The 56th edition of AGRO – International Agriculture, Livestock and Food Fair, which took place between Thursday and Saturday, in Braga, received 50,669 visitors. “The largest number ever”, highlights the organization.
In a statement, InvestBraga highlights that the main visitors to this edition of AGRO were families and schools, from primary, professional and university education. “From the municipality’s 1st and 2nd cycle schools alone, there were more than 6,000 children. We wanted this to be a training fair”, said Carlos Silva, executive administrator of InvestBraga, quoted in the statement.
The importance of showing the origin of food products and the value chain created by the entire sector becomes increasingly essential. “This education will help ensure that in 15 years these children will act taking into account the importance of the primary sector. It is our mission to value agriculture” – declared José Olímpio, operational director of Fairs, Congresses and Events.
Among the animals, chickens, sheep, rabbits, horses, cows of indigenous breeds and new breeds – Limousine and Angus – stood out. For José Olímpio, this is “a significant number for what the agricultural sector exhibitions are”.
One of the highlights of the fair were the Livestock Competitions, with a history dating back to 1863, signed by King D. Luís I. This year, the 19th National Chicken Competition (Black, Yellow, White and Pedrês) was brought to the pavilion’s ring. ), who evaluated the beauty of the specimen, the shine of its feathers, the symmetry of its features and many other characteristics.
The national competition for Bordaleira sheep of Entre Douro e Minho and Churra do Minho and the various cow breed competitions – Holstein Frísia, Maronesa, Barrosã, Marinhoa, Cachena and Minhota – were also highlighted. For the first time, trainers and handlers of the Friesian Holstein breed took to the ring to show their skills in preparing the best specimens.
Throughout the fair, the horses were stars. From carriage rides, baptism rides, horse handling to the show “Lusitan Horses – Sound, Light and Fado”, which took place on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. This great news brought hundreds of people to the arena to watch the engaging performance with music, dancing and fire-breathing. The equestrian artists displayed their agility, performing dazzling maneuvers.
Animal welfare was a concern of the AGRO organization. The operational director ensures that all conditions have been created, including the milking of dairy cows, handled by students from professional schools – Casa Escola Campo Verde – and transported by Agros for preparation at the production unit. “In a few days, we will be drinking the milk extracted in this edition of AGRO”.
The farms present are certified. This commitment was emphasized as a fundamental principle. “We ensure the best conditions for animals, in all contexts. Producers are the first to ensure the well-being of animals,” explains Júlio Amorim, producer of the Holstein Genetics team, highlighting that the care and health of animals are a priority, as a well-treated animal is a healthy and productive animal. This dedication goes beyond legal compliance, reflecting a deep respect for animals.
Wooden sculptures made live with chainsaws, of larger and smaller scales, produced by the sculptor Emanuel, could be seen at the top of the fair’s exterior enclosure. In the same area, AGRO KIDS had a program entirely dedicated to families, such as sowing workshops, an insect hotel and a hanging garden promoted by Quinta Pedagógica de Braga.
The performances of academic groups from the University of Minho livened up AGRO’s days, with the Tunas and the Fado Groups. Rugas and Folkloric Groups were also part of this great Minho festival, bringing the “Vira” and the costumes to the space that has always welcomed them.
Also according to the statement, one of the most important points for the dissemination of enogastronomic products from all regions of the country were the ‘showcookings’. During the four days of celebration, the rich Portuguese cuisine was celebrated with the support of institutional and business partners, including MARB and the Profitecla school. The Sarrabulho Porridge, Toucinho do Céu, Braga-style Bacalhau, Barcelos-style Roasted Rooster, the typical São Tomé and Príncipe sweet “Loço Doxi”, Douro Olive Oil and Fumeiro were prepared and tasted. from Ponte de Lima, paired with local wines such as Alvaminho, CAVAGRI, Floral de Monção, Quinta da Pegadinha and Quinta das Pereirinhas.
With the 56th edition of AGRO closed, InvestBraga and Altice Forum Braga are now beginning preparations for the next edition, scheduled for April 3rd to 6th, 2025.
