The Trump Administration has formally confirmed the support of the US Government for Expo 2031 Minnesota, and AIPH – the global body responsible for approving all A1 International Horticultural Exhibitions – has welcomed this decisive milestone, marking a major step toward the first A1 Exhibition to be held in the United States.
The Federal endorsement from both the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of State provides the highest level of national backing required for an A1 Exhibition. It represents a pivotal moment in Minnesota’s multi-year effort to bring an international horticultural exhibition to the USA.
This progress reflects the sustained leadership and commitment of Expo CEO, Wendy Meadley and the Minnesota organising team, who have been driving forward the vision, ambition, and international positioning necessary to advance the project through the AIPH approval process.
Expo 2031 Minnesota proposes an Exhibition shaped around sustainability, regenerative landscapes, climate resilience, community wellbeing, and global horticultural exchange, presented under the theme “Human/Nature: Where Humanity and Horticulture Meet”. Scheduled to run from 1 May to 15 October 2031, the event is positioned to bring a major international horticultural gathering to the American Midwest, highlighting Minnesota’s environmental leadership and strengthening the USA’s visibility within the global horticultural community.
The Expo will be staged on a 240-acre site near the Mississippi River in Dakota County, Minnesota — offering five immersive ecological zones (Tropical, Arid, Temperate, Continental, North Star) that represent plant-life and climate systems from around the world.
An estimated six million visitors over six months will engage with mega-exhibition experiences, international country pavilions, horticultural showcases, and legacy infrastructure designed for decades beyond 2031, which will transform into a regenerative smart-city district with long-term tourism, research, green infrastructure, and community development.
This approval enables the U.S. Organising Entity and its network of state, industry and community partners to move into full-scale build mode, including architecture and infrastructure development, nationwide outreach, global participation agreements, and legacy-site programming.
Wendy Meadley said, “Federal approval confirms the national significance of Expo 2031. It will deliver profound economic, diplomatic, and cultural impact for Minnesota and the entire United States. We are honoured to have full Administration support as we prepare to welcome countries, growers, innovators, and visitors from around the world to America’s first A1 International Horticultural Expo.”
AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio said, “The approval of the A1 International Horticultural Expo 2031 in Minnesota is a historic first for the United States. It marks a decisive step forward for our global industry and confirms that horticulture is now recognised as a strategic driver for climate resilience, innovation and urban regeneration. This confirmation strengthens AIPH’s leadership and opens the way for an Expo that will set an unprecedented benchmark for the whole world.
“The Trump Administration’s confirmation of A1 Expo 2031 Minnesota is not just another approval — it is a geopolitical milestone for our sector, recognising horticulture as a strategic asset for cities, sustainability and innovation. AIPH stands ready to guide this historic Expo toward global excellence.”
AIPH Secretary General Tim Briercliffe added, “An A1 Exhibition is a major international undertaking. Minnesota’s detailed planning and long-term commitment are clear, and this federal endorsement marks a decisive step forward. We look forward to continuing our role in the approvals process as the project progresses.”
AIPH Senior International Relations Manager Treve Evans said: “This is a landmark moment for Minnesota. Wendy and her team have demonstrated exceptional drive and determination throughout the development of their proposal.”
Having now satisfied the approval requirements of AIPH, Expo 2031 Minnesota will further develop its plan and seek the recognition of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), in accordance with the International Convention Relating to International Exhibitions.
For more information about AIPH’s role in approving and supporting International Horticultural Expos, visit www.aiph.org/expos
