Berlin - One of the world's biggest shows of farm produce opened its doors in Berlin Friday, with agriculture ministers from many nations on hand to promote major export deals.

About 1,600 exhibitors from more than 50 countries are displaying farm produce through January 25 at the International Green Week.

Rural costumes and customs are an integral part of the excitement at Berlin's exhibition centre.

Ilse Aigner, the new agricultural minister of Germany, put on her traditional Bavarian green dirndl dress to make her obligatory tour of the event on its first day, politely declining free samples which, in total, could have fed a mid-sized army.

Reflecting the importance of International Green Week as a venue for Russian agricultural export deals, Russian President Vladimir Putin also attended Friday. Key guests attended an official launch party on Thursday evening.

As many as 400,000 visitors are expected to view more than 100,000 culinary specialities from around the world in the booths.

The Netherlands, this year's partner country, receives a special focus, while newcomer Kyrgyzstan is exhibiting alongside Green Week veterans, such as Italy's wine, cheese and olive oil producers. (dpa)