Agritechnica 2025: Milestones for Sustainable Productivity Growth in Global Agriculture
Agritechnica, the world’s leading trade fair for agricultural machinery, returns to Hanover this November, bringing together more than 2,700 exhibitors from 52 countries and over 430,000 visitors. Under the guiding theme “Touch Smart Efficiency,” the event will showcase innovations, technologies, and strategies that enable sustainable productivity growth in global agriculture.
At the international press conference in Kassel, DLG Chief Executive Officer Dr. Lothar Hövelmann outlined the central challenge for the industry: ensuring food security for a global population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, while managing limited resources and navigating geopolitical and environmental pressures. “Agriculture is under immense pressure, but innovation and collaboration remain the key to future-proofing the sector,” Hövelmann emphasized.
Global Pressures, Local Opportunities
The agricultural machinery industry operates against a backdrop of volatility. Ongoing geopolitical conflicts continue to disrupt supply chains and commodity markets, while unpredictable tariff policies and fluctuating grain and oilseed prices add uncertainty. At the same time, climate change, stricter regulatory frameworks, and labor shortages place additional strain on farm operations worldwide.
For equipment manufacturers and distributors, these challenges also create opportunities: technologies that enhance efficiency, reduce labor dependency, and optimize inputs are in growing demand across regions and farm sizes.
Farmers Investing in Machinery and Technology
Exclusive findings from DLG’s AgriFuture Insights survey (April–May 2025, 2,184 respondents worldwide) highlight where farmers are directing their investments:
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Soil cultivation technologies (46.5%)
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Tractors (43.6%)
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Harvesting machinery (24.7%)
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Software solutions (23.7%)
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Autonomous systems and field robots (11.5%)
Survey data also reveals that while farmers remain cautious, many expect positive business development in the year ahead—especially in dairy and pig production, where over 50 percent forecast strong growth. This optimism underscores the adaptability and innovation driving machinery investment.
Digital and Autonomous Technologies: Barriers and Breakthroughs
The survey further shows that digital technologies are increasingly seen as vital for productivity gains. Artificial intelligence, robotics, drones, and autonomous systems are viewed as “very important” by academics and consultants, and “important” by farmers themselves.
However, barriers remain: concerns over data protection, system interoperability, and user-friendliness slow adoption. The Digital Farm Center at Agritechnica will directly address these issues, providing a dedicated space where manufacturers, farmers, and researchers can collaborate on practical, integrated solutions.
Soil Health as a Growth Driver
Alongside advanced machinery, soil health is rising on the agenda. Practices such as reduced tillage, cover cropping, and extended crop rotations are gaining traction, with survey results showing:
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53% of respondents already use soil-conserving cultivation
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78% grow cover crops
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57% practice extended crop rotations
These trends open new avenues for manufacturers to support regenerative agriculture with equipment and systems tailored to sustainability goals.
Agritechnica 2025: The Platform for Innovation
For machinery manufacturers, dealers, and distributors, Agritechnica 2025 represents not only the largest global marketplace for equipment but also a forum to engage directly with farmers shaping the future of agriculture.
“Innovation is the bridge between today’s challenges and tomorrow’s solutions,” Dr. Hövelmann concluded. “Agritechnica sets the milestones for sustainable productivity growth—together with the global agricultural machinery industry.”
Agritechnica 2025 takes place from 9 to 15 November in Hanover, Germany. More information: www.agritechnica.com
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