SIVAL to focus plant sector on water management in January 2013

The international trade fair is expected to host 600 exhibitors and attract 20,000 visitors to its symposiums, conferences and workshops, where the main topic discussed will be water management.

Over the past 25 years, SIVAL has become the event of reference for the key plant sectors, including vegetable farming, fruit farming, wine growing, cider growing and seed production. The trade show is the only event of its kind in Europe for the market-gardening and vegetable sectors and, therefore, is set to continue asserting its international standing in January 2013.

From 15 to 17 January, next year, approximately 600 exhibitors will display equipment and techniques devoted to plant production at the Exhibition Centre in Angers (western France). SIVAL will take place as part of Plants Week 2013, during which Angers will play host to a range of events in the plant industry between 14 and 20 January 2013.

While sustainable farming has previously taken centre stage at SIVAL events, water management will be in the spotlight across the conferences, symposiums and workshops at SIVAL 2013.

Water has become a key issue in farming, as it simultaneously involves economic, environmental and social issues. The trade show will tackle such crucial topics as reducing waste, preserving resources, integrating plant production within the water cycle, and preserving the social image of farming with regard to water.

For the past 25 years, SIVAL has sought to anticipate trends. SIVAL 2013 will bring attention to innovations showcased by its exhibitors, while fostering dialogue about technological progress in the plant sector. Innovations will also be highlighted through the SIVAL D'OR competition and the Agriculture Opportunities Forum, which will reward the best innovations in equipment, products and services on display at SIVAL 2013.

Speeches and meetings organised by VEGEPOLYS, the cluster of hi-tech excellence for the plant industry, will also take place during SIVAL 2013. The VEGEPOLYS Symposium will take place on 15 January in the Maine Hall at 4.00pm. This conference will explore developments in international R&D in future plant varieties, regulation strategies in water provision, and ways of organising farming to optimise water management.

Additionally, the VEGEPOLYS Roundtable will be held on 16 January in the Maine Hall at 2.00pm. This round table will focus on innovative solutions that can optimise water management in farming, with the use of certain technologies and tools.

As a key trade show for the sector, SIVAL has a major part to play in raising awareness of the VEGEPOLYS plant-sector cluster of excellence beyond France's borders. Accordingly, SIVAL will use the 2013 trade fair to assert its European and international standing.

About VEGEPOLYS

Founded in 2005, VEGEPOLYS is a world-class cluster of excellence for the plant sector. This cluster has certified or supported over 175 innovative projects involved in varietal innovation, in plant and cultivation-systems protection, and in plants' contribution to wellness, health and the living environment.

For further information about VEGEPOLYS, please go to: www.vegepolys.eu

About Angers Expo Congrès

Angers Expo Congrès manages the Centre de Congrès et du Parc des Expositions d'Angers (Angers' Exhibition Centre). The company organises B2B and B2C trade shows, business meetings and conferences in order to facilitate the region's economic expansion.

Angers Expo Congrès is organising SIVAL 2013, the plant-production trade show that will take place from 15 to 17 January 2013 at the Angers Exhibition Centre, in the city of Angers (western France).

For further information about Angers Expo Congrès, please go to: http://angers-expo-congres.com/

For further information about SIVAL, please go to: www.sival-angers.com

For further information, please contact :
Quote ref. : FTPB3796
Ms Katherine WOODS – Press Officer
UBIFRANCE Press Office in London
Tel: +44 (0) 207 024 3640
katherine.woods@ubifrance.fr