Green Week 2024: Hall 23, Saxony-Anhalt region, Stand 112. We are surprised to find such a full and well-attended exhibitor hall. Many interested citizens roam through the regions. There is something to try everywhere – but few innovative things to discover. And yet, at least in Saxony-Anhalt, there is the exhibitor stand “RESEARCH FOR THE FUTURE”.
All countries and regions present themselves with their typical national highlights, especially edible classics. The topics of innovation, research and projects take up comparatively little space. However, a lot is happening in the food industry and agricultural sector, particularly with regard to climate change and the associated need to rethink agriculture and take a different approach. Soil fertility, plant breeding and harvesting will be different in the future. Saxony-Anhalt also wants to play a pioneering role here and is confidently presenting itself with representatives from colleges and universities. Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, for example, is very prominently presenting eight different research projects, from algae colorants and active ingredients to green infrastructure and global food markets. However, the topic of digitalization is also a must for the agricultural and farming industry and one of the largest consumer trade fairs. For example, the Harz University of Applied Sciences presented the “weed-AI-seek” project, which involves UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)-supported weed monitoring with the help of AI and a drone. Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, for example, will also be on site with its orchard to showcase biodiversity.
Next year, the “DiP – Digitalization of Plant Value Chains” project is also planning to present itself at the science stand together with other research projects. This is an opportunity for the region and beyond to present exciting research projects and results to the general public. New foods will play a role, as will modified cultivation methods and new crop varieties.
The “Green Week”, founded in Berlin in 1926, is the leading international trade fair for food, agriculture and horticulture.
The trade fair also provides a platform for current social issues such as climate protection, the circular economy, resource conservation and sustainable land use.
Around 1,400 exhibitors from more than 60 countries presented their products, projects, services and ideas at the Green Week.
Around 300,000 visitors came to the trade fair from January 19 to 28, 2024.
(Anne-Karen Beck and Sabine Baumgarten)
