"Green Week" in Berlin 20 - January 29, 2012

The International Agricultural Exhibition-Fair Green Week - review of achievements of agriculture and political event of international level.

The International Green Week (IGW) is a one-of-a-kind international exhibition for the food, agricultural, and horticultural industries. Established in 1926 it will take place for the 77th time in 2012. Producers from all over the world use the IGW to test-market food and luxury items and establish a brand image. Exhibitors often organize around national, regional, or product themes. Presentations feature fresh produce, fish, meats, and dairy products. These combine with a vast selection of international wine, beer, and spirits specialties, to satisfy every culinary palate. Right in line with consumer trends, the IGW also includes direct agricultural sales and the BIO MARKT organic products section.

The IGW also features commercial and non-commercial agricultural, forestry, and landscaping exhibits. Changing annual themes typically include such topics as renewable resources or scientific livestock breeding and production. These trade show elements are of particular interest to those involved in the developing markets of central and eastern Europe.

Federal Minister of Agriculture Ilse Aigner to open the 77th Green Week on 19 January in the ICC Berlin Partner country Romania is organising the supporting programme and a subsequent reception for 5,000 guests of honour - The opening tour will begin on 20 January at the combined stand of Romania, the partner country of the Green Week.

Berlin, 17 January 2012 - The opening ceremonies of the 77th International Green Week Berlin 2012 (20 to 29 January) will take place at 6 p.m. on 19 January in Hall 1 of the ICC Berlin. Klaus Wowereit, Governing Mayor of Berlin, and Raimund Hosch, Chief Executive Officer of Messe Berlin GmbH, will address the guests. Afterwards there will be speeches by Jürgen Abraham, Chairman of the Federal Association of the German Food and Drink Industries (BVE), Gerd Sonnleitner, President of the German Farmers’ Union (DBV), Dacian Cioloş, EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, and Valeriu Tabãrã, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Romania. The Green Week will be opened by Ilse Aigner, Federal Minister of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection.

This year’s partner country Romania is devoting its programme of stage events, including music and dance shows, to “those who work in the fields and harvest the fruits of the soil“, to quote the text of the invitation. The shows aim to give the audience a closer look at Romania’s traditional customs, but also to demonstrate the unique links between this established way of life and modern-day Romania. Together with Dumitru Fărcaş the Tara Barsei orchestra will perform an on-stage history lesson in music and fascinate listeners with instrumental pieces. Romanian folk dancing and typical melodies will highlight the strength and vitality of this nation. Afterwards a band called Amadeus will focus on the present. A laser show will accompany the modern interpretations of traditional Romanian folk songs performed on stage. Mihaela Radulescu, a well-known Romanian TV presenter, will moderate the show.

Afterwards, some 5,000 guests of honour are expected to attend the reception organised by Romania in Hall 2 of the ICC Berlin. The culinary delights from Romania served here will be a foretaste of things to come at the Green Week. Thus Transylvanian bacon and roulades made with smoked cheese, green pepper and spicy paprika will be among the dishes served as hors d’oeuvres. Vine leaf rolls, venison ragu, sautéd beans with sausage and other delights await guests for the main course. Apple, pumpkin and sultana cheese strudel will provide a sweet ending to the meal.