Silva Regina
7.-11.4. 2024

The SILVA REGINA forestry and hunting fair and the BIOMASS trade fair for renewable energy sources in agriculture and forestry were held at the Brno Exhibition Centre From 3 to 6 April 2022. In total, 180 companies participated in the expo on an area of fifteen thousand sqm. Twenty-five thousand people came to the exhibition grounds in four days. Both exhibitors and visitors were enthusiastic. 

After an intermission of four years, the expo presented a comprehensive overview of forestry, forest management, hunting and biomass sectors. Almost all relevant exhibitors were present, and attendance by visitors pleasantly surprised everyone. "The success of this year's expo brings us optimism for the future. It confirms that trade fairs are a necessary and important tool, and the Brno Exhibition Centre will continue to be booked up," said Tomáš Moravec, CEO of BVV Trade Fairs Brno.

Almost all importers presented their technologies, from machines or equipment for primary logging and forest maintenance to machinery for log processing and final treatment of firewood. Some companies also presented an extended range of agricultural and municipal equipment. For example, Austro Diesel exhibited the complete Massey Fergusson product line, of which it is the exclusive dealer. Visitors could view the exhibits "live", which was greatly appreciated by everyone. Contact with the product was simply missing from the market during the lockdown.

This year's event was very closely intertwined with the biomass sector. Topics such as chip processing for businesses and households, energy self-sufficiency and presentations of solid fuel boilers proved to be very topical in relation to the current energy situation.

The importance of the expo was confirmed by the participation of all key institutions and organisations, such as the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, Lesy České republiky (Czech forest  management company), Vojenské lesy a statky ČR (Czech military forests and farms management company), the Land Registry of the Czech Republic, the State Agricultural Intervention Fund (SZIF), the Czech Forestry Society, the Czech-Moravian Hunting Union, the Czech-Moravian Society of Breeders, Mendel University, the Czech Agricultural University, the Regional Agrarian Chamber of the South Moravian Region, the Research Institute of Forestry and Hunting and others. On the opening day of the expo, of the Agrarian Chamber of the Czech Republic held its general assembly, which focused on the current situation in Europe affecting not only the Czech economy but also global markets.

The hunting sector was traditionally featured in a representative manner. The cultural and educational programme running on the stage was interesting, and there was also an imaginative presentation of specimens and trophies. Combined with demonstrations of falconers, dog breeders and handlers, laser shooting range and virtual archery, the programme thrilled all generations of visitors. People also sought after new technologies in connection with digitisation or the use of drones. For the little ones, there were educational programmes to learn about nature and an interactive educational trail called Forest Pedagogy. Gun enthusiasts appreciated innovations in the field of optics, thermal imaging and night vision. Not only hunters could choose from a wide range of clothing and accessories for the forest and hunting.

Farm animals also had a dedicated exhibition. Several breeds of cattle, sheep and goats were presented. Beekeepers' stands were also sought-after, with the opportunity to buy or taste honey products. The offer of regional groceries and specials appealed to visitors with many sampling and tasting sessions. All the delicious foods were also available for purchase.

Next SILVA REGINA and BIOMASS will be held in 2024, concurrently with TECHAGRO. In April 2023, the Brno Exhibition Centre will host ANIMAL TECH, the National Show of Livestock and the National Gamekeeping Show.