During the three-day event, the Pre-Harvest area will offer visitors a first-hand look at the future of horticulture and fruit growing through a dual testing field covering a total of 2,500 square metres, divided between two exhibition halls.
“The technologies presented at Macfrut 2026 point towards increasingly sustainable agriculture: lower environmental impact, reduced labour requirements —which are becoming increasingly difficult to meet—, lower water consumption and new nursery solutions capable of addressing the challenges posed by climate change,” explains agronomist Luciano Trentini, who has coordinated and organised this activity for years together with Marco Pattaro.
He also highlights the introduction of new data collection systems based on increasingly efficient monitoring technologies, including artificial intelligence, alongside innovative machinery and equipment designed to support farmers in their daily decision-making. “We also expect the presence of rovers and drones, which will play a key role in the future of horticulture,” he adds.
Two pavilions, two production models
Hall A1 will focus on horticulture, showcasing crops of particular relevance to the Italian agricultural economy, including baby leaf, carrots and other vegetable species. This area will also feature innovative soil tillage systems, new sowing techniques and seeders, as well as increasingly efficient and environmentally friendly weed control systems.
Hall C1, meanwhile, will be dedicated to fruit growing. The space will include an orchard with apple and cherry trees, as well as a vineyard, demonstrating how farming practices can be replicated even in limited spaces.
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The presence of anti-hail nets and agrivoltaic panels will allow visitors to explore how these technologies can ensure economically viable results in the context of climate change, characterised by rising temperatures, prolonged dry periods and increasingly intense rainfall events.
Agrivoltaic systems will also enable visitors to assess the potential income generated by energy production alongside the benefits for orchard management. Irrigation will play a central role in this area as well.
A platform for innovation and knowledge exchange
“The testing field project requires significant logistical and organisational effort, with more than 1,000 hours dedicated to installation and dismantling,” Trentini concludes. “During the event, technical visits will be organised for delegations attending the fair, including live machinery demonstrations and opportunities for exchange between exhibitors and visitors.”
These areas represent an ambitious and well-structured initiative that reinforces Macfrut’s role as a key reference point for innovation in the pre-harvest sector.
The Pre-Harvest area is further enhanced by the renewed collaboration between Macfrut and Acqua Campus, focused on sustainable and innovative water management. Visitors will be able to explore the latest open-field technologies, including water and energy-saving solutions, ecosystem services, the Irriframe project, artificial intelligence applications, live demonstrations and guided technical sessions.
Under the coordination of ANBI (Italian National Association for Land and Irrigation Water Management) and CER (Canal of Emilia-Romagna), the interactive experimental area of over 1,000 square metres will showcase the most advanced irrigation systems, serving as a hub for knowledge exchange between research institutions, irrigation consortia and agronomic training bodies.
