A Look Back at STELAR at the 2024 International Agricultural Fair
The 91st International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad, Serbia, proved to be an enormous success, drawing a record-breaking crowd and showcasing the latest advancements in agriculture. Held from May 18th to 23rd, the fair featured over 1,200 exhibitors, a 10% increase compared to the previous year.
This year’s event attracted not only a wider range of participants but also a record number of attendees, welcoming visitors from Serbia, the surrounding region, the European Union, and wider.
Among the many highlights was the STELAR project, which gained significant attention from attendees when it was prominently featured on the fair’s third day.
EU Partners with International Agricultural Fair
The European Union’s strong presence as the official partner marked a key highlight of the fair. The newly established European Union Pavilion, filled with various activities, hosted 42 events featuring over 100 speakers and showcasing 35 companies and organisations working in the agricultural sector..
This impressive display underscored the EU’s commitment to fostering collaboration within the agricultural sector. The importance of this collaboration was further emphasised by visits from ambassadors from the EU Delegation, Slovakia, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Austria, France, the Czech Republic, as well as deputy representatives from Slovakia, Denmark, and the EU Delegation.
STELAR Shines a Light on Sustainable Solutions
Among the many innovative projects on display was STELAR, a participant in the European Union’s Horizon Europe initiative. This research and innovation program tackles global challenges, with a particular focus on the agricultural sector.
Modern agriculture faces a data challenge: vast amounts of information are often complex, diverse, and difficult to analyse. STELAR is a project aiming to revolutionise smart agriculture and food safety by enabling:
- Simple and intelligent data discovery: Find the information you need quickly and easily.
- AI-ready data: Prepare your data for seamless integration with artificial intelligence.
- Semantic interoperability: Ensure your data is understood by different systems and applications.
This innovative approach sparked conversations and raised awareness about the crucial need for sustainable agricultural practices and improved food security.
Partnerships for Progress: Collaboration Drives Sustainable Farming
The 91st International Agricultural Fair fostered a vibrant environment for collaboration. Representatives from Foodscale Hub organised an engaging quiz that attracted 40 participants, facilitating discussions about the pressing issues faced by modern agriculture.
Additionally, the event provided a platform for STELAR to connect with potential partners – research institutes, small businesses, tech firms, and farming suppliers. These valuable interactions opened doors for future collaborations that have the potential to revolutionise the agricultural landscape.
Beyond Business: Addressing Real-World Challenges
Beyond showcasing innovative technologies and fostering partnerships, the STELAR team delved deeper into the challenges faced by farmers. Discussions focused on the difficulties of managing vast amounts of diverse and complex agricultural data. By fostering an open exchange of experiences, STELAR, in collaboration with fair attendees, is not only identifying problems but also paving the way for innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of the agricultural industry.
A Look to the Future
The 91st International Agricultural Fair served as a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability within the agricultural sector. From the European Union’s unwavering support to the impactful presentations by projects like STELAR, the event provided attendees with a glimpse into the future of agriculture, where technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainability converge to create a more efficient and resilient food system.
