BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. The Caspian Agro Week - the 19th Azerbaijan International Agricultural Exhibition and Forum, InterFood Azerbaijan - the 31st Azerbaijan International Food Industry Exhibition, as well as Horeca Caspian - the 14th Caspian International Exhibition of Equipment and Supplies for Hotels, Restaurants and Supermarkets - is being held in Baku, Trend reports.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister of Agriculture, Majnun Mammadov said that digitalization in the agricultural sector is one of the important directions of state policy in Azerbaijan.
According to him, villages in the liberated territories occupied a special and unique place in the agricultural strategy.
He noted that the construction of modern infrastructure, the creation of innovative economic models, and the application of 'smart village' approaches in these areas serve to realize the region's great agrarian potential.
"I believe that the new agrarian economic models currently being modeled and established in the liberated territories will become a model both in Azerbaijan, in the region, and in the world. At the same time, expanding digitalization in the agricultural sector, implementing 'smart agriculture' solutions, efficient use of water resources, protecting land ownership, and promoting environmentally sustainable production models are important directions of state policy. The goal is to form a strong agricultural system that meets modern challenges, is based on high productivity, and increases export potential," the minister added.
Chairman of the Food Safety Agency, Goshgar Tahmazli announced that Azerbaijan will export hazelnuts and almonds to China.
He noted that one of the most important issues in the country is ensuring animal health.
"The declaration of Azerbaijan as a country free from bird flu and small-horned animal plague has led to the export of products in this field to many countries of the world. At the same time, we can say the same about fish and caviar. Products under food, veterinary, and phytosanitary control are being successfully exported to 73 countries of the world.
One of the important issues in terms of food and food safety is the implementation of animal identification. Its implementation will allow tracking animals during import and within the country. The adaptation of food safety to international standards has created an opportunity to gain access to a country like China. Thus, we have reached an agreement with China on the export of almonds and hazelnuts. Work is underway to export a number of food products," the official added.
Muhammad Nasar Hayat, representative of the FAO in the country added that cooperation between the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Azerbaijan is growing stronger year by year.
According to him, at FAO, we are proud to be part of the most important and influential platform of the year, bringing together stakeholders committed to strengthening food security and developing sustainable agriculture. This year's exhibition comes at a particularly sensitive and important time for the agri-food sector.
He noted that in an uncertain world characterized by disruptions in supply chains and the pressures of climate change, the importance of sustainable, innovative, and self-sufficient agriculture has never been greater.
"The main directions of this year's program reflect precisely this reality and are closely aligned with FAO's mandate, as well as Azerbaijan's priorities.
This year, the role of women farmers is in the spotlight. It is important to highlight their vital, but often invisible, contribution to agriculture and food systems. Addressing the barriers women face can lead to higher productivity, better nutrition, and stronger resilience.
Climate change continues to pose serious challenges for farmers. Therefore, efficient use of water resources, protection of soil health, use of digital tools, and establishment of modern value chains are no longer an option, but a necessity. The Caspian Agro exhibition plays an important role in implementing these priorities by combining innovations with real applications".
Nasar emphasized that cooperation between Azerbaijan and FAO is growing stronger every year.
"Joint efforts are implementing more efficient irrigation systems, strengthening cooperatives, supporting sustainable management of land and water resources, and empowering farmers with training and digital tools. These initiatives not only serve to increase productivity, but also to improve human well-being, protect ecosystems, and create new opportunities for rural communities.
Agriculture remains a key pillar of Azerbaijan’s identity and economic development. As the sector modernizes, FAO continues to support farmers’ adaptation and development through innovation, policy development, digital transformation and climate-resilient solutions.
However we understand that true transformation is only possible through collaborative efforts. Governments, international organizations, the private sector, academia, farmers and communities all have a critical role to play in building a sustainable and productive agricultural future.
Noting the achievements of Azerbaijan's agri-food sector and moving towards new horizons of cooperation, I would like to thank each of you for your support and dedication to this field. Caspian Agro is not just an exhibition. It is a place for learning, collaboration, creativity, and partnership. The ideas discussed here will influence the shaping of food systems in the years to come.
As we work together for a more sustainable agricultural future, we understand that we are doing so not only for future generations, but also for ourselves. Our shared goal is to build a world where land thrives, communities thrive, and every person is fed with dignity.
On behalf of FAO, I wish each of you a successful and inspiring exhibition. I hope that your discussions will lead to real solutions and your partnerships to progress, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural future for Azerbaijan," Nasar added.
