The sun shone for this year’s International Agricultural fair in Plovdiv, but the event was overshadowed by the absence of the large machinery manufacturers. A dispute over pricing for display space at the event saw a group of the largest companies boycotting the Plovdiv arena, and agreeing to attend the cheaper Starzagora event later in the year.

The machine rows normally filled with equipment from New Holland, John Deere, Massey Ferguson and the other big players in agriculture were empty, giving a subdued tone to the event.

Although the impact was not noticeable in the event halls where smaller distributors and seed merchants still enjoyed a busy show, several of the exhibitors were openly dismayed by the decision not to attend. One commented that he was now forced to exhibit at the second event as well. What the impact will be on next years fair remains to be seen. One local farmer said that the Plovdiv fair was an International event whilst the Starazagora fair was a much smaller local event, but with the absence of the large International exhibitors at Plovdiv that claim may be turned about. The value of exhibiting at trade fairs is often questioned by CEO’s wherever they are held, and the tightening of belts amongst many companies due to the financial situation only serves to heighten the question of value for money.