AQUAFARM, NOVELFARM AND ALGAEFARM SUCCESS

AquaFarm, NovelFarm and AlgaeFarm Success: Growth and Increased Attendance Mark the Return of the Unified Event

Visitor numbers rose by 30% compared to the 2024 edition. With over 110 exhibitors, 20 conference sessions, and more than 150 speakers, the success of the 2025 edition was firmly established.

The 8th edition of AquaFarm concluded on a high note, marking the successful return of the unified event alongside NovelFarm and AlgaeFarm—now in their 6th and 4th editions, respectively—under one banner at the Pordenone Exhibition Centre.

The decision to merge the three events generated strong interest among industry professionals and the public, resulting in a significant 30% increase in attendance compared to the 2024 edition.

The event featured over 110 exhibitors from Italy and abroad, reaffirming Pordenone Fiere’s central role as a key hub for aquaculture, plant innovation, and algae cultivation.

The conference programme saw remarkable participation, with 20 sessions and more than 150 speakers addressing the most pressing issues in the sector, from sustainability and food security to advancements in production and farm management technologies.

Thanks to collaboration with the ICE Agency, this edition welcomed a delegation of 30 top international buyers from Brazil, North Africa, the Balkans, and Greece, along with other delegations, particularly from the Baltic region.

Renato Pujatti, President of Pordenone Fiere, stated: “We are proud that the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry has once again chosen to participate in AquaFarm, reaffirming its commitment to promoting the fishing sector.

The Ministry was present with a dedicated exhibition area, a conference room, and a show-cooking arena to showcase the quality and sustainability of Italian fish products. Conferences, meetings, and in-depth discussions addressed critical challenges in the sector, including the effects of climate change, combating ‘fake seafood,’ and managing invasive species.

Thanks to collaboration with the Ministry, AquaFarm continues to serve as a platform for industry professionals to discuss innovation and development, while also providing visitors and young people with the opportunity to discover this extraordinary sector.”

Among the most anticipated moments at AquaFarm were sessions focused on sustainability in aquaculture, energy self-sufficiency, and innovative solutions for decarbonising the sector. Also noteworthy were the sessions on “Aquaculture and Value-Added Fishing Products,” featuring key figures from the fishing supply chain, and the “EU – FEAMPA” session, which explored European innovations impacting the industry.

NovelFarm attracted significant public interest, particularly with its opening discussion: “Indoor Farming in Italy: Technological Greenhouses, Vertical Farms, and Urban Agriculture—Regulations, Investments, and Market Trends.” Experts, consultants, and academics shared insights on the evolving landscape of controlled agriculture in urban environments.

Another highlight was AlgaeFarm’s closing session, which featured a roundtable discussion on the future of the algae supply chain. Experts examined the opportunities and challenges within the sector, from food production to pharmaceutical applications.

Matteo Leonardi, President of API (Associazione Piscicoltori Italiani – Italian Fish-Farmers Association), remarked: “The past two days of AquaFarm 2025 have been intense and exceptional. The event was full of meetings, discussions, and memorable moments. We participated in conferences, hosted dialogues, and showcased the finest products of Italian aquaculture, highlighting the diversity of farmed species.”

“Two particularly special moments were the presentation of the Davide Menozzi Award and the unveiling of the first manual on farmed fish welfare. A heartfelt thank you goes to the members, professionals, friends, visitors, and organisers of AquaFarm for continuing the journey towards an aquaculture industry that provides healthy and sustainable food for all.”

During NovelFarm, the news arrived from the United States of the passing of Dickson Despommier, the recognised father of the modern Vertical Farm concept, widely known for his seminal 2010 book The Vertical Farm: Feeding the World in the 21st Century.

This book, reprinted in multiple editions, is regarded by entrepreneurs and industry professionals as the inspiration that sparked a global cultural and economic movement. Despommier inaugurated the first edition of AquaFarm, delivering a memorable presentation that helped shape the event’s evolution into NovelFarm. The NovelFarm team and the entire Italian soilless farming community honour his legacy with gratitude and affection.

AquaFarm, NovelFarm, and AlgaeFarm continue to establish themselves as essential events for the industry, attracting a growing number of professionals and the public thanks to a format that seamlessly combines exhibitions, high-level professional development, and business opportunities.

For further details, the official event website will soon publish the full conference programme, along with presentations and session proceedings.

The next edition is scheduled for 18–19 February 2026, with the 9th edition of AquaFarm once again taking place at Pordenone Fiere, maintaining its unified format with NovelFarm and AlgaeFarm.

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