The 19th Azerbaijan International Agricultural Exhibition ("Caspian Agro") and the 31st Azerbaijan International Food Industry Exhibition ("InterFood Azerbaijan") have begun their work at the Baku Expo Center.

Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov said that the development of the agrarian sector in our country is one of the main priorities of state policy. The Minister noted that the targeted reforms implemented under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev serve to modernize agriculture, improve the welfare of farmers and increase the competitiveness of agricultural production.

Having strengthened its position as one of the leading agrarian platforms in the region, the Caspian Agro exhibition is organized this year in a new conceptual approach - the Caspian Agro Week format. Within the framework of this approach, the exhibition is not limited to the demonstration of products and technologies, but also includes forums covering various areas of the sector, as well as visits to large specialized innovative farms operating in the country. This year, the event will be held in the format of “Caspian Agro Week” and will allow for a broader discussion of current issues in the agricultural sector through forums, panel discussions and business meetings. This platform serves to strengthen effective cooperation between the state, private sector, science and innovation representatives, and expand international experience exchange.

The Chairman of the Food Safety Agency, Goshgar Tahmazli, drew attention to the fact that the strategic sector of agriculture and the food industry is in the constant focus of the state. The Chairman of the Agency emphasized that today, as a result of the harmonization of food products produced in Azerbaijan with international standards, products under food, veterinary and phytosanitary control are successfully exported from our country to 73 countries of the world. In 2025, a record number of plant products were exported from Azerbaijan to the world market.

Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (KOBİA), drew attention to the fact that the agricultural and food industry is one of the sectors in which micro, small and medium-sized enterprises operate the most. He added that KOBİA supports SMEs operating in these sectors within the framework of various services and mechanisms.

Yusif Abdullayev, Executive Director of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (AZPROMO), said that with the support of AZPROMO, which represents local manufacturers on international platforms, Azerbaijani companies regularly successfully participate in global and local exhibitions, our local products are presented at unified country stands under the “Made in Azerbaijan” brand, export contracts are signed, and our products are introduced to new markets.

In turn, the FAO representative in our country, Muhammad Nasar Hayat, said that this year's exhibition coincides with an important time for the agri-food sector: “In a world facing increasing uncertainties, from disruption of supply chains to climate pressures, the importance of sustainable, innovative and self-sufficient agriculture has never been more important. The main directions of this year's program reflect this reality and they coincide with the mandate of FAO.”

Speaking about the importance of the exhibition, ITE Group CEO Edward Strawn noted that the number of participants is increasing year by year and that these exhibitions will be organized continuously.

It should be noted that 447 companies from 45 countries are participating in this year's Caspian Agro and InterFood Azerbaijan exhibitions, which cover all pavilions and the open area of ​​the Baku Expo Center. At the same time, Germany, Belarus, Brazil, Georgia, Italy, Korea, the Netherlands and Indonesia are represented at the exhibitions in the format of national groups, presenting agricultural and food industry products. This year, the African-Azerbaijani Cooperation Organization (AFAZ) is participating in the exhibitions with a separate stand.

The Ministry of Agriculture is presenting a stand prepared on the basis of a broad and multifaceted concept at this year's exhibition. The Ministry's stand showcases support mechanisms implemented by the state in the agricultural sector, innovative technologies and projects, digital solutions, modern cooling systems and equipment, sprayers and multispectral drones, agricultural products of farms that started operating in the liberated areas, livestock and crop products, beekeeping products, startup initiatives and agrarian business festivals held in the regions. The exhibition also presents artificial intelligence, smart villages, startups, robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles and “green agro” sections in the “Smart Agro” direction. The stand will feature representatives of various government agencies and the private sector in order to inform farmers, entrepreneurs and other exhibition visitors about the existing support tools in the agricultural sector.

This year, during the “Caspian Agro” exhibition, the State Employment Agency and the State Agency for Vocational Education, which closely cooperate within the framework of the Agrarian Business Festivals held in the regions, are represented with separate stands for the first time. A special place is also allocated to the presentation of the agricultural potential of the regions at the exhibition. At the same time, sectoral associations operating in the agricultural sector are also participating in the exhibition with separate stands for the first time. The participation of agroparks at the exhibition is also in the spotlight.

In addition, special tours will be organized for farmers from different regions of Azerbaijan within the framework of the exhibitions. This year, more than 1,000 farmers from more than 50 regions will visit the exhibition.

It should be noted that within the framework of "Caspian Agro Week", various forums dedicated to the discussion of topical issues in the agricultural sector will be held, and panel sessions will be organized.