Montichiari Fair Boosts Agriculture Sector Amid Challenges in Lombardy
A fair to restart: here is the slogan of the 73rd National Trade and Livestock Exhibition, opening on Friday, February 23, at the Centro fiera di Montichiari. Despite the problems caused by “mad cow disease” across the entire meat supply chain, the collapse in consumption, and delays, the organizers of the oldest, most engaging, and traditional national agricultural fair are determined to give a boost to the sector. In short, there is a desire for redemption.
This united effort to revive the sector is well-supported by all trade associations, local municipalities, and the Province. It was precisely in the Broletto that this truly special fair was presented yesterday, with speakers engaging for over an hour in identifying and developing various topics, featuring active participation from the host, Province President Alberto Cavalli, and Agriculture Councillor Giampaolo Mantelli.
Presentation and Themes of the Fair
Also present was the Vice President of the Lombardy Region and Councillor for Agriculture, Viviana Beccalossi, who did not hold back in condemning a situation that “if it depended on Lombards, it would already have been resolved long ago. But certain access keys to solve the problems of various sectors (farmers, slaughterhouses, transporters, merchants) are blocked at the ministerial level.”
Nevertheless, everyone praised Centro fiera for what it has once again managed to accomplish, in close collaboration with the Associazione Provinciale Allevatori and its president Piercarlo Pea. “During the fair, some meetings will be held to clarify issues and advance our proposals to resolve the BSE problem,” Pea said.
“A problem mainly concerning the relationship between consumer and producer,” added Mantelli. This relationship, with the new quality mark and events like this fair “where consumers can connect with the real, living world,” should undoubtedly improve. “We are already seeing improvements in meat consumption in Brescia’s restaurants,” Mantelli reaffirmed. “We also need to reassure people that the meat displayed on our counters is good, and they can buy it. They only need to choose the one they like most, without preconceptions.”
Investments and Exhibition Sector
The Mayor of Montichiari, Gianantonio Rosa, also expressed satisfaction, attending with Councillor Elena Zanola, the president of Centro fiera, Leonardo Tanzini, and Director Danilo Mor. He spoke about the direction of this Agricultural Fair “aimed at helping us emerge from the crisis,” announcing a new investment of approximately 700 million euros for additional parking facilities (beyond the existing 600) and, within two years, a new pavilion (in addition to the eleven already in use).
The Agricultural Fair hosts over 500 exhibitors, covering the entire range of the sector’s merchandise. There will be permanent exhibitions of dairy and beef cattle, horses, pigs, and rabbits. The highlight will be the agricultural machinery sector, absent from the Fiera di Verona, which takes place one week after Montichiari’s.
Large areas will also be dedicated to typical regional products, including a section in collaboration with the Province of Brescia, open for tastings. The Montichiari Agricultural and Livestock Fair surpassed 80,000 visitors last year and, together with six other national events and a series of other appointments, helps make the Centro fiera del Garda the second largest trade fair center in Lombardy.
Program and Conclusion
The event will open on Friday, February 23, during the traditional weekly livestock market and agricultural product market, and will close on March 4, after seven days of exhibitions (rest days on February 26, 27, and 28).