A lively slice of the countryside is coming to Budapest for the 82nd edition of OMÉK (Országos Mezőgazdasági és Élelmiszeripari Kiállítás), the National Agriculture and Food Industry Exhibition. From September 18-21, 2025, both city dwellers and rural visitors can immerse themselves in Hungary’s largest showcase of domestic agriculture and the food industry at the HUNGEXPO Congress and Exhibition Center. This biennial event is not just a celebration of what’s grown and produced in Hungary—it’s also the biggest platform for networking, business deals, and staying up to date with agri-food innovation, highlighting the hard work of Hungarian farmers.
A Tradition Nearly 150 Years Old
OMÉK stands as the country’s leading agricultural event, held every two years since 2011, but with roots going back almost a century and a half. Over several days, all segments of Hungary’s agri-food world come together—farmers, processors, distributors, researchers, local producers, and families. For professionals, it’s a must-attend business event; for the general public, it’s a rare opportunity to get hands-on with Hungary’s rural heart.
This year is extra busy, with the second ever Hungarian Food Summit bringing together 80 to 100 Hungarian food exporting companies and around 200 international buyers, following a wildly successful debut two years ago. It’s set to be the largest business matchmaking event in the country’s food sector.
But the weekend belongs squarely to families and the public. Expect thousands of visitors to flock to Central Europe’s largest small-producers’ fair, taste their way through culinary demonstrations, join workshops, and explore a section entirely dedicated to Hungarikum (unique Hungarian specialties protected for their cultural value). Every generation gets a glimpse into the present and future of Hungary’s food and farming scene.
Spotlight on Agri Digitalization and Innovation
At the center of this year’s conversation is the rapid advancement and necessity of digital solutions in farming. Up-to-date knowledge of new trends and available technologies is crucial for success, so OMÉK is hosting a major professional conference within its own halls.
On September 18, the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture will kick off the event with a conference titled “Smart Technology, Green Future – Modernization Solutions Serving Agriculture.” It will outline the hottest directions in agricultural digitalization, showcase best practices from Hungary and Europe, and explore where digital farming is headed as well as what cutting-edge innovations will shape the near future.
The focus is on how digital tools and innovation—used intelligently together—can boost efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness, and help next-generation farmers take over the reins. The conference will also examine what has been learned so far from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for 2023-2027.
Professionals can participate in talks and roundtables on good practices in field crops, animal breeding, and horticulture. It’s all about real, hands-on ideas and proven collaborations, so farmers and agri-professionals can take home new solutions to adapt for themselves.
Another hot topic is “generational renewal” and how digitalization helps transfer knowledge and business between experienced and new farmers. The ultimate goal: give everyone the tools, information, and contacts needed to move their farm or food business forward.
Explore OMÉK: Pavilions, Producers, and Performances
The festival spreads across several pavilions and open spaces:
A Pavilion: Meet sector organizations, see the latest in food, agri-tech, and machinery exhibitions, and take part in B2B meetings at the Hungarian Food Summit.
B Pavilion: Get face-to-face with livestock and animal shows.
C Pavilion: The hub for conferences and forums, especially during the professional days on September 18-19.
D Pavilion: Focuses on small producers, craftspeople, and family farms. Shop for artisan products, visit the free-from food section (MentesFeszt), meet certified national park producers, and enjoy stage shows—children’s concerts, educational entertainment, and craft workshops.
E Pavilion: The Carpathian Basin Market pays tribute to traditions from the “Greater Hungary” regions—civic groups present unique cheeses, wines, honey, and more, with ongoing folk music, dance, and even fashion shows. Exhibits celebrate Hungarikum (Hungarikum) and National Values, such as Tokaj aszú (Tokaji aszú), fruit brandy (Pálinka), Gyula sausage (Gyulai kolbász), lace from Kiskunhalas (Halasi lace), and the Karikás whip (Karikás ostor).
“Passage” Food Street: Sample street food and unique regional bites in the open-air zone connecting the pavilions.
Family Fun, Workshops, and Culture All Four Days
Every day is packed with sessions and performances. There are talks on seed-saving, edible herbs, medicinal plants, food safety, and sustainability, plus guest speakers ranging from agricultural scientists to health food experts. Culture lovers can enjoy folk dance, Disney songs, and dynamic performances from popular Hungarian children’s bands and musical groups.
Highlights include “Gardening with Marci Borbás,” the FolkTrend dance team, the “Alma” and “Buborék” children’s bands, roundtables on sustainable food, and hands-on workshops. Saturday features the Fitos Dezső Troupe’s FolkTrend show, and every day offers major stage acts, crafts, and food.
Children under 6 enter free; adult day tickets are $2.70, and families (two adults plus children under 18) pay just $5.40. Tickets are available at the venue or online. Note: To protect the animals in attendance, please leave your pets at home—there has been a recent increase in animal diseases, and animal health is a top priority at OMÉK.
Don’t miss Hungary’s biggest rural festival—whether you’re an agricultural professional, a food lover, or just want to soak up the agri-culture, OMÉK is where the city meets the countryside.
