Crops

IFTEX will be held from 2-4 June 2026. (Image source: IFTEX)

Promoting sustainable floriculture, IFTEX 2026 is back in Kenya and will be held from 2-4 June 2026

The floriculture industry trade fair will see exhibitors like PATS, displaying their latest solutions in automated pest monitoring and prediction. Such advanced pest control will support growers in promptly anticipating pest pressure before things go out of control.

Moth pests like the False Codling Moth are especially challenging in Kenya. The PATS-C system uses AI to detect and identify moth species in real time, providing continuous insight into pest activity inside the greenhouse.

This year will see an upgraded version of the PATS-C system, with enhanced detection performance and additional data inputs such as environmental sensors.

Broekhof Africa, on the other hand, will be introducing Recy Clear, its next-generation 70% and 90% recycled flower sleeves made from post-consumer recycled plastic. Its value-added packaging solutions includes, SFK, flower boxes, and pallets.

Internationally preferred mono polyethylene packaging distinguishes Vaselife’s flower food sachets, making it fully recyclable without the need for complex separations because of mono polyethylene’s single-material film. This gives Vaselife an edge with responsible packaging and sturdy design.

The MiniQube combines form and function. (Image source: Minitube)

The minimalist digital microscope called MiniQube that has been developed by Minitube and QubeDot has won the international Red Dot Design Award 2026 in the Product Design category

Build upon exemplary innovation, the MiniQube combines form and function that deliver highly reproducable results in a clean, modern aesthetic. Bereft of complications such as screws or knobs, the fully integrated digital microscope is a significant advancement in standardised computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). 

The award highlights the product’s clean, minimalist design as well as its successful integration of functionality, user-friendliness, and technological precision. Its autofocus, a motorised and heated stage, digital light control and well-synced optics optimise variability and considerably simplifies analyses delivery. 

The MiniQube enhances hygienic laboratory environments with its exceptional usability, ergonomics and durability.

The Red Dot Design Award acknowledges MiniQube's outstanding standards for laboratory equipment in industry and research, which are driven by cutting-edge technology and a user-centered design approach. 

While Minitube comprises an expert team on semen and embryo processing and preservation, its advancement requires relevant technical support as well. The MiniQube is thus an example of the team's equal expertise in related fields such as basic and applied research, product development and quality assurance.

Kenya Sets Course for Smarter Farming with New Agriculture Council (Image credit: The Online Kenya)

Kenya is moving with clear intent to reshape its agricultural future through the launch of the World Agriculture Forum country council

The initiative reflects a growing commitment to modernise farming by bringing together innovation, investment and collaboration across the entire agricultural value chain.

At its core, the council is focused on improving productivity while helping farmers adapt to a changing climate. With rising pressure from unpredictable weather, population growth and strained supply systems, the country is looking for practical ways to increase both the quality and volume of food production. The aim is not only to grow more, but to do so in a way that is sustainable and resilient.

A strong emphasis has been placed on the use of advanced technologies. Tools such as artificial intelligence and bioengineering are expected to support farmers in making informed decisions and improving overall farm performance. Better seeds, smarter planning and efficient resource use are all part of this shift towards more intelligent farming systems that balance productivity with environmental care.

The council is also designed to close the gap between policy and real farm practices. By encouraging closer cooperation between government bodies, researchers and agribusiness leaders, it seeks to turn ideas into measurable results. This includes boosting yields, raising farmer incomes and strengthening rural communities over time.

Equally important is the focus on partnerships and local innovation. By connecting scientists, investors and policymakers, the platform creates space for knowledge sharing and tailored solutions that reflect Kenya’s unique agricultural landscape. It also opens doors for farmers to access global expertise and new markets.

Support for farmers remains a key priority. The initiative promotes access to finance, training and modern tools, ensuring that innovation is not out of reach for those working on the ground. Collaboration between public and private sectors, along with strong local engagement, will be vital to making these efforts successful.

Looking ahead, Kenya plans to build a scalable model for agricultural growth by 2028, signalling a shift from planning to real action in the sector.

FAO Chief urges faster global action on One Health Agenda (Image credit: FAO)

At a key global meeting in Lyon, Qu Dongyu, Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization, called for stronger and faster efforts to advance the One Health agenda

Speaking at the fourth annual executive meeting of the Quadripartite partnership, he warned that gaps in capacity and a lack of stable funding are still slowing real progress.

The Quadripartite brings together the Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations Environment Programme, World Health Organization, and World Organisation for Animal Health. This alliance aims to improve cooperation across sectors to better protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the environment. At its core is the One Health approach, which encourages collaboration across disciplines to address shared challenges such as disease, food safety, and environmental risks.

During his opening remarks, Qu recognised the progress made in recent years, especially in strengthening cooperation and advancing the Joint Plan of Action. Still, he made it clear that progress has not been equal everywhere and that more must be done to turn plans into real change on the ground.

"This meeting is not only about taking stock - it is about accelerating action," Qu said. "We need to expand and scale One Health implementation at country and community level. We need to work collectively, bringing together our individual comparative advantages, in line with our connected yet distinct mandates."

He also highlighted the need to strengthen knowledge sharing and build stronger evidence to show the value of One Health investments. According to him, improving governance, encouraging scientific collaboration, and building stronger communities of practice will be essential for long term success.

As the FAO prepares to pass leadership of the partnership to the World Health Organization, Qu outlined key priorities for the future. These include scaling up action at country level, securing sustainable investment, and raising political awareness to keep One Health high on the global agenda.

He concluded by thanking partner organisations for their continued cooperation and reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to building more resilient and sustainable food systems worldwide.