SUA Showcases Innovative Products and Technical Solutions at Agrokomplex
16.09.2025
The Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (SUA) is presenting itself at the 50th edition of the international agricultural and food exhibition Agrokomplex 2025 with modern technologies from its Creative Centre and innovative food products developed in the Food Incubator. These innovations were highly appreciated by the government delegation.
The jubilee edition of the fair was officially opened on September 3 by the President of the Slovak Republic, Peter Pellegrini. In his speech, he indicated that the future of Slovak agriculture and food production will be marked by major changes. The European Commission plans to redirect support from large producers to smaller farmers, meaning payment reductions for larger farms, which currently account for the majority of Slovakia’s food production.
“Slovakia has a specific situation, with up to 90% of cultivated agricultural land farmed by larger producers with more than 50 hectares. Slovakia will have to make maximum efforts not to lose out under the European Commission’s proposal,” stressed the president.
He added that Slovakia must work on ensuring food self-sufficiency and food security to remain competitive internationally. According to him, fair conditions from shops and retail chains are also necessary to guarantee the availability of quality food at affordable prices. As a positive step, Pellegrini welcomed the reduction of VAT on some basic food products to five percent.
Minister of Agriculture Richard Takáč emphasized that Slovakia faces significant challenges ahead:
“We will have to focus more on finalizing production and creating added value here at home. I see the future of our agri-sector in diversification and in focusing on products with higher added value, such as fruit, vegetables, and livestock production,” he said.
He described the current draft of the EU Common Agricultural Policy for 2028 as flawed:
“In Slovakia, we have small, medium, and ecological farmers. But they alone cannot ensure food self-sufficiency and security. We also need conditions for large producers. If this does not change, 60–70% of our farmers will face problems,” he concluded.
After the official opening, the government delegation, led by President Pellegrini and Minister Takáč, toured the exhibition grounds. They also visited SUA’s booth in Pavilion M2, where they were welcomed by Rector Klaudia Halászová. The delegation highly appreciated SUA’s innovative food products, such as vegetable chips and teas from the Food Incubator, as well as the launch of the first university food brand in Slovakia.
The SUA booth presents up-to-date information on study opportunities, research and science, as well as services for practice and the public. The Creative Centre is showcasing a state-of-the-art drone and virtual reality glasses, while SUA Publishing House presents its latest book titles. The Food Incubator’s products are also available for sale. Since SUA is currently running a joint project with the Technical University in Zvolen (TUZVO) called AgroForestry, visitors can also learn about this initiative. The eye-catching booth design, prepared by SUA’s Botanical Garden using plants grown in-house, is complemented by fresh fruit from the SUA Demonstration Garden. The Technical Faculty is also represented with its exhibits in Pavilion P.
As one of the accompanying events of Agrokomplex 2025, the SUA Demonstration Garden is holding an Open Day from September 3 to 5. Visitors can take guided tours of demonstration and research areas, including the orchard, vineyard, vegetable plots, and displays of lesser-known horticultural crops.
Nutrition experts from the Institute of Nutrition and Genomics at the Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources will be offering screenings of body composition and health condition using bio-impedance measurement on the InBody device during the Optibody Nutrition Counseling service on September 4–5. The results provide information on overall fitness, as well as balance or imbalance of different body components. The service includes a personal consultation and lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise advice.
On September 5 at 3:30 p.m., a book launch for Agromechatronics, written by SUA Vice-Rector Pavol Findura and his team, will take place on the main stage. The textbook for secondary schools will be officially introduced by Rector Klaudia Halászová together with Peter Matejovič, President of the Agrion Association and Chair of the SUA Board of Trustees.
This jubilee edition of the Agrokomplex international agricultural and food exhibition features more than 500 exhibitors. The program runs until Sunday, September 7.
