The 2026 edition of the major international agricultural machinery exhibition was presented in Bologna. Expanded exhibition space and growing international participation mark an event that is defying the current economic climate and offering a wealth of business opportunities. Simona Rapastella: EIMA embodies the values of progress and cooperation, while also offering a rewarding experience on a human level.
The 47th edition of EIMA International, the global agricultural machinery exhibition taking place at Bologna Exhibition Centre from 10 to 14 November, is set to achieve record-breaking figures. The latest figures, presented this afternoon in Bologna during the traditional pre-opening press conference, reveal the participation of 1,800 exhibiting companies, including 690 from 45 countries, showcasing 60,000 models of machinery, equipment and components. Visitors are expected from 150 countries, confirming EIMA’s position as one of the world’s leading exhibitions in the sector. Beyond the figures, FederUnacoma, the Italian agricultural machinery manufacturers’ association and organiser of the exhibition, highlights the outstanding quality of the technologies on display. Every manufacturer is presenting its latest products, while 54 entirely new technologies have been selected by an international jury and recognised with the Technical Innovation and Technical Evolution awards. The section dedicated to advanced digital systems, agricultural robots and highly automated machinery continues to expand, showcasing solutions that are bringing agriculture into a new era. Technologies that only a few years ago belonged to the realm of science fiction are now fully developed and commercially available.
“The agricultural machinery sector is currently facing an unfavourable economic and geopolitical environment,” said Simona Rapastella, Director General of FederUnacoma, during the press conference.
“Yet EIMA continues to demonstrate extraordinary vitality, expanding its exhibition space and further strengthening its international standing.” Alongside the new areas dedicated to live demonstrations, this year’s edition also features an expansion into the so-called Nuvolari area, located just outside the exhibition grounds. The area includes two temporary exhibition halls and a demonstration zone for machinery used in land management and operations to prevent and mitigate hydrogeological instability.
“This edition further strengthens the exhibition’s international profile,” said Simona Rapastella. “EIMA welcomes professionals from all over the world: in 2024, international visitors numbered 65,000 out of a total attendance of 350,000. This year, the exhibition is hosting dozens of diplomatic and government representatives, while the number of international trade visitors is growing thanks to the Special Guest programme promoted by FederUnacoma and, above all, the incoming trade delegation programme organised by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in cooperation with the Federation. The programme is bringing 830 selected professionals to Bologna, identified by ITA offices around the world.”
EIMA’s success is closely linked to its exhibition format, which organises products into 14 specialised sectors and seven thematic showcases. Above all, however, it stems from the exhibition’s ability to respond to market needs by presenting solutions that address the challenges currently facing agriculture and offering numerous opportunities for discussion and debate on agricultural economics and policy, with more than 150 conferences and workshops scheduled.
“Like all major international trade exhibitions, EIMA embodies the values of progress and cooperation,” concluded FederUnacoma’s Director General. “Beyond being an important business opportunity, it also aims to offer a rewarding human experience, built on personal relationships, a sense of community and mutual trust.”
