The international exhibition “Green Week” is being held from 18 to 28 January 2018 for the 83rd time. Founded in Berlin, the exhibition has an international character and its activities focus on high standards and quality in the fields of food, agriculture and horticulture. Within the framework of Green Week, the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture is also held, at which key issues of the agricultural and food industry are discussed. Approximately 80 international ministries of agriculture and producers meet every year in the heart of Germany to promote topics such as renewable raw materials, organic farming, horticulture, rural areas and their global development. For the first time this year, Bulgaria is a partner country of Green Week, represented by 62 companies and 12 agricultural producers. The exhibition takes place at Messe Berlin and the Bulgarian pavilion is (10.2).
Bulgaria – for the first time a partner country of the international exhibition “Green Week”
As a partner country, Bulgaria had the honour this year to host the opening of Green Week. The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Rumen Porozhanov, together with the Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture Christian Schmidt, Michael Müller, Mayor of Berlin, Phil Hogan, EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Joachim Rukwied, President of the German Farmers’ Association, Christian von Boetticher from the Federation of German Food and Drink Industries, and Dr Christian Göke, Chairman of the Management Board of Messe Berlin, opened the Bulgarian pavilion and welcomed the guests to one of the most significant international agricultural events at the beginning of the year. During the tour of the stands, the Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture Christian Schmidt pointed out that the entire diverse palette of agriculture is presented at the exhibition, not only in Europe but also worldwide. A discussion was also opened, which will continue during the forum, on sustainable farm management, animal welfare and the prospects and challenges for the new CAP after 2020.
"Green Week 2018" is for us a representative example of the achievements of Bulgarian agriculture and the food industry. Agriculture has a special place in the socio-economic life of Bulgaria. The presence of fertile soils and very good climatic and geographical conditions determine the development of the sector, including organic farming. Traditions in the production of cereals, vegetables, fruits and livestock are key factors for its development,“ stated in his opening speech at the forum Rumen Porozhanov, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. He emphasized that agriculture and the processing industry have significant potential for the production of high-quality products with added value, which meet the diverse and growing needs of European consumers and world markets. Trade and exports of agricultural products increase annually by about 14% and account for 17% of the country’s total volume. Minister Porozhanov informed those present that the Bulgarian wine-growing and wine-producing sector has a long history, as our country is located in one of the oldest wine regions in the world. The most important grape varieties used for the production of white wine are Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat and others. For red wine, Bulgarian wine producers rely on the taste of varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Mavrud, Syrah, Gamza and others. Wines from Bulgaria have been awarded hundreds of medals from international wine competitions and championships, and participate in international exhibitions and forums. It is no coincidence that Bulgarian wine producers are increasingly offering their products on the international market. In recent years, wine exports from Bulgaria have increased and, at the same time, new markets have opened up for grape juices in Brazil, Azerbaijan, Japan, China, Poland, Sweden and Russia.
The favourable natural, climatic and soil conditions determine the great variety of agricultural crops in Bulgaria. „Our country is known for its traditions in the production of cereals, oilseed crops, fruits, vegetables, vineyards and essential oils. Last but not least, the aromatic medicinal herbs of high quality and large production volumes should be mentioned. According to the figures, wheat production from the 2017 harvest reached approximately 5.8 million tonnes, which corresponds to an increase of about 8% compared to the previous year. An increase is also observed in the production of sunflower oil and grain maize – by 8% to 1.8 million tonnes and by 4% respectively to 2.3 million tonnes,” quoted the statistics Rumen Porozhanov.
Under the motto „The Scent of the Sun”, all guests of the International Green Week in Berlin will be welcomed in the Bulgarian exhibition hall until 28 January. "The Scent of the Sun" is the fragrance of the thousands of roses that are the symbol of our country. Bulgaria is known for its majestic mountains, beautiful sea and tempting, tasty and healthy food,“ emphasized Minister Porozhanov in the concluding part of his speech.
The Bulgarian pavilion
62 companies and 12 agricultural producers represent Bulgaria at the agricultural exhibition in Berlin. This year, as a partner country, Bulgarian traditional products will be presented in a pavilion with an area of 1,640 sq. m with over 30 stands. The exhibition features the participation of 62 companies and 12 agricultural producers, as well as members of various associations and unions.
