In the ever-evolving landscape of agricultural technology, the Global Organisation For Agricultural Robotics (GOFAR) is set to embark on a new chapter, marking its 10th anniversary in 2026 with a renewed mission and a global tour. The organisation, which has been instrumental in accelerating the adoption of agricultural robotics, is shifting its focus from event organisation to a more comprehensive role as an ecosystem accelerator.
GOFAR’s journey began in 2016 with the launch of the international forum for agricultural robotics, FIRA, by ag robotics pioneer Naïo Technologies. Although GOFAR was officially founded in 2019 by Naïo and French branch organisation Axema, the organisation traces its roots back to the inception of FIRA. Over the past decade, GOFAR has been dedicated to organising FIRA events worldwide, aiming to grow and evolve the events from a niche interest to a broad appeal for growers.
The market for agricultural robotics has undergone significant changes since 2016. What were once mere prototypes are now commercially deployed in fields, signaling the maturity of the sector. Aymeric Barthes, the newly chosen President of GOFAR, acknowledges this shift and emphasizes the need for GOFAR to evolve accordingly. “The market has fundamentally changed over the past decade,” Barthes states. “Our role must evolve with it: moving beyond the annual trade show to support the ecosystem year-round.”
GOFAR’s new role as an accelerator is set to take shape through three key aspects: farmer adoption, commercial development, and the growth of promising start-ups. The organisation aims to support farmers in their transition toward automation and assist manufacturers in their commercial approach. This involves facilitating field demonstrations, providing concrete user feedback, connecting mature companies with distributors and end-users, and linking promising start-ups to markets and investors.
To celebrate its 10th anniversary and kickstart its new accelerator role, GOFAR has planned an ambitious global tour for 2026. The tour will consist of 10 events and 5 field days, traveling to key agricultural regions worldwide. Each stop will feature live demonstrations, business matchmaking, and grower insights, creating concrete opportunities for adoption.
The tour will commence with the flagship event, World FIRA, in Toulouse, France, on 5 February 2026. This event will also see the announcement of the other field days’ locations and dates. The tour is expected to cover Europe, Australia, and both the US West and East coasts. One of the confirmed stops is a field day in Spain, scheduled for 15 April 2026, at the John Deere Innovation Centre for high-value crops in Parla (Madrid).
The implications of GOFAR’s strategic transformation are significant. By shifting its focus to a year-round accelerator role, the organisation aims to consolidate the agricultural robotics sector and drive its growth. The global tour promises to bring together stakeholders from across the ecosystem, fostering collaboration and innovation. For farmers, this means increased access to cutting-edge technologies and support in their transition toward automation. For manufacturers and start-ups, it opens up new opportunities for commercial development and market expansion.
As the agricultural robotics sector continues to mature, GOFAR’s renewed mission and global tour serve as a testament to the organisation’s commitment to driving innovation and adoption in the field. The coming years promise to be exciting, with GOFAR playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of agricultural technology.