OLMA St. Gallen – agriculture and the general public

OLMA in St. Gallen is one of the best-known events for agriculture and the general public in Switzerland. Since its inception, it has from a purely specialist show to a broad-based public exhibition that combines agricultural topics with regional identity and social interaction. St. Gallen, located in the east of the country, offers a suitable setting for this: the region is strongly influenced by agriculture and at the same time has a diverse economy. Agriculture forms the historical foundation of OLMA. Livestock breeding, arable farming and regional food are the focus of many presentations. At the same time, the event is aimed at a broad audience interested in food, tradition and rural culture. This combination continues to shape the profile of the fair to this day.

Agriculture as an economic and cultural factor

Swiss agriculture is characterised by small-scale farms and high quality standards. At OLMA, farmers, breeding associations and manufacturers of agricultural technology present their work. Livestock shows are just as much a part of this as product presentations of regional specialities. Typical focal points are:

• Cattle, pig and small animal exhibitions
• Agricultural technology and stable technology
• Milk and meat processing
• Direct marketing of agricultural products
• Sustainable farming

The public as an integral part

Unlike trade fairs aimed solely at professionals, the public at OLMA is not just an observer but an active part of the event. Families, school classes and city dwellers use the event to gain insights into agricultural production. Information stands and interactive offerings create proximity between producers and consumers. During the fair, St. Gallen becomes a meeting place for different social groups. Agriculture is not viewed in isolation here, but discussed in the context of nutrition, regionality and cultural identity.

Regional products and enjoyment

Another focus is on regional foods. Cheese, sausages, baked goods and beverages from various cantons are presented and sampled. OLMA thus also offers a platform for direct marketers and smaller producers. The halls feature, among other things:

• Reg ional specialities from Eastern Switzerland
• Artisanal food products
• Products with protected designation of origin
• Innovations in the field of plant-based nutrition

St. Gallen as a location

St. Gallen has a modern trade fair infrastructure and is well connected in terms of transport. The city is located close to the border with Germany and Austria, which gives OLMA a cross-border appeal. Visitors from several regions use the event as a meeting place. Its geographical location in the pre-Alpine region underlines its agricultural character. Grassland farming and dairy farming play an important role in Eastern Switzerland, which is also reflected in the programme.

Agriculture in transition

Agriculture is facing structural challenges. Climate change, social expectations and economic pressure are influencing production methods. OLMA addresses these issues and offers discussion forums on sustainability, animal welfare and digitalisation. New technologies in agricultural engineering, precision feeding systems and digital farm management are presented. At the same time, the connection to tradition remains visible. Agriculture is both an economic factor and a cultural heritage here.

Position in the Swiss trade fair calendar

OLMA occupies a special place in the national calendar of events. It brings together agriculture and the public in a format that combines specialist information and social interaction. Unlike specialised agricultural fairs, it deliberately opens itself up to a broad audience. OLMA in St. Gallen is an event that raises the profile of agriculture and also serves as a meeting place for the public. In St. Gallen, a forum is created in which economic reality, regional identity and social dialogue come together.

Further information can be found on the organiser's website: www.olma-messen.ch