The region's agricultural and food industry exhibitions, Caspian Agro Week and InterFood Azerbaijan, are important events of the year that bring together all players operating in the relevant fields.
The Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan provides organizational support to the exhibitions. The ministry also participates in the exhibitions with its own stand, providing visitors with extensive information on projects aimed at the development of the agricultural sector, innovative approaches, and state support mechanisms.
At the same time, the Caspian Agro Week and InterFood Azerbaijan exhibitions are supported by the Food Safety Agency of Azerbaijan, the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO), the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan Food and Beverage Industrialists Association (AFBIA), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the Azerbaijan Exhibition Organizers Association.
So far, 447 companies from 45 countries around the world have confirmed their participation in the exhibitions. The geography of the exhibitions includes, in addition to Azerbaijan, Germany, the U.S., Belarus, Benin, the U.K., Brazil, South Korea, South Sudan, Czech Republic, China, Georgia, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Finland, France, India, Indonesia, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Cameroon, Latvia, Mexico, Egypt, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Poland, Ghana, Kazakhstan, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Greece, Japan, Vietnam, Zambia and other countries.
At the same time, within the framework of the exhibitions, Germany, Belarus, Brazil, Georgia, Italy, Korea, the Netherlands, and Indonesia will present their agricultural and food industry products in the format of national groups. AFAZ (Africa-Azerbaijan Cooperation) will participate with a separate stand, and this stand will be represented by companies from the following countries: Benin, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Somalia, Tanzania, and Zambia. AFAZ and Brazil are participating in these exhibitions for the first time.
One of the innovations introduced at the exhibitions is that in 2026, the InterFood Azerbaijan exhibition will be concentrated in a single space - in the 4th pavilion of the Baku Expo Center. Thus, all local and foreign companies representing the food industry will present their products to visitors in this pavilion. This approach allows visitors to save time within the exhibition and follow all the innovations related to the food sector in a single place, more conveniently.
Being the largest agricultural exhibition in the region, Caspian Agro Week covers such areas as agricultural machinery, facilities and equipment, irrigation systems, packaging, innovative technologies in agriculture, livestock and poultry farming, veterinary medicine, plant growing, fruit and vegetable growing, floriculture, waste processing, logistics, and electronic agriculture.
At the same time, the exhibition includes sections on artificial intelligence, smart villages, startups, IT services, robotics, drones and "green agro" in the "Smart Agro" direction.
The InterFood Azerbaijan exhibition presents products and services in the food industry, beverages, sweets, dairy products, confectionery and flour products, fruits and vegetables, packaging, food technologies, as well as halal food and other sections.
For the first time, the Hosted Buyer program will be organized during the Caspian Agro Week and InterFood Azerbaijan exhibitions. This program is implemented with the aim of creating the most effective and comfortable working conditions for visitors-buyers participating in the exhibition. The Russian Lenta, Samokat, Fresh market hypermarkets, and other companies will participate in the exhibitions within the framework of Hosted Buyer.
A business program will be presented within the framework of Caspian Agro Week and InterFood Azerbaijan events program during four days. The program includes international forums, panel discussions, industry presentations, and master classes, as well as traditional B2B and B2G meetings.
A number of forums - the 3rd International Agrarian Innovation Forum, the Forum on the Power of Agricultural Insurance Against Risks, the 2nd International Forum of Agronomists within the framework of public-private partnership, the AGROSCIENCE Forum, and the 5th Agribusiness Development Forum - will be held in the exhibition presentation zone, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan.
Presentations and master classes will be organized in the Food & Agro Talks area during the exhibition days in the presentation zone of the Baku Expo Center. Here, leading experts, manufacturers, and industry representatives will make speeches on topical topics, share their real experience and knowledge. Within the framework of Food & Agro Talks, panel sessions titled "Agribusiness development and support programs in Azerbaijan: from small farms to large agrocorporations", "Farms and water: sustainable water supply and efficiency", "Trends and innovations in the food industry of Azerbaijan", "Financial solutions for farmers", "Ecologically oriented agriculture and food security: modern approaches and solutions" and an interactive case session "Think like a CEO" will be held.
The exhibition will also include an event called "WomenSpace: food, communication, mentoring" and an exhibition of Chocolate Art Installations.
The "Retail center - meeting center for trade networks" will be open for participants and invited companies within the framework of the InterFood Azerbaijan exhibition. This center, which will operate on the 2nd day of the exhibition, will organize targeted business meetings between food industry manufacturers and representatives of large retail chains. This platform will allow participants to present their products directly to potential buyers, establish new sales channels, and expand cooperation opportunities.
The events will continue until May 8.
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