Tomáš Kvapil Chairs the CLIMMAR Annual Congress in Belgium

23. 10. 2026

The annual congress of CLIMMAR, the European umbrella organisation representing 16 national associations of agricultural machinery dealers, took place in Bruges, Belgium, from 21 to 23 October 2026. The congress was chaired by CLIMMAR President Tomáš Kvapil, who also serves as Chairman of the Czech Association of Agricultural Machinery Importers (SDZT).

This year's congress was hosted by the Belgian association Fedagrim. The meeting provided representatives of the member countries with an opportunity to exchange experiences, assess the current situation in the European agricultural machinery market, and discuss the main challenges facing the sector.

CLIMMAR President Tomáš Kvapil opened the congress with an address focusing on recent developments in the sector and the organisation's priorities. He has led CLIMMAR since March 2025, becoming the first representative from an Eastern European country to hold this position.

European Legislation, Technological Development and Relations with Manufacturers

The congress programme focused on several key areas affecting the business activities of agricultural machinery dealers and importers. Discussions covered upcoming EU machinery regulations, the future of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) beyond 2027, electrification and robotisation of agricultural machinery, and contractual relationships between manufacturers and their dealer networks.

Representatives of the European Commission, the European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association (CEMA), the European Confederation of Agricultural, Rural and Forestry Contractors (CEETTAR), and the Belgian research institute ILVO contributed to the expert discussions.

The programme also included a presentation of the latest CLIMMAR Branch Report, which monitors the economic situation of agricultural machinery dealerships across European countries.

Visit to the CNH Manufacturing Plant in Zedelgem

The congress programme also included a visit to the CNH manufacturing plant in Zedelgem, Belgium, which specialises in the production of New Holland combine harvesters. Participants had the opportunity to gain an insight into the modern manufacturing facilities of one of Europe's leading agricultural machinery manufacturers.

CLIMMAR as the Common Voice of European Dealers

Through its 16 member associations, CLIMMAR represents nearly 15,000 agricultural machinery dealerships and service businesses, employing approximately 164,000 people across Europe. Its main mission is to represent the interests of the sector at European level, promote cooperation between national associations, and strengthen the position of agricultural machinery dealers in their relations with manufacturers and European institutions.

For SDZT, membership in CLIMMAR provides an important opportunity to participate in European industry discussions, exchange experiences, and gain valuable insights into legislative developments and trends in the agricultural machinery market.