"Sustainable development suits our homeland, land and people, our identity down to the ground. Uncountable questions are tied to it... but I believe that our minds and the minds of others can find answers to these demanding issues," Pahor stressed.

The president also said that Slovenia must preserve the countryside not only for agriculture but also for all activities that would keep young people and young families in the countryside.

Agriculture Minister Dejan Židan highlighted climate change and its consequences in his address. "When we look at Slovenian fields today, we can see the pressure climate change puts on production of crops, fruits and vegetables, as well as on other types of agricultural production," he stressed.

He added that cutting funds in the future European agriculture policies was unacceptable because of climate change.

Pahor also lauded the organisers of the fair and Minister Židan for organising a meeting of the Agro-trade and Economic Cooperation Forum between Central and East European Countries and China (16+1) on the sidelines of the fair.

Advertised as the largest and most important agriculture and food fair in Central Europe, Agra is featuring 1,820 exhibitors from 36 countries, including China as the partner country.

Chinese Agriculture Minister Han Changfu noted that both the meeting of the 16+1 initiative and Agra contributed to strengthening business ties between Central and Eastern European countries and China.

Pointing to the Chinese Road and Belt initiative, Changfu added that "it will be an opportunity to upgrade our cooperation at all levels, as China strongly supports trade in agriculture". He noted that the country's door was always open for high-quality products.

As part of the 55th Agra, leading global farm and forest machinery brands will be showcased, as well as top food and wine products, along with presentations of indigenous animals, bee-keeping and cannabis products for medicinal purposes.