In The Spotlight
The expo which will host more than 100 exhibitors, will span three days, showcasing everything from a wide range of flowers and fresh produce.
Ethiopia’s premier international horticulture and floriculture trade fair, HortiFlora 2025 is set to raise the flower industry’s standards to new heights when it makes a return to Addis Ababa’s Millennium Hall from 1-3 April 2025
Organised by HPP Exhibitions, this year’s event promises an unmatched convergence of different players in the horticulture and flower industries. The 2025 edition, hosted in collaboration with the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers Exporters Association (EHPEA) builds on two decades of the industry’s growth which has been marked by a consistent expansion and development of flower farming infrastructure, as well as a surge in international investment.
The expo which will host more than 100 exhibitors, will span three days, showcasing everything from a wide range of flowers and fresh produce. A plethora of flowers, vegetables, fruits, and herbs will be on showcase for exhibitors. HortiFlora 2025 offers a rare image of the emerging trends shaping and reshaping the flower and horticulture industries. It plays a role in connecting buyers and other investors directly with suppliers and other industry players in this fast-growing hub.
The event will feature structured networking sessions, buyer-seller meetups and also a farm tour that will enhance visitors' engagement with Ethiopia's growers. These include industry individuals, breeders, growers, suppliers and policymakers. It also presents an effective platform for partnerships that could redefine the flower business course.
Agmatix BASF Partner to develop Soybean Cyst Nematode detection tool. (Image source: BASF)
Leading AI-powered solutions provider, Agmatix recently announced a strategic collaboration with BASF, one of the world’s largest chemical and agricultural solutions companies, to develop a cutting-edge digital solution aimed at detecting and predicting the presence of soybean cyst nematode (SCN)
The collaboration began through AgroStart, an open innovation and partnership platform by BASF, that aims to empower soybean growers with real-time, scalable insights to mitigate yield losses caused by SCN, one of the most damaging and often invisible soybean pests. Axiom, an advanced AI technology engine developed by Agmatix is the core of this initiative. It transforms vast amounts of raw agronomic data into highly standardised and enriched datasets. This rigorous data process enables the development of a robust machine-learning model capable of detecting and predicting SCN infestations with unprecedented accuracy and scalability.
Developed through AgroStart by BASF, this initiative combines Agmatix’s AI-driven agronomic platform with the deep expertise of BASF in seed and crop protection solutions and will foster the development of a scalable, user-friendly digital model. The tool will integrate with existing farm management practices, enabling users to access near real-time SCN risk assessments and tailor their pest management strategies accordingly.
SCN remains the leading pest in soybeans, with infestations frequently going undetected until yields are significantly affected. Traditional detection methods, such as soil sampling or mid-season root digs, are time-consuming, labour-intensive and not widely adopted. A digital tool could help create awareness and compliment these traditional methods.
By providing accurate, predictive data on SCN infestations, the Agmatix-BASF collaboration paves the way for future innovations in pest management and digital agriculture. The joint effort represents a significant leap forward in integrating digital agriculture with crop protection strategies, demonstrating how advanced analytics can drive on-farm decision-making and improve agronomic outcomes.
“Our collaboration with BASF is driven by the urgent need to provide a practical, data-backed tool that helps growers minimise yield losses caused by SCN,” added Ron Baruchi, president & CEO at Agmatix. “By digitising large volumes of field trial data within Axiom, we believe our machine learning model will give growers the power to act before SCN causes irreversible damage.”
With its Itaba maize seed facility in Zambia, Bayer supports food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. (Image source: Bayer)
Bayer recently unveiled its new maize seed facility in Kabwe, Zambia
Through this US$34.7mn facility, Bayer has managed to triple its existing capacity for high-quality maize seed production in 2025. This capacity ultimately converts into annual maize consumption of approximately 30 million people in the region, and is expected to further increase in the coming years.
The high-yielding seeds will reach 6.4 million smallholder farmers in Zambia and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa this year and up to 10 million by 2030. To date, the investment is the second largest private investment by a German company in Zambia. The site is a key component of Bayer’s growth strategy for Africa, with the aspiration of doubling the Crop Science Division’s business on the continent by 2030.
Bayer plans to employ 80 permanent staff members and over 100 seasonal workers and contractors at the site. Additionally, approximately 15,000 seasonal on-farm jobs will be generated through Bayer’s field operations and those of contract growers to produce the seeds. By addressing up to 10 million smallholder farmers, the investment significantly helps to advance Bayer’s goal of reaching 21.5 million smallholders in Africa and 100 million globally by 2030.
Bayer is also supporting the local healthcare system by funding the establishment of a new health centre, which aims to provide essential healthcare services to more than 10,000 residents, including Bayer employees and their dependents.
“Millions of people around the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, suffer from severe food insecurity. Ending hunger is central to our mission at Bayer. With our new seed facility in Zambia, we want to make a meaningful contribution to that crucial goal,” said CEO Bill Anderson, who inaugurated the site alongside president of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema. “The new facility will help us improve food security, empower smallholder farmers, and support communities in numerous countries on the African continent. It’s also a great business opportunity for Bayer. We can’t wait to ramp up production," Anderson concluded.
Replacing normal polyethylene with Symphony's NbR resin is considered more environmentally friendly due to its ability to biodegrade after the harvest. (Image source: Symphony Environmental)
Leading sustainable plastics manufacturer, Symphony Environmental has urged farmers and growers to halt their use of ordinary plastic mulch films that are capable of contaminating soil and affecting food quality, thus calling for new plastic-manufacturing methods
To prevent the ongoing environmental damage caused by plastic pollution year after year, CEO of Symphony Environmental, Michael Laurier argues that farmers and growers must switch to the right kind of biodegradable plastic. To protect crops and reduce water evaporation, farmers and growers generally spread plastic mulch films on their fields. However, conventional plastic films cannot be recycled easily after use due to contamination and degradation. Moreover, when being removed from the field post exposure to sunlight and weathering, they tend to release fragments and microplastics that are extremely detrimental to the environment.
