The International Green Week (IGW) in Berlin is one of the best-known and most traditional trade fairs in Germany - and is also unique worldwide in terms of its range of topics. Since its premiere in 1926, it has brought together producers, traders, politicians and consumers every year to discuss food, agriculture and horticulture. Today, it is a leading international trade fair that goes far beyond a mere consumer show. More than 1,800 exhibitors from over 70 countries present regional specialties, agricultural innovations, sustainable cultivation methods, agricultural policy debates and gardening ideas for urban and rural areas at the Berlin exhibition grounds. The Green Week thus combines tradition and progress - on a professional, social and culinary level.
A centerpiece of the Green Week is the large exhibition area for food and food culture. This is where states, federal states, producer associations, manufacturers and food producers present regional and international specialties. Visitors have the opportunity to taste products, discover recipes, get to know production methods and interact directly with the exhibitors. From Bavarian sausage and Sicilian olive oil to organic tea from Sri Lanka - the IGW showcases the global diversity of food production and at the same time highlights its cultural, economic and ecological significance. Topics such as fair supply chains, organic certification, food trends and sustainable packaging are also vividly presented here. Anyone interested in other important trade fairs in the capital can find a well-founded overview of all the important events in the region at Berlin Exhibition Center.
In addition to product diversity, agriculture is at the heart of the trade fair. Special halls will show how modern agriculture works - from arable farming and livestock breeding to agricultural technology and digital farm management. Machine manufacturers, associations and agricultural companies will be showcasing the latest technology trends, innovative breeding methods, environmental standards and solutions for climate protection in agriculture. The animal hall, where cattle, sheep, horses, pigs and poultry are presented, is traditionally a popular crowd-puller. Here, visitors not only experience the animal species up close, but also learn a lot about species-appropriate husbandry, feeding, animal health and breeding.
A special feature of the Green Week is its political relevance. Every year, the fair hosts the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) - an international agricultural policy summit attended by agriculture ministers from all over the world as well as representatives from NGOs, science and business. Topics such as global nutrition, climate adaptation in agriculture, animal welfare and food security are the focus of the event. German players from politics, associations and civil society also use the IGW for debates, press conferences and expert forums. This makes the trade fair not only a showcase, but also a stage for decisions, positioning and inspiration.
Another focus of the trade fair is horticulture. In addition to traditional topics such as ornamental plants, landscape architecture and gardening tools, the IGW is also increasingly dedicated to urban concepts: vertical gardening, green roofs, edible cities and climate-adapted planting are just as much a part of the program as sustainable irrigation systems and peat-free soils. This area appeals to private gardeners as well as local authorities and landscape planners and shows how green infrastructure can contribute to quality of life and climate adaptation - especially in growing cities.
The Green Week also sees itself as an education fair. There are special guided tours, learning modules and events for school pupils, trainees and students that provide insights into careers and courses of study related to food, agriculture and the environment. The “ErlebnisBauernhof” initiative, for example, offers an interactive learning landscape in which children can trace the path from field to plate. In addition to the specialist topics, the fair offers many family-friendly activities: Cooking shows, hands-on activities, live demonstrations and themed gardens make the IGW an experience for all age groups.
As the venue, Berlin plays a central role in the profile of the trade fair. Its proximity to federal politics, its international connections and the city's openness to cultural and culinary diversity make the Green Week particularly lively here. Last but not least, the trade fair benefits from the cultural curiosity of its audience - many Berliners return to IGW every year, but trade visitors from all over Germany and beyond also find a platform here that combines exchange, enjoyment and further education.
The International Green Week in Berlin is much more than just a consumer fair. It is a showcase for the future of our food, a meeting place for political and economic decision-makers and a place where agriculture and society come together in conversation. Anyone interested in the connections between enjoyment, responsibility and global resources will find comprehensive information here - and inspiration. Further information can be found on the organizer's website: www.gruenewoche.de