On 22 October 2026, Sofia will host the 10th Anniversary Edition of Grain Academy, one of the established meeting points for the grain and oilseeds industry across the Balkans, Southeast Europe and the wider Black Sea region. Founded in 2016, the conference brings together traders, producers, processors, analysts, logistics providers and other market participants to exchange perspectives on the developments shaping regional and international agricultural markets.
For the first time, Grain Academy will take place in Sofia, Bulgaria, following nine editions in Varna. The anniversary edition will combine high-level market discussions, regional analysis and dedicated networking.
Market Context and Focus
The 2026 edition comes at an important point for global and regional grain markets. After several years of pressure on margins, changing global trade flows, increasing competition and evolving regional market structures are creating new questions for traders, farmers and processors.
“Grain Academy 2026: Shaping the Balkan grain and oilseed markets since 2016” will examine how market participants are adapting to new conditions, with particular attention to profitability, trade flows, infrastructure, processing capacity and risk management across the Balkans and Black Sea region.
Key Facts & Highlights
10th Anniversary Edition of Grain Academy and the first edition to take place in Sofia
International industry audience bringing together trading companies, multinational corporations, farmers, millers, crushers, forwarders, surveyors, charterers, analysts and industry associations
Strong focus on the Balkans, Southeast Europe and Black Sea grain and oilseed markets
Expert speakers and market professionals representing organisations from Bulgaria, Romania, Türkiye, Serbia, Greece, Switzerland, France, Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom
Dedicated Price Risk Management & Hedging Workshop on 21 October, organised with ADM Investor Services, Black Silo and CME Group
Full-day conference programme on 22 October combining market analysis, discussion panels and regional perspectives
Dedicated networking areas, conference lunch and an Afternoon Social for informal meetings and business exchange
10th Anniversary Party following the conference
Event mobile application supporting networking and connections between participants
Agenda Overview
Key topics addressed during the 2026 edition include:
• Global grain market trends, supply & demand and capital flows
• Commodity macro trends and the role of money flows in agricultural markets
• Global wheat and corn outlook
• Durum wheat market perspectives and trends
• The role and growing importance of the Balkans in regional and international grain trade
• Bulgaria’s grain and oilseed markets and production outlook
• Serbia’s role in Central and Eastern European supply
• Türkiye’s evolving position in global wheat trade
• Romania’s position as a major EU grain exporter and the sustainability of its export model
• Grain trading margins and farmer profitability
• Sunflower and oilseed market dynamics
• Processing, animal feed and food industries
• Infrastructure, logistics and regional supply-chain development
• Price risk management, derivatives, futures, options and hedging strategies
The main conference programme is structured around discussion panels, individual market perspectives and direct exchanges between analysts, traders, producers and decision-makers from across the agricultural value chain.
Price Risk Management & Hedging Workshop – 21 October
All registered participants can also request a place at the dedicated workshop “Price Risk Management and Hedging – Practical Tools for Grain and Oilseed Markets.”
The programme includes:
The role of exchanges and clearing houses
Futures, options and different market participants
Hedge basics, basis and spreads
Margin requirements and margin calls
OTC versus exchange-traded derivatives
Practical hedging examples
Technical analysis
Physical market fundamentals
Practical examples from the Black Sea grain market
Participation in the workshop is free for registered Grain Academy attendees, with limited places available.
Event Pass Includes
Conference access for one delegate
Access to the 10th Anniversary Party
Event mobile application
Digital event catalogue
Simultaneous interpretation
Conference lunch and coffee breaks
Business meetings and networking
Conference information kit
Access to the networking area and Afternoon Social
Eligibility to attend the Price Risk Management & Hedging Workshop, subject to seat availability
Group discounts apply, supporting participation from companies with larger teams.
Registration
10% Discount for Commodity Trading Club Members
You can find the discount code on our community platform