Speech by Gracienne Geenens, chairwoman of Fedagrim

Mr. Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Mr. Prime Minister,
Mr. Deputy Prime Minister,
Ms. Minister Wiersma from the Netherlands,
Ladies and gentlemen, ministers of the Flemish government, Mesdames et Messieurs les Ministres des gouvernements wallon, 
Deputies, Representatives, 
Members of the European Commission, 
Party leaders, Party presidents, Vice-presidents of various parties
Chairpersons of various parties, 
mayors and aldermen, burgomasters and aldermen, Bürgermeisters and Schöffen

Herzlich willkommen
Soyez les bienvenus
Welcome

Welcome to the 73rd edition of AGRIBEX, the international exhibition for agriculture, livestock, gardening, and green spaces. For some, this may be their first visit, while for others it is a tradition. 

Welcome to the 73rd edition of AGRIBEX, the unmissable event for enthusiasts of agriculture, livestock, gardening, and green spaces. For some of you, it may be your first encounter, for others, a well-established tradition.

AGRIBEX is much more than just a trade show: it is a meeting place, a crossroads where those who, from near and far, shape the agricultural world come together. This year, our ambition remains unchanged: to bring people together, inspire them, and help them evolve. And we can proudly say that AGRIBEX remains the largest indoor agricultural event in the Benelux. You only have to walk through the aisles to see that every space is occupied, every stand ready to welcome innovation.

In terms of content, AGRIBEX also puts innovations in the spotlight. Our mission has always been, and will always remain, to ensure that the sector evolves and can meet current and future challenges. And those challenges are not insignificant. With AGRIBEX, trade fair organizer Fedagrim wants to demonstrate that agriculture and nature are compatible. One should not stand in the way of the other. But respect and understanding are needed. It is in agriculture's interest to make full use of natural resources. 
Hence the importance that AGRIBEX attaches to the agriculture of the future, which we also observe in the figures from Fedagrim's economic dossier. Thanks to new technologies, AI, robotics, and data, regenerative agriculture is becoming more feasible every day. That is why we will be presenting our innovation awards during this opening. Let us not forget that agriculture, beyond its role as a source of food, is also an economic pillar. A pillar which, like so many others, is subject to geopolitical upheavals and administrative obstacles. We are not advocating the absence of rules, but rather an intelligent framework that stimulates initiative rather than stifling it. Prime Minister, you said it yourself: Europe excels in the art of legislating, sometimes to the detriment of innovation.

Prime Minister, you yourself indicated in your lecture at Ghent University that Europe excels in legislating, and in doing so all too often stifles any form of initiative and innovation. Hold on to this principle, try to make it clear to your fellow government leaders, and let Europe be a cradle of innovation rather than regulation. Let us ensure that this continent remains a land of creativity, openness, and momentum, rather than restrictions.
Ms. Siracusa, I would be grateful if you could also convey this message to the European Commission when the time comes.

Allow me also to salute the strength of women in this sector. One-third of European farms are run by women. They are shaking up the rules and breaking down barriers, but the glass ceiling remains. That is why we created the AgroLady of the Year award, to encourage and celebrate these women entrepreneurs who, day after day, are shaping the future of our countryside, both in Wallonia and Flanders.Ladies and gentlemen, for 73 editions, AGRIBEX has been synonymous with progress and tradition. Tradition, because we do not forget our roots: the livestock competitions are an illustration of this. This year, a decision by the Brussels-Capital Region has deprived us of this dimension. It is a shame, especially for the children, many of whom attend at the weekend. For some of them, this may be their only contact with the agricultural world, which is so essential for the future. We will therefore ensure that it regains its place in the next edition.

Dear attendees, we are nevertheless convinced that this will be a one-off occurrence. At the next edition, we will do everything we can to give animals a place in our exhibition halls once again. After all, AGRIBEX is a trade fair showcasing innovations, but it is also a trade fair steeped in tradition. And livestock competitions are part of that tradition.

Dear attendees, ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor for me, as chairman, to kick off the 73rd edition in your presence and, in particular, in your presence, Mr. Prime Minister. It is to your credit as a statesman that you want to give this country a future, just as we want to secure our businesses in that same future. That is what unites us. We are convinced that with commitment, entrepreneurship, and a supportive government, together we can turn every challenge into an opportunity. To conclude with a Latin proverb this time, we say to you clearly: Labor improbus omnia vincit. Or "tireless labor conquers all."

I hereby officially declare Agribex 2025 open.
Par la présente, je déclare Agribex 2025 officiellement ouvert.
Hiermit erkläre ich die Agribex 2025 offiziell für eröffnet.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude.