The Italian Trade Commission’s 14th Annual Italian Farm Machinery Convention was held on September 10-13 in Laguna, Niguel, Calif. The meeting drew 29

Italian manufacturers and 37 North American wholesalers and distributors.

In addition to addresses from Italian trade officials, the event consisted of a tour 

of Gearmore facilities in Chino, Calif., and appointments between Italian manufacturers and current and prospective wholesalers.

A general session focused on the current state of the American farm equipment industry, trends for small farm operations, the 2010 equipment forecast, and evolving retail dynamics that are affecting distribution channels

The Italian agricultural machinery sector is the world’s second largest, following the U.S. Annual sales in 2008 amounted to nearly $19.1 billion, 70% of which are exported.

PHOTO: Speaking at the Italian Farm Machinery Convention were (from l to r) Herman Wilson, Pioneer Equipment Co.; George Russell, Currie Management Consultants; John Inman, moderator; Mike Lessiter, Farm Equipment/Ag Equipment Intelligence, and Manuel Jimenez, Univ. of California Extension Office.