fairs to advocate for themselves with confidence. Effective advocacy, Grindle emphasizes, is not about confrontation—it’s about education and awareness. “When people understand the full value of their fairground,” he says, “they protect it. They support it. And they ensure it remains a vital part of their community for generations to come.” In an era defined by rapid change, fairs continue to prove that tradition and innovation are not opposites—but partners in sustaining vibrant, connected communities. production and consumption. With fewer than two percent of the population directly involved in farming, fairs remain one of the few places where people can engage meaningfully with where their food comes from. Modern fairs increasingly showcase agricultural technology, robotics, soil science, and sustainability— helping visitors understand how sophisticated and innovative the sector has become.At the same time, fairs adapt to evolving demographics, integrating cultural villages and programming that reflect the diversity of today’s communities. “These spaces bring people together,” Grindle says. “They allow conversations to happen—across cultures, across generations—that don’t always happen elsewhere.” LOOKING FORWARD Over the next two years, IAFE’s focus is clear: gather better data, tell stronger stories, and empower 80 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 13, ISSUE 01
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