COVID-19 Claims the 2021 World Ag Expo

Posted by Growing Produce Staff|September 15, 2020

International Agri-Center, the host of the annual World Ag Expo, has cancelled the outdoor event, which had been scheduled to occur Feb. 9-11, 2021, in Tulare, CA. The organization cited COVID-19 as the cause.

“After working with the Tulare County Health Department and other officials, it has become evident that given health and safety restrictions from the State of California, holding a live, international event is not responsible in February,” Jerry Sinift, the CEO of International Agri-Center, said.

For the first time in 52 years, World Ag Expo will not be held live. An estimated annual average of 100,000 individuals from 65 countries attend the conference every year. The largest annual agricultural show of its kind also attracts more than 1,400 exhibitors.

The decision by the International Agri-Center to cancel the 2021 event was not taken lightly, according to its board of directors, and comes after months of research and evaluation of future trends and known constraints. The decision was finalized earlier than the initial November deadline to provide exhibitors, attendees, volunteers, concessionaires, contractors, and local businesses time to adjust their Tulare farm show plans.

The 2022 show is scheduled to occur Feb. 8-10.