THE FRUIT & VEGETABLE SECTOR'S CONSOLIDATION

Marek Kawalec, Leaf Media CEO. In conjunction with Targi Kielce, Leaf Media organizes the
autumn-première; HORTI-TECH - Fruit and Vegetable Expo

Poland's fruit and vegetable industry will be brought together in Kielce on 18 and 19 for the first of Fruit and Vegetable Technology Expo HORTI-TECH. The new, all-inclusive event comprises the exhibition and educational. HORTI-EXPO has been designed to consolidate of fruit and vegetables business sector. In the HORTI-TECH organisation, Targi Kielce enjoys the partnership of Leaf Media, the organizer of the famous Orchard Meetings in Sandomierz. Leaf Media has been in business for more than a decade; this is Poland's only company which specializes in logistics and media services for horticultural and agricultural commodity market. Leaf Media also organises specialized trainings. The company is also specialized-media expert, both on-line and hard-copy publications. Marek Kawalec - Leaf Media President has been asked about the new Kielce expo and development plans.

- What is the origin of the idea to ​​organise a joint-exhibition for fruit and vegetable producers?

Marek Kawalec: - In autumn Poland sees a whole array of training sessions for fruit and vegetable producers. However, these events are limited to the few co-operating companies. It is thus not possible for vegetables and fruits producers to participate in all trainings in order to gain comprehensive insight into the market's offer. Therefore the need to hold one-stop-shop autumn event; its format would include an exhibition and educational aspects. Poland lacks expo solely targeted at broadly-defined fruit and vegetable technologies, despite the fact that Poland has recently seen a rapid development of large-scale vegetables and fruit production. The world's situation has been changing for several years . Poland aspires to be the largest exporter of food to European markets. In some years Poland is even regarded Europe's "breadbasket". Thus the situation requires to hold a meeting - one-stop-shop one for international milieus which offer production means for large-scale farms - fruit and vegetable producers. Therefore producers are given the opportunity to become familiar with the latest technical and technological development and their possible implementation.

- What is the HORTI-TECH innovative aspect and uniqueness?

M.K.: - I think that autumn potentials have not been properly utilised; the fact that there has been no autumn-expo was an unfortunate situation. In November all fruit and vegetable producers finish one growing season and open another. This is when fields are prepared for wintering and in-spring planting. Fruit and vegetable crops are kept in storage facilities, however need ideas to put produce on the market and sell are needed. Moreover, decisions about next-year season are made in the autumn - these regard plant varieties and cultivation technologies choice, plans to stay ahead of competition, both local and international. This is a good time to meet. More importantly - this is also the time when producers still have a "fresh" outlook over the season which has just ended. This is the time to summarize, discuss production problems and find on-the-spot solutions. Fruit and vegetable producers remember what they missed on out at strategic moments. Our industry is focused on development rather than not on maintaining the status quo . Therefore the industry constantly seeks better, more reliable equipment, specialized components to boost and improve the performance and work efficiency. Production means also in demand - they are to increase yield of top-quality produce, safe for consumers, produced in accordance with environment protection guidelines.

- What is HORTI-TECH distinctive feature?

M.K.: - Bulk fruit and vegetable production has become a popular idea in Poland. Therefore the Fruit and Vegetable Technology Expo HORTI-TECH stands a great chance of success. Last year's HORT-TECHNIKA was a kind of prelude, it enjoyed the business insiders' recognition and appreciation. HORTI-TECH includes collaboration with the partner - one of Poland's main and largest expo centres which boasts extensive experience in organizing this kind of exhibitions. Th partner that prides on the International Fair of Agricultural Techniques AGROTECH - the event that is hugely popular with Polish farmers.

I want to emphasize that the best and most innovative solutions and services included in various agricultural production technologies - conventional, integrated and organic presented at the exhibition halls will be appreciated and awarded with the expo medals - HORTI-TECH Innovations.

The Kielce autumn event consolidates and bringing together the whole industry, its additional competitive advantage is the convenient location for international exhibition centre. It is located in Poland horticultural centre. Both fruit and vegetable growers are concentrated around Kielce. The expo-destination is easily accessible, network expansions with the safe network of trunk-roads, even if participants have to bring heavy-duty agricultural equipment. The comfortable and spacious pavilions will also become the stage for a whole array of live shows and demonstrations, in-service trainings in a safe and economical field work.

- Thank you for the conversation.

(KK)