni Ferrari gardening machinery lines, making it one of the most versatile exhibitors in Bologna.

With the company investing in electrification and digital connectivity across its global product range, the 2026 edition could mark a step-change for the brand in Europe.

Why follow them: As farm structures diversify and urban green space management becomes a major industry, Kubota’s dual agricultural and gardening identity makes it uniquely positioned.

 

10. xFarm Technologies

Sector: Digital Farming, Farm Management Software, IoT

Not every name that matters at EIMA makes a tractor. xFarm Technologies is one of the most important digital agriculture platforms to watch heading into Bologna 2026.

The Swiss-Italian company provides a comprehensive farm management platform that connects machinery, field data, compliance tools, and market access in one ecosystem. At EIMA 2024, xFarm’s proposals for equipment connection were among the highlights of the opening day’s technology discussions.

Its platform has already been adopted across hundreds of thousands of farms in Europe, and its partnership with machinery manufacturers — including through the PFN consortium — is creating a machinery-agnostic layer of farm intelligence that works across brands and fleets.

Why follow them: The future of precision agriculture is not just in the machines — it is in the data. xFarm is building the operating system for the connected farm.

 

The Road to Bologna Starts Now

EIMA International 2026 is not just a trade show — it is a barometer for the direction of global agriculture.

From electric telehandlers to AI-guided combines, from precision seeding to farm management software, the 47th edition of the world’s most important agricultural machinery exhibition will set the tone for how farmers, manufacturers, and agri-businesses navigate the next decade.

The ten brands listed above represent a cross-section of what makes EIMA so compelling: Italian craftsmanship, German engineering precision, American scale, Japanese reliability, and the emerging voice of agri-tech innovation. Follow them, study their pre-show launches, and plan your visit to Bologna accordingly.

This is Road to EIMA — and the journey has just begun.

 

EIMA International 2026 | Bologna Exhibition Centre | November 10–14, 2026 | eima.it

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After Oil, Fertilizer Is Next: What the Iran-US Crisis Means for Your Farm Budget

Martin Blessing
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0
After Oil, Fertilizer Is Next: What the Iran-US Crisis Means for Your Farm Budget

When oil prices surge past $100 a barrel, most people think about what they will pay at the fuel pump. Farmers, however, know better.

For them, the real danger is not what happens at the petrol station — it is what happens in the months that follow, quietly, at the farm gate, when fertilizer invoices arrive and input costs have jumped by figures that no budget could have anticipated.

That moment has arrived. The Iran-US military conflict that erupted in late February 2026 and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz has already sent oil prices soaring above $110 per barrel.

Urea prices — a critical nitrogen fertilizer — jumped from around $475 per ton to over $683 per ton at major import hubs within days of the conflict’s outbreak. For farmers already managing razor-thin margins, this is not just an inconvenience.

It is a crisis that will reshape planting decisions, input strategies, and farm profitability for the rest of the year.

If you run a farm — whether in East Africa, Europe, or North America — this article explains why fertilizer prices are spiking, how long it could last, and what practical steps you can take right now to protect your operation.

Why Oil Prices and Fertilizer Prices Move Together

To understand the fertilizer shock, you first need to understand the chemistry. Modern nitrogen fertilizers — urea, ammonia, and ammonium nitrate — are manufactured almost entirely from natural gas.

The Haber-Bosch process, developed over a century ago, uses natural gas both as a raw material and as the energy source to synthesize ammonia at scale. It is one of the most energy-intensive industrial processes on earth.

This means fertilizer prices are structurally tied to energy costs. When natural gas prices spike — which they do whenever oil markets are disrupted — the cost of manufacturing nitrogen fertilizer rises almost immediately.

Factories must either pass those costs on to buyers, curtail production, or shut down entirely.

The Iran-US conflict has compounded this in two ways. First, it has sent energy prices soaring globally.

Second, and more critically, it has blocked the Strait of Hormuz — the narrow waterway that handles roughly a third of the world’s fertilizer trade and around 20% of global energy exports.

Qatar, one of the world’s largest LNG exporters and a major supplier of gas that powers fertilizer production, has already declared force majeure on its exports.

Fertilizer plants in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — which together represent a significant share of global nitrogen export capacity — have either shut down or are operating with severe logistical constraints.

Farmers from Srinagar in Kashmir to Saskatchewan in Canada rely on fertilizer and diesel shipped through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Numbers: How Bad Is the Price Spike Already?

The price movements have been swift and significant. Urea prices at the port of New Orleans — a global benchmark — climbed from approximately $475 per ton to between $520 and $683 per ton within the first week of the conflict.

That is a jump of up to 44% in just days. Analysts at StoneX and other commodity research firms warn that further increases are likely if the disruption continues beyond the spring planting window.

The timing could not be worse for farmers in the Northern Hemisphere, where mid-March to April marks the critical window for fertilizer application ahead of planting.

It takes roughly 30 days for a vessel loaded with urea from the Persian Gulf to reach U.S. shores, plus another three to four weeks to move the product into farm country. That means supply disruptions that begin today will not be fully felt at the farm level for six to eight weeks — right in the middle of the growing season.

Beyond nitrogen, the shock is hitting phosphate fertilizers as well. Sulfur — a key raw material for phosphate production — is largely a byproduct of oil and gas processing.

With energy shipments through Hormuz severely disrupted, sulfur output has fallen, tightening global supply chains for DAP and MAP fertilizers too. Traders report that spot cargoes of sulfur have essentially disappeared from the market.

Africa Is Particularly Vulnerable

While the headlines focus on American and European farmers, sub-Saharan Africa faces a uniquely severe risk from this fertilizer shock — and the stakes are higher because the baseline is already fragile.

African farmers apply far less fertilizer per hectare than their counterparts in Asia, North America, or Europe.

Even small price increases can push fertilizer out of reach for smallholder farmers who are already stretched, leading them to apply less or none at all. The result is not just lower farm income — it is lower crop yields, reduced food availability, and heightened food insecurity across communities that have little buffer to absorb those shocks.

South Africa’s GrainSA notes that fertilizer already accounts for as much as 50% of production costs for some grain farmers.

A 40% spike in urea prices does not just squeeze margins — it potentially makes some crops commercially unviable to plant at all.

Countries that import the majority of their fertilizer needs — and most African nations do — are also at the mercy of global shipping rates and insurance premiums, both of which have spiked sharply since the Hormuz closure.

The cost of getting fertilizer to Mombasa or Dar es Salaam today is dramatically higher than it was two months ago, even if supply can be found.

The Sulphur and Phosphate Problem Nobody Is Talking About

Most of the public attention has focused on nitrogen fertilizers like urea. But agronomists and supply chain analysts are sounding alarms about a parallel crisis in phosphate fertilizers that has received far less coverage.

China and Indonesia are two of the world’s largest producers and consumers of phosphate fertilizers.

China sources more than half of its sulfur imports from the Middle East, while Indonesia relies on the region for nearly 70% of its sulfur supply.

With Hormuz effectively closed, both countries are scrambling to secure sulfur from alternative sources — a task that is proving extremely difficult. One Chinese sulfur trader described the situation bluntly: there are simply no spot cargoes available anywhere on the market.

If China responds by restricting its own fertilizer exports — which analysts say is increasingly likely, though it may not be formally announced — it would remove one of the world’s largest swing suppliers from global markets at the worst possible time.

The compound effect of nitrogen shortfalls from the Gulf, sulfur disruptions for phosphate production, and Chinese export controls could create a fertilizer squeeze unlike anything the world has seen since the 2022 post-COVID price surge.

A fertilizer shock does not register with the same immediacy as an oil shock. Pump prices change overnight. Crop yields reveal themselves months later — and the damage may prove more lasting.

What This Means for Your Planting Decisions

Farmers are already adjusting. Economists at the Food and Agricultural Policy Institute have noted that the price spike is likely to alter crop choices and fertilizer application rates across many farming regions.

When urea becomes prohibitively expensive, farmers face a difficult set of trade-offs: plant fewer hectares, switch to less fertilizer-intensive crops, apply reduced rates and accept lower yields, or absorb the cost and hope commodity prices compensate.

None of these options is painless. Planting less means less revenue. Switching crops means new production risks and potentially flooding alternative markets.

Reducing fertilizer application below optimal rates produces a well-documented yield penalty that is difficult to recover from mid-season.

And absorbing the cost is simply not viable for many operations already carrying input debt from prior seasons.

The strategic reality is that farmers who locked in fertilizer supply or pricing contracts before the conflict began are in a fundamentally different position from those who were planning to buy on the spot market this month.

This crisis, like the 2022 Ukraine-driven fertilizer shock before it, will demonstrate once again the premium value of forward procurement and supply security.

Practical Steps You Can Take Right Now

While the macro situation is largely outside any individual farmer’s control, there are concrete actions that can reduce your exposure and protect your bottom line in the months ahead.

First, audit your current fertilizer stocks immediately. Know exactly what you have on hand and how many growing weeks it covers at your standard application rate. This is the foundation of any decision you make from here.

Second, contact your input supplier today. Do not wait. Get clarity on what is available, at what price, and on what lead time.

Suppliers who have existing stock may prioritize long-standing customers, and those who call early will be better positioned than those who wait.

Third, explore efficiency-based alternatives. Variable-rate application technology, soil testing to identify fields where fertilizer response is strongest, and split application methods can all help you get more yield from less product. In a high-price environment, precision pays.

Fourth, reassess your crop mix if you have flexibility. Legumes fix atmospheric nitrogen and can reduce your dependence on synthetic inputs. Crops with lower fertilizer requirements may become more economically attractive if input costs remain elevated into the second half of the year.

Fifth, stay close to commodity price movements. Fertilizer price spikes can, in some market conditions, be accompanied by higher commodity prices for the crops that use them — particularly staple grains. Monitor both sides of the equation before making drastic input reductions.

How Long Will This Last?

That is the question every farmer and input buyer is trying to answer. The honest answer is that nobody knows with certainty, and forecasts are diverging sharply.

The optimistic scenario holds that the conflict is relatively short-lived, the Strait of Hormuz reopens within weeks, and supply chains normalize before the worst of the planting season damage is done.

Some energy analysts have pointed to diplomatic pressure and the economic cost to all parties as factors that could bring a resolution faster than markets currently expect.

The pessimistic scenario — and the one that fertilizer traders appear to be pricing in — is a disruption that extends well beyond the spring planting window, potentially through mid-2026.

In that scenario, the combination of delayed shipments, reduced production from Gulf-based plants, and constrained sulphur availability for phosphate production could sustain elevated prices for the rest of the agricultural year.

What is clear is that the fertilizer shock, unlike the oil price spike, does not correct itself quickly. Crop yield consequences from inadequate fertilization unfold over a full growing season and cannot be reversed once planting decisions are made.

That asymmetry — where the damage accumulates slowly but hits hard at harvest — is why farm budgets built on pre-crisis assumptions need to be revisited now, not later.

The Bottom Line for Farmers

The Iran-US conflict has created a two-front crisis for agriculture: fuel costs have surged at exactly the moment when field operations demand diesel, and fertilizer costs are climbing fast as the global supply chain for plant nutrients fractures under the pressure of a blocked Strait of Hormuz.

Oil price shocks make the news. Fertilizer shocks make the difference between a profitable season and a loss. Smart farmers are already adapting — auditing stocks, calling suppliers, revisiting crop plans, and looking hard at input efficiency.

The farmers who wait for certainty before acting will find that the window to respond has already closed.

The world’s food supply has surprisingly thin buffers. Your farm’s financial resilience may depend on how quickly and decisively you respond to what is already, right now, a supply and price emergency — not a future risk.

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Potato Industry Faces Structural Challenges as Producers Warn of Rising Risks

Martin Blessing
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0
Potato Industry Faces Structural Challenges as Producers Warn of Rising Risks

ARRAS, France — March 8, 2026 — The European potato industry is entering a period of significant uncertainty as producers face rising costs, tighter regulations, and increasing global competition, according to remarks delivered recently at the 20th Congress of the National Union of Potato Producers (UNPT).

Speaking during the event in Arras, UNPT President Geoffroy d’Evry said the sector is shifting from managing growth to managing crisis, highlighting structural pressures that are reshaping the economics of potato production.

“Two years ago we were discussing how to manage growth. Today we are discussing how to manage crisis,” d’Evry told producers, policymakers and industry representatives.

Rising Production Costs and Market Pressure

According to the UNPT, potato producers have seen operating costs rise sharply in recent years. The organization estimates that farm production costs increased by around 45% between 2020 and 2025, driven by higher energy prices, input costs, and investment in modern equipment.

At the same time, growers face a volatile market environment characterized by large production volumes and slower market flows.

The situation has been compounded by the increasing concentration of global potato processing markets. Industry data cited during the congress indicates that three North American companies now control roughly 60% of the global frozen French fry market, creating additional pressure on upstream producers.

Climate and Regulatory Constraints

Beyond market dynamics, producers are also dealing with climate volatility and a growing number of regulatory constraints.

Changing weather patterns are increasing yield variability, while environmental policies are limiting the availability of crop protection products and water resources. Industry groups argue that the accumulation of regulations is making it harder for farmers to maintain productivity and profitability.

The UNPT warned that up to 30% of French potato acreage could be affected by new environmental restrictions related to water resources.

Contracting and Supply Chain Tensions

Another major issue raised during the congress was the growing tension between producers and downstream buyers.

UNPT officials said some farmers experienced situations where pre-contractual commitments were revised or questioned during the production season. The organization emphasized that stable contracts are essential to protect growers from market volatility.

“A contract must remove the parties from the market risk, not transfer all the risk to the producer,” d’Evry said.

Calls for Stronger Collective Organization

To address these challenges, the UNPT is advocating stronger collective organization among growers and reforms to European agricultural market regulations.

One proposal discussed during the congress would allow producers to join multiple producer organizations depending on the market segment they serve, such as fresh potatoes, chips, fries, or starch.

Support for these reforms has been championed in the European Parliament by Céline Imart, who has backed measures aimed at strengthening producer organizations within the European Union’s agricultural policy framework.

Future of the Potato Sector

Despite the difficulties facing the industry, UNPT leaders remain confident that the potato sector has a long-term future if structural issues are addressed.

The theme of the congress — “Potato 2030: still an ambition or already an illusion?” — reflected concerns about whether the sector can maintain profitability under current conditions.

According to the UNPT, ensuring the future of potato farming will require better market organization, stronger contracts, and policies that balance environmental goals with the economic realities faced by producers.

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