PHOTO: Agro opens with a warning that the future of home-grown food cannot be left to chance

President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar opened the 64th International Agricultural and Food Fair Agra in Gornji Radgona. The opening ceremony was attended by high-profile guests including President of the National Assembly Zoran Stevanović, Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Mr. Kamel Baddari, Minister for Agriculture Janez Cigler Kralj, Minister for Justice Mihael Zupančič, mayor of the Municipality of Gornja Radgona Urška Mauko Tuš, members of parliament, advisors to the State Council, president of the Agricultural and Forestry Association of Slovenia Dr. Jože Podgoršek, and other notable figures. President Janez Erjavec of the Pomurian Fair stated that despite the reduction in the number of farms and agricultural land, Slovenian agriculture maintains a rich tradition, knowledge, and quality products. He highlighted the challenges faced by the sector, such as food security, climate change, and the global market. Agra serves as a platform for finding solutions, presenting modern technologies, and international evaluations of agricultural and food products. He noted that 2026 has been declared the International Year of Farmers, Pastoralists, and Volunteering for Sustainable Development by the United Nations, while in Slovenia, it is referred to as the year of Kosić and Trstenjak. These themes were incorporated into this year’s fair. A special exhibition titled “The Path to the Man Who Became One of the Most Important Thinkers of the 20th Century” showcased Trstenjak’s heritage. President Nataša Pirc Musar emphasized the importance of Slovenian agriculture for food security, economy, and the country’s future. She thanked farmers for their perseverance and work, particularly highlighting their resilience against climate change. She pointed out that in times of global uncertainty and climate changes, we increasingly realize that food is not something taken for granted. Its availability is linked to our security, economy, quality of life, and ultimately our ability as a state to shape our own future. To become more resilient and less vulnerable to shocks coming from outside our borders, we must connect our advantages more effectively and better utilize them. She continued that food sovereignty is connected with the security of the state and its ability to independently shape its future. Strengthening food sovereignty requires greater domestic production, more efficient farming, stronger supply chains, and more strategic integration of domestic production. She warned that the current severe drought poses a threat to Slovenian agriculture, and its consequences will only be assessed later. Slovenia will have to adapt agriculture to climate changes and improve conditions for stable domestic food production. She also highlighted the role of young farmers, who take on a key role in shaping the future of Slovenian countryside. Farming must become a modern profession that allows for a dignified life. It is necessary to combine the experiences of previous generations with new knowledge, technology, and business opportunities. She also mentioned the role of women in rural areas and the need for greater recognition of their work, equal opportunities for development, and increased involvement in decision-making. The future of agriculture will increasingly depend on advanced technologies, according to Minister Janez Cigler Kralj for Agriculture. He stated that the future of agriculture will increasingly rely on the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, satellite data, precision agriculture, and automation. These technologies can enable farmers to make more efficient use of resources, easier adaptation to changing conditions, and improved productivity.