EuroGrainExchange: What are the geopolitical challenges and opportunities in the grain market;

Petar Dimitrov, Founder and Managing Director of Agricore EuroGrainExchange, Grain Academy, Agroportal and Agriportal brands. Senior commodity broker at Agricore. Keynote speaker at grain and oilseed and economic events, a leading voice in the grain industry, shares his vision for the future of trade in this interview with Georgios Bakolas of Agrocapital.gr.  He discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the market, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, innovation, and collaboration

1. EuroGrainExchange haс established as leading event in the grain and oilseed industry. What is the main message you want to convey at this year's even

At this year's EuroGrainExchange, we aim to explore the evolving grain markets in the context of ongoing trade wars. Our discussion panels will center around how geopolitical tensions and economic instability have altered traditional market dynamics. This will allow participants to gain insights into how the grain and oilseeds industry must adapt and thrive in a more fragmented and unpredictable global market, especially as democratic values influence trade policies.

With 700 + participants from more than 40 countries EuroGrainExchange is a central meeting point on the european grain trade map

2. What are the key themes that will be addressed at the conference this year, and how do they reflect the challenges of the market?

The conference will focus on the intersection of trade wars, global supply chains, and political economy. With the rise of protectionist measures and tensions between major trade players, the market faces significant challenges, from supply disruptions to price volatility. At the same time, we will discuss how the industry can navigate these turbulent conditions by embracing innovative trade strategies, new technologies, and more resilient supply chains to stay competitive in this evolving market landscape.

Speakers in the discussion panels comprise of top tier experts – traders, surveyors, farmers, analysts. They will cover broad range of topics and hare their experience with the audience.

3. What are the key innovations or changes at this year's event compared to last year?

Inthis year's edition, we are deepening our exploration of involving the participants in the hot discussions and networking and thus reshaping the global grain market. In addition to traditional topics, we will introduce more interactive discussions, case studies on global trade strategies, and expert-led sessions focusing on adapting to volatile conditions. Attendees will also see more hands-on workshops designed to provide practical insights into how businesses can adjust their operations to remain profitable despite the challenging grain markets.

We will have an innovative mobile app that will serve to connect between participants – messages, appointments, dowloading of presentations and sharing files and pictures.

4. How is the European cereals and oilseeds market shaping up amidst the current geopolitical and economic conditions?

The European cereals and oilseeds market is navigating complex challenges, including geopolitical instability and economic uncertainty. Romania, in particular, faces pressures from both external factors and internal political shifts that affect its agricultural strategies. As democratic values are tested, traders are reassessing their positions, diversifying supply sources, and seeking new markets. This uncertainty is reshaping the landscape for European grain market, with a focus on adaptability and resilience. It is not becoming easier to trade grains and oilseeds. You need much more than pure trading skills, you need technology and information.

5. Climate change is having a significant impact on agricultural yields. What do you foresee for the future of cereal production and prices?

Climate change will continue to affect agricultural yields, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent and unpredictable. For cereal production, this could mean changes in planting patterns, a shift towards more resilient crop varieties, and increased investment in sustainable agricultural practices.

Regarding prices, we may see more volatility as the availability of key crops fluctuates due to these climate challenges. In the long term, the industry will need to adopt adaptive measures to maintain production levels and price stability. And of course, under normal weather conditions we should expect decent new grain crop, which prompts for lower prices Durgin the summer months. At the moment we have like 20% higher prices compared to last year levels…Think of that if you think prices are low.

6. What role do digital platforms and data analytics play in shaping the strategies of traders and producers?

Digital platforms and data analytics are transforming the grain and oilseeds market by enabling more precise and real-time decision-making. Traders and producers can now access live grain exchange prices, including MATIF, CBOT, and DAP/FOB CVB ( Constanta, Varna, Burgas) and POC ( Ukr Black Sea ports), and track grain cargo vessel lineups, all of which help them make more informed decisions on pricing, stock management, and risk mitigation.

In addition, the platforms allow for analysis of patterns, market trends, and supply chain data, enhancing overall market transparency and building trust among stakeholders in an increasingly interconnected global market. And do it more effectively and cheaper. Farmers becoming traders themselves and eliminate the need of too much intermediaries on the market.

7. What is the importance of networking and B2B meetings at such a specialized event?

Networking and B2B meetings are essential at events like EuroGrainExchange, because they provide professionals with the opportunity to connect, share insights, and form partnerships that can lead to long-term business success. These interactions allow for the exchange of expertise and ideas while also helping attendees identify new market opportunities and overcome challenges together. In a specialized field like grain and oilseeds, these relationships are invaluable. From my personal experience, attending established regional events always brings new contacts, new energy and impetus to work. We are born to communicate and interact.

8. How do you see EuroGrainExchange evolving in the coming years? Are there any plans to expand or diversify the conference?

Having the idea to establish EuroGrainExchange as an eastern European hub of grain trading was so fragile, that we were afraid to wisper it. However with the great support from all partners, associations, institutions this event became the benchmark  and the true Spring European Grain Exchange. The event has a great energy of the people involved in it’s organisation and with the big audiencethat attend each year, EuroGrainExchange is set to evolve in ways that reflect the ongoing transformations within the industry. While the specifics of future editions are still being shaped, we consider a stronger focus on key emerging themes, such as sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation in the grain sector.

There are many ideas in the pipeline to keep the interest high, so stay tuned and participate in how the conference will continue to evolve in the coming years.

9. What is your personal vision for the future of the grain trade in Europe and internationally?

I believe that the future of the grain trade will be shaped by greater integration of technology, sustainability, and collaboration. It will become more and more effective, unfortunately loosing some of its human face.

We will likely see a shift towards more sustainable farming practices, with increased investment in precision agriculture and renewable energy.

On a global scale, the future of the grain trade will be driven by closer partnerships between producers, traders, and policymakers to navigate challenges like climate change, geopolitical treats, and evolving consumer demands. Ultimately, the focus will be on creating a resilient and efficient global supply chain.