EIMA International: expected in Bologna moretThan 500 Industry professionals from Morocco

International tensions and economic uncertainty are slowing global trade in agricultural machinery, but potential demand for technology remains high, driven by rising food consumption and new lifestyles that favor high-end products. This trend is particularly evident in Morocco, where government-promoted development policies have fostered the modernization of the agricultural economy and specialization in high-value-added crops. These were the key topics at the press conference presenting EIMA International, the global agricultural machinery exhibition taking place in Bologna (Italy) from Tuesday, November 10, to Saturday, November 14. The meeting, organized by the ICE Agency in Casablanca in collaboration with FederUnacoma, took place on the 23rd of April in Meknes as part of SIAM, the Salon International de l’Agriculture au Maroc. The press conference was attended by Dr. Monica Muscio, Head of the Commercial Office of the Italian Embassy in Rabat; Dr. Luigi D’Aprea, Director of the ICE Office in Casablanca; and Davide Gallarate, from the Events Office of FederUnacoma, the association representing Italian agricultural machinery manufacturers and the direct organizer of EIMA.

The proceedings were opened by Dr. Muscio, who, during her remarks, conveyed greetings from the Italian Ambassador to Morocco, Pasquale Salzano. "The partnership between Italy and Morocco in agricultural mechanization represents a strategic axis of industrial and technological cooperation in the Mediterranean. Italy remains the Kingdom’s second-largest partner, with a presence that is constantly strengthening in terms of quality and innovation. In this context, EIMA International offers a privileged platform to consolidate collaboration between our production systems, connecting Morocco’s demand for advanced technologies with Italy’s supply. In a global scenario marked by uncertainty—this is the message conveyed by Ambassador Salzano—cooperation in the agricultural machinery sector remains a factor of shared stability and development, capable of supporting agricultural modernization and contributing to the challenges of food security, sustainability, and competitiveness."

In 2025, imports of agricultural machinery into Morocco recorded significant growth (49.1%, amounting to 218 million euros), bucking the trend of declining trade flows in the global agricultural machinery market (-2.2% in 2025, totaling 85.7 billion euros). According to forecasts by the research firm Exportplanning, the expansionary phase of the Moroccan market is expected to continue in the short and medium term, with an estimated average annual growth rate of 3.8%, reaching a total value of 254 million in 2029. In this scenario, Italy remains the second-largest supplier of agricultural technologies (with sector exports of 35 million euros in 2025, concentrated primarily in the tractor and livestock technology sectors).

 

 

 

just behind Spain (45.5 million), but ahead of China (26 million) and France (approximately 20 million). Over the next four years—according to estimates by Exportplanning analysts—exports by Italian companies are expected to rise to approximately 39 million euros, with a market share of 15.3%. "Trade between Italy and Morocco in the agricultural machinery sector shows sustained growth, driven by an increasingly sophisticated demand for high-tech solutions. In this context, the dynamism demonstrated by SIAM – Salon International de l'Agriculture au Maroc represents a concrete indicator of the ongoing transition toward more sustainable, efficient, and climate-resilient production models,” said the director of the ICE Office in Casablanca. “This evolution is unfolding within the strategic framework outlined by the Génération Green 2020–2030 plan, which calls for the strengthening of high-value-added agri-food supply chains, increased productivity, and a gradual reduction in dependence on imports. Of particular importance are investments in advanced mechanization, precision irrigation and water-saving technologies, digital agriculture and precision farming systems, as well as innovative solutions for animal husbandry and efficient farm management. In this context,” added Luigi D’Aprea, “the participation of Moroccan operators at EIMA International takes on strategic importance as a platform for accessing cutting-edge technologies and developing industrial and commercial partnerships with a high degree of innovation.”

For an agricultural economy as dynamic as that of the North African country, EIMA 2026 is therefore an event of undoubted interest. “The Bologna exhibition is organized into 14 product-specific sectors and showcases more than 60,000 models of machinery, equipment, and components for agriculture and gardening. “With its wide range of offerings,” explained Davide Gallarate, “the event is able to meet every technological need of Moroccan agriculture and offer solutions suited to every type of business, from family-run operations to large industrial enterprises.” The strong focus on technological innovation, which has always characterized the Bologna event, is another winning factor of the ‘EIMA formula’; a major draw not only for manufacturers from around the world but also for the vast audience of Italian and international visitors. “EIMA 2026 should confirm and likely surpass the extraordinary figures of the previous edition, which saw the participation of approximately 1,750 exhibiting companies, 675 of which were foreign, and recorded around 350,000 visitors, 63,000 of whom from abroad. “Next November,” added Gallarate, “we expect a significant influx of visitors from Morocco, including approximately 500 buyers, farmers, and industry technicians.” At EIMA 2026, Morocco will also be represented by an official delegation of agricultural machinery and gardening professionals, whose visit is being organized by the ICE Agency, FederUnacoma’s strategic partner for internationalization activities.

Several new features are planned for the November event, starting with an expansion of the thematic showcases—highly specialized exhibition areas designed to focus attention on a specific segment of the product range. In addition to the traditional EIMA Showcase ‘Energy’, ‘Components’, ‘Idrotech’, ‘Digital’, and ‘Green’, the event will feature the EIMA ‘Extend’ Hall, dedicated to institutions and organizations within the agricultural and agricultural machinery sectors, and the EIMA Campus Hall, dedicated to the world of academia, research, and training.

 

 

 

 

For moroccan visitors are of particular interest the solutions on display at the EIMA Idrotech Showcase, which features a wide range of irrigation and water-saving systems and technologies, and at the EIMA Green Showcase specialized in gardening machinery and equipment. “In Morocco, the gardening sector is particularly dynamic, especially regarding green space maintenance, which—as Gallarate noted—is driven by urbanization and the growth of tourism.” Also worth noting, among the new features, is the opening of Hall 35, currently under construction to the highest architectural and functional standards, and the redesign of the outdoor spaces where dynamic demonstrations take place in the EIMA Energy, Tractor of the Year, Garden E-motion, Contoterzista Driver Trophy, as well as REAL, the arena dedicated to robots and highly automated machinery. Also new is the first edition of the ADI Design Exhibit Award - EIMA International 2026, a contest open to all exhibitors promoted by the Italian Industrial Design Association (ADI) in collaboration with FederUnacoma to recognize the best exhibition stands. A program of approximately 150 events—including conferences, seminars, and workshops—is dedicated to political and economic themes. These events will take place during the fair and will assess trends in the global primary economy and strategies for promoting mechanization in various agricultural contexts around the world. “EIMA International is not merely a commercial and promotional initiative,” concluded Gallarate, “but serves as a major platform for discussion on sector policies, involving all stakeholders in the supply chain.”