The 16th international fair of innovations in agriculture, food industry and agricultural machinery AGRO-ARCA 2025 was held

Organized by the Croatian Association of Innovators and in cooperation with the City of Zadar, Zadar County, and the University of Zadar, the Agricultural Fair and the 16th International Fair of Innovations in Agriculture, the Food Industry, and Agricultural Mechanization – AGRO ARCA 2025 – was held from May 15 to 17, 2025, at the Višnjik Sports Center in the city of Zadar.

This year’s fair showcased around 130 innovations and featured over 200 authors in the fields of agriculture, food industry, and agricultural mechanization. Innovations were presented from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, Hungary, the Republic of North Macedonia, Poland, Iran, Indonesia, South Korea, and Thailand.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the sponsors and partners who contributed to the organization of the event. All guests were welcomed by the president of the Croatian Association of Innovators, Prof. Dr. Miljenko Šimpraga, who thanked the exhibitors and highlighted the importance of innovation in the development of agriculture. Also addressing the attendees were Marijan Krpan, representative of the Croatian Association of Technical Culture (HZTK); Prof. Dr. Josip Faričić, rector of the University of Zadar; Mr. Danijel Segarić, head of the Department for Agriculture, Fisheries and EU Funds of Zadar County; Mrs. Grozdana Perić, head of the Department for the Economy of the City of Zadar; and Mladen Fruk, envoy of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, who officially opened the fair.

As part of the fair, numerous STEM workshops for children and youth were held, organized by the Technical Culture Association of Zadar County. STEM workshops on the topics of "Bioplastics" and "Digital Management of Greenhouses with Soil Moisture Sensors" were held by the Zadar Computer Society and Zadar Developers Hub. A demonstration on the use of drones in agriculture was also conducted by the Zadar Aeroclub Association. Additionally, lectures were given by HAMAG-BICRO on the topic of "Financing Opportunities for Farmers Through Financial Instruments" and by the State Intellectual Property Office. An Innovation Forum themed "Science and Innovation – Drivers of Agricultural Growth and Sustainability" was organized by the University of Zadar.

At the conclusion of AGRO ARCA, the best innovators were awarded in two categories: young innovators and seniors. In addition to special awards, the GRAND PRIX for the best innovation of the fair was also presented.

Along with numerous gold, silver, and bronze medals, three special participation awards were given to the Tourist Board of the City of Nin, the Agency for Rural Development of Zadar County (AGRRA), and the Society of Innovators DIATUS from Split.

Two special awards from the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) were also presented: to the Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences in Osijek for the innovation "Methodology for Determining Microplastics in Soil" and to the Department of Ecology, Agronomy and Aquaculture of the University of Zadar for the innovation "Development of Sustainable Mariculture I-MORE."

The GRAND PRIX for the best innovation of the AGRO ARCA 2025 fair was awarded to Viridisfarm d.o.o. for their innovation “VibroPHOSPHATE.”

VIBROPHOSPHATE is a 100% natural solid inorganic phosphate fertilizer – guano – produced through vibro-activation of minerals. The fertilizer offers a unique solution by providing an exceptionally stable and biologically available form of phosphate. It assists in the formation of oils, sugars, and starches; stimulates early plant growth; promotes deeper and stronger root development in all plants; acts as a promoter of photosynthesis, nutrient transport, and energy transfer; and is used by plants for the formation of nucleic acids, which regulate protein synthesis and play a role in the regulation of stomatal opening and closing.