Slovenian President Danilo Tuerk recalled the devastating storms in Slovenia this summer as he opened the 46th International Food and Agriculture Fair in Gornja Radgona on Saturday. He hailed the government's quick relief effort, but called for action to adapt to climate change.
The Gornja Radgona fair, the biggest such event in Slovenia, features more than 1,660 exhibitors from 28 countries, most of them from Slovenia. Organic farming, water and the use of plant oils in diet and as alternative fuel are among the highlights this year.
President Tuerk said it was encouraging the number of exhibitors had gone up again this year, while he noted there were also sufficient reasons to realise how hard and dramatic conditions Slovenian farmers and the country must cope with.
"This year has been marked by severe storms and I would like to take this opportunity to thank and praise the government for its prompt action. He gives twice who gives in a trice," Tuerk said, but added that the bulk of work was still ahead.
"This will require a lot of patience. Even in the future, when climate change and the situation on the world food markets require this of us. It is good this fair provides the forum for expert consultation that will help find the answers."
The opening ceremony was also addressed by Agriculture Minister Iztok Jarc, who said the path Slovenian agriculture had taken had been successful, including making a step forward in adapting to climate change.
He said the government had fulfiled its commitment by securing funds to add to direct payments, so that Slovenian farmers are the only ones among the new EU member states to get the same payments their peers in the old EU members get.
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