Exhibitors from over 40 countries are expected to attend SIMA 2017, the International Agri-Business Show to take place in Paris.

Market leaders in the agriculture industry from across the globe have booked their place, with the show reporting 85% of its available stand space had already been sold by May 1, 2016.

More than 40 new companies have registered for the event to date, which will feature innovative developments in digital and robotic technology with regards to the farming sector.

The major international trade show will take a look at what farming professions will be like in a decade through the eyes of manufacturers and start-up companies.

Developed into four categories, SIMA’s event ‘Innovation First #2: Being a farmer in 10 years’ time’ will focus on developments in digital technology, robotics, genomics and ecological economics.

Looking at these topics, the show hopes to investigate whether robotic technology will replace tractors or farm machinery and how digital developments will impact on the types of job skills in agricultural organisations.

Discussions will also be held on whether farmers will become producers of their own energy and how the emergence of tools used in genomics and phenotyping has helped to improve our knowledge of the genome.

Meanwhile, meetings will take place between international experts, which will include debates, talks and discussions focusing on the challenges facing the agricultural sector.

The 77th edition of the show will also provide machinery dealers with the opportunity to meet informally with exhibitors from all over the world.

Taking place from February 26 to March 2, 2017, SIMA will be orientated towards solving problems faced by farmers worldwide, according to Martine Dégremont, the Director of the Show.

The next SIMA will more than ever before be oriented towards tangible solutions, capable of addressing the problems faced by the farming world today.

The ambition of the event is to regain trust at a time when the sector is facing decisive challenges and putting forward a prospective vision which opens up new perspectives for farming, she said.