Sadly, the global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted virtually every organized event over the past two years. Germany’s Agritechnica, which was originally scheduled to run in November of 2021, had to be postponed until February 2022. And while many were optimistic the virus would recede sufficiently to allow the event to proceed by that time, DLG (the German Agricultural Society), which is the organization behind the show, had to finally concede that going ahead with it, even at that later date, wouldn’t be feasible.
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“With regret, we have observed that, following the deteriorating pandemic situation in recent weeks and the resulting current official regulations, a justified exceptional situation has arisen, under which the trouble-free execution of Agritechnica is no longer possible,” said Reinhard Grandke, DLG’s CEO, in a press release. “We have made this decision respecting our responsibilities towards the health and safety of all. We deeply regret the cancellation.”
While some exhibitors, including John Deere, had announced earlier it could not participate in the postponed show dates, the overall number of exhibitors confirmed to attend came close to the average of 2,800 that would have been expected in a normal year.
An important reason many brands regularly come to the show is to unveil new machines or technologies at the world’s most ag machinery prominent event. Many brands have had to make alternate plans to get the most publicity bang for their buck when unveiling their new offerings.
“The decision to cancel Agritechnica is particularly difficult for us since many companies have specifically targeted the trade fair to present their innovations,” confirmed Freya von Czettritz, Agritechnica project manager.
However, executives at some major brands have acknowledged, given the current health concerns, it wouldn’t be possible to do business on the show floor in the usual way. Thus, cancelling the event made sense. And having around 450,000 people from around the world mingling in very close quarters could have made for the mother of all super-spreader events.
“The cancellation of Agritechnica 2022 is the most responsible decision DLG can make for its exhibitors and visitors,” said Christoph Gröblinghoff, chairman of the management board of AGCO/Fendt and member of the Agritechnica advisory board of DLG at VDMA. “The current pandemic situation does not allow for a trade fair. AGCO is committed to ensuring the safety of its employees and farmers. For our AGCO brands, a successful Agritechnica is characterized by personal contact and good discussion with our farmers and our partners. The current situation does not allow people to meet in an optimal way, so we support this prudent and consistent decision by DLG.”
“Given the uncertainty surrounding the current COVID-19 situation, we fully support the DLG decision,” added Eric Hansotia, AGCO chairman, president and CEO. “The safety of our team members and the world’s farmers must be our top priority.”
But the show isn’t exactly going silent for the next two years. Last fall, DLG started the “Agritechnica Digital” series of information sessions and seminars, which are available free to anyone online. That program will continue. Interested persons can register at agritechnica.com.
The show will resume its normal two-year schedule, with the next event opening its gates on on Nov. 12, 2023.
