The International Agricultural Exhibition AGRA has been attracting Bulgarian and foreign agricultural companies for 18 years. Over the years, it has accumulated experience, reputation and acclaim, emerging as the most successful agrarian forum in Southeastern Europe, viewed by experts as a showcase for new achievements in farming and agriculture and setting a benchmark  for  trends in the sector.

The 18th edition of AGRA officially opened in Plovdiv on February 18 and will continue until February 22. Its launch was attended by Agriculture and Food Minister Valeri Tsvetanov, Bulgarian National Radio reports.

This year, according to organisers, a total of 851 companies from 37 nations will participate. 2009 also marks the first year when the European Commission will participate in the exhibition with a separate kiosk.

Experts from the Directorate's General for "Health and Consumers’ Protection" and "Agriculture and Rural Development" will educate visitors about the goals of the exhibition, its purpose, the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP,  EU policy in the sector, the conditions and standards required for qualification of EU funds and current standards required for quality and safety.

AGRA aims to incorporate and introduce science and new technology into the manufacturing sector, and the manufacturers in turn with the end users – the consumers.

The International Agricultural Exhibition is a useful platform for obtaining useful and updated information in the sector. The business meetings, seminars, conferences and presentations held between manufactures, farmers, producers, clients and guests are meant to contribute to improving the effectiveness of the forum.