Replacing normal polyethylene with Symphony's NbR resin is considered more environmentally friendly due to its ability to biodegrade after the harvest , without needing to be collected and transferred to a composting facility. Its degradating can be programmed to occur in the timescale required for each crop type. It will then act as a carbon source for next year's plants.
“This resin can be produced by mulch-film manufacturers at lower cost than normal polyethylene using their standard equipment, as it contains 20% less fossil-derived plastic,” said Laurier. “Plastic pollution of the countryside needs to be addressed urgently, and farmers and growers now have the opportunity to do this at no extra cost.”
Panelists identified several critical barriers to adequate financing. (Image source: AfDB)
Speaking at a two-day conference, leading global and financial experts underscored the crucial role of government intervention in creating an enabling environment for financial institutions to expand agricultural lending
The conference represents a pivotal step in mobilising the billions needed annually to support Africa’s smallholder farmers, who make up some 80% of the continent’s farming population but control less than 5% of agricultural land. African Development Bank (AfDB) Group president Dr Akinwumi Adesina delivered the keynote address, highlighting a glaring disconnect: while agriculture contributes 30% to Africa’s GDP, it accounts for only 6% of commercial bank lending.
A key highlight of the session was a panel discussion featuring Alice Albright, former CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC); Brian Milder, founder and CEO of Aceli Africa; and Jules Ngankam, group CEO of the African Guarantee Fund. Moderated by former international broadcaster, Yvonne Ndege, the panel explored practical designs for sustainable financing mechanisms to bridge the financing gap in agriculture.
Panelists identified several critical barriers to adequate financing. These include risk misperceptions in agricultural lending, high transaction costs for rural financial services, mismatches between standard loan products and agricultural business cycles, lack of formal financial records and collateral, and inequitable value chain structures that limit farmer profitability. A number of critical barriers were highlighted by the panelists including, risk misperceptions in agricultural lending, high transaction costs for rural financial services, mismatches between standard loan products and agricultural business cycles, lack of formal financial records and collateral, and inequitable value chain structures that limit farmer profitability.
Moreover, several strategic recommendations were proposed by them. These included tailoring financial approaches separately for working capital and infrastructure investment, developing risk-sharing mechanisms to attract greater participation from commercial banks, and strengthening digital financial infrastructure to lower transaction costs. They also emphasised the need for targeted subsidies to stimulate private capital investment and called for enhanced market access to help farmers capture more value from agricultural production.
As South Africa continues to cement its place as a leading player on the global export market, it is looking to underline its unique selling points to buyers and consumers. (Image source: SA Raisins)
Raisin suppliers in South Africa are aiming for high volume, top quality export despite production being impacted by unseasonal weather
Despite drying conditions for raisins in the Lower Orange River region of South Africa being hit by heavy rainfall and humidity during the10th week of 2025, crop development faced a delay by only two weeks, with suppliers still expecting a marketable crop in the region of 96,000-104,000 tonnes. The sector has continued to grow, thanks to the establishment of around 2,535 ha of new land for raisin production across both the Orange River and Olifants River regions between 2020 and 2022.
As South Africa continues to cement its place as a leading player on the global export market, it is looking to underline its unique selling points to buyers and consumers. Those include the fact that it features naturally sun-dried product with no-to-low pesticide residues, distinct colour and flavour and 12-month shelf life, all produced with social and environmental sustainability in mind.
“We want the market and consumers to think of South Africa as a reliable, sustainable source of superior-quality raisins,” said Wessel Lemmer, chief executive of industry body, Raisins SA.
This co-location helps farmers access a variety of tools and knowledge. (Image source: LAMMA)
Aimed at delivering an unmatched experience for farmers and industry professionals, LAMMA and Low Carbon Agriculture, along with CropTec, are set to co-locate for the 2026 exhibition
Over recent years, LAMMA and Low Carbon Agriculture have each grown as stand-alone events with distinct strengths and audiences. While LAMMA has long been recognised as a premier destination for agricultural machinery, innovation, and business networking, Low Carbon Agriculture on the other hand has become a specialised, informative hub, creating a space for learning and networking for forward-thinking farmers looking to reduce their carbon footprint and future proof their business.
The co-location at LAMMA 2026 will combine these strengths, providing exhibitors a unique opportunity to engage with an expanded audience and offering visitors a streamlined experience where they can explore everything the sectors have to offer, all in one place. Key benefits of this co-location include:
1. Uniting farmers: Combining these shows provides a space where industry experts, policymakers, and forward-thinking farmers can come together and strategise for the future.
2. Boosting visitor convenience and efficiency: The co-location offers a consolidated, efficient experience where farmers can connect with both machinery experts, arable and grassland specialists, and low carbon farming specialists, in a single venue, without wasting their time.
3. Innovation for the future: The combined event ensures that attendees are equipped with actionable strategies and state-of-the-art solutions to help them navigate the evolving landscape of agriculture.
This co-location helps farmers access a variety of tools and knowledge. It also allows visitors to build their knowledge on the latest advancemnets in AI, GHG removal, robotics, gene editing, and controlled environmental agriculture, all under one roof. Moreover, they will also benefit from Low Carbon Agriculture's extensive conference programme, welcoming pioneering thought-leaders in the industry to provide practical guidance from on-farm experience on sustainability and low carbon practices.
The expo which will host more than 100 exhibitors, will span three days, showcasing everything from a wide range of flowers and fresh produce.
Ethiopia’s premier international horticulture and floriculture trade fair, HortiