Macfrut 2026 to feature two test fields showcasing innovations in fruit and vegetable cultivation  

Artificial intelligence in farming, state-of-the-art agricultural machinery and technological solutions for sustainable, less labor-intensive agriculture: these are just some of the innovations that will be showcased in the two dynamic areas at Macfrut, the international trade fair for the fruit and vegetable supply chain, which will take place at the Rimini Expo Centre from Tuesday, 21 April to Thursday, 23 April 2026.

During the three-day trade fair, visitors to the Pre-Harvest area will have the opportunity to gain insight into the future of fruit and vegetable cultivation in two test fields, which cover a total area of 2,500 square metres and are divided into two exhibition halls. 

"Macfrut 2026 will exhibit technologies that are designed to enhance sustainability in agriculture: low environmental impact, reduced labor–which is becoming increasingly scarce–decreased water consumption, and innovative plant nursery solutions that can address the challenges posed by climate change," explains Luciano Trentini, an experienced agronomist who has worked with Marco Pattaro to coordinate and organize this activity for several years.

Macfrut's showcase of innovation and education

According to Trentini, other presentations will cover new data-collection systems that employ increasingly effective monitoring systems, some of which use artificial intelligence, as well as innovative machinery and equipment that uses new technologies to assist farmers in making daily decisions. Rovers and drones will also be featured, as these technologies are set to play a crucial role in the future of the fruit and vegetable sector.

Hall A1 will be dedicated to horticulture, featuring a selection of crops that play a particularly important role in Italy’s

 agricultural sector, including baby leaf greens, carrots, and other vegetable species. This area will also showcase innovative tillage systems, new sowing techniques, and seeders and weed control measures that use increasingly efficient weeding machines with a lower environmental impact.   

Fruit will take center stage in Hall C1. The area will feature an orchard with apple and cherry trees, as well as a vineyard, illustrating how the work of farmers on large plots of land can be replicated in smaller spaces. The installation of anti-hail nets and agrivoltaic panels in the orchard will demonstrate the potential financial benefits of these innovative techniques, even in today’s changing climate, which is marked by extended periods of high temperatures and low rainfall, interspersed with short, heavy downpours. 

Agrisolar systems will be on display at the trade fair, allowing visitors to learn how much income can be generated from energy production and discover the benefits of orchard management. This area of Hall C1 will also shine the spotlight on irrigation.  

"The test field project is a huge logistical and organizational undertaking, with assembly and dismantling alone taking over 1,000 hours," Trentini concluded. "Technical tours will also be available for the attending delegations throughout the trade fair, during which manufacturers will demonstrate their machinery, creating opportunities for discussion between exhibitors and visitors. These areas form part of an ambitious, comprehensive initiative that consolidates Macfrut’s status as a leading event for innovation in the pre-harvest sector."

The Pre-Harvest area at Macfrut will once again play host to the Acqua Campus demonstration area, focusing on sustainable and innovative water management. Visitors will have the chance to learn more about the latest technological innovations in open-field farming, including water and energy-saving solutions, ecosystem services, Irriframe, AI applications, live demonstrations, and guided tours with in-depth sessions. 

This interactive experimental area, spanning over 1,000 square metres, is coordinated by the National Association of Land Reclamation, Irrigation and Land Improvement, and the Canale Emiliano Romagnolo. It will feature state-of-the-art irrigation systems, offering attendees the chance to network and take part in discussions with researchers, land reclamation consortia, and agronomic training experts. 

*All images courtesy of Macfrut

Related stories

Macfrut 2026 has been brought forward, with avocado and mango as the stars of the show