MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Palermo Farm Show opens July 22.

With a 20% increase in the number of livestock competing and over 400 commercial stands Argentina's main agriculture show in Palermo grounds, opens next July 22 and will extend until August 3.

"This has been an exceptional year for the camp and farmers, and Palermo will be reflecting this encouraging entrepreneurial spirit", said Claudio Dowdall, Commercial Manager for the Show which is annually organized by the Argentine Rural Society, the most influential farmers association.

"For several weeks Palermo will become the main hub for agri-business of Argentina", added Mr. Dowdall.

The total number of livestock registered includes 1,400 cattle; 500 horses; 200 sheep; 140 hogs and 1,700 poultry.

Last year Palermo grounds received a million visitors and the farm machinery and equipment industry closed deals involving 17 million US dollars, according to the organizers.

Some of the outstanding points of this year's edition include the First Fresh Vegetable and Fruits Show, an industry which for Argentina represents exports equivalent to 1,1 billion US dollars. Several forums and conferences on agriculture machinery and cattle breeding with foreign participants have also been scheduled.

Finally the Argentine Rural Society will be auctioning Aberdeen Angus, Hereford and Holstein embryos.

The show opens at 09:00 and closes at 20:00 hours. Tickets cost the equivalent of three US dollars with no charge for under 8.-