Despite the threatening buildup of Russian troops on Ukraine’s border, the traditional agricultural trade fair AgroSpring took place from February 15 to 17, 2022, at the IEC in Kyiv. The event included the three specialized areas: Agro Animal Show, GrainTech Expo, and Fruit, Vegetables & Logistics.

As by far the largest indoor agricultural exhibition in Ukraine, AgroSpring brought together 368 companies over 9,000 square meters in two exhibition halls. Exhibitors showcased the full range of modern livestock farming technologies and supplies – from barn construction to genetics – as well as efficient feed production, low-energy grain drying and storage, and fruit and vegetable cultivation, with a regional focus on apples, onions, and potatoes.

Almost all exhibitors we interviewed reported great success from their participation. Only a few international exhibitors stayed away due to severe travel warnings. Most international companies represented at the fair have long-established Ukrainian subsidiaries or experienced distributors, whose staff manned the booths. As a result, empty stands — even at the German Pavilion — were the rare exception. The exhibition was very well received by Ukrainian visitors. With around 10,450 trade visitors, attendance nearly reached pre-pandemic levels.

Stefan Kresse, Managing Director of IFWexpo Heidelberg, commented:
“Given the remarkable visitor numbers, I had the clear impression that Ukrainian agricultural professionals were determined to show the world just how calm and composed they are — and to attend a trade fair to meet their suppliers and peers as if they were in a time of deep peace. Chapeau!”

In recent years, the presence of Ukrainian manufacturers has grown significantly. More and more Ukrainian products can now compete technologically and in price with imports — largely without import restrictions or substantial government subsidies. However, the fair is still strongly shaped by the direct presence of foreign, especially European, exhibitors. Germany (29 exhibitors), France (24), Austria (9), the Netherlands (9), the UK (10), and Denmark (11) were represented with official national pavilions.

Co-organizer IFWexpo Heidelberg, a subsidiary of DLG International, organized the official German and Dutch participations together with DLG Ukraine and, in close cooperation with DLG Fuarcilik, also coordinated a Turkish pavilion with 9 exhibitors.

Ukrainian visitors and exhibitors had the opportunity to visit the DLG Ukraine booth and learn more about DLG’s international trade fair portfolio — particularly the world’s leading livestock exhibition, EuroTier 2022, taking place in Hanover in November.

The next AgroSpring will be held again in February 2023 at the IEC in Kyiv.