Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The 73rd Agribex fair opens today, Dec 3, 2025, at Brussels Expo. For the first time, no animals are displayed due to Brussels regulations, focusing instead on farming, gardens, and horticultural innovations.
As VRT News reported, the Brussels agricultural and horticultural fair Agribex opens today, Dec 3, 2025, at Brussels Expo. This year, Agribex will take place without animals.
“The ordinance prohibits the sale or exhibition of live animals in the Brussels region,”
explains Michel Christians of organiser Fedagrim, the Federation for Agricultural and Garden Mechanization.
Organisers tried to get a special exemption to include the livestock competitions, but the Brussels government is not fully in place, so no exception was possible.
“It’s a shame,”
the organisers say.
What makes the 2025 Agribex fair take place without animals?
Prime Minister Bart De Wever co-opened the event and spoke about the absence of animals.
“When it comes to regulations, Brussels isn’t exactly a shining example,” he said. “Not at all, in fact.”
He praised the innovation and dedication of Belgian farmers and highlighted the importance of agriculture for the country.
Agribex runs from December 3 to 7, 2025, in the halls of Brussels Expo. Officials mentioned that this year, visitors will not see the usual livestock competitions, but the fair still offers agricultural machinery, horticultural displays, and educational workshops.
Organisers say the event remains an important place for learning, sharing knowledge, and showing new developments in Belgian agriculture. Farmers, industry professionals, and the public are expected to attend.
Agribex is one of Belgium’s oldest agricultural fairs, first held in 1909 at Brussels Expo. This year, for the first time in over a century, no animals are on display because of new animal welfare rules passed by the Brussels Parliament in 2024. In the past, Agribex was also known for its livestock competitions, where breeders showcased cattle, pigs, and other farm animals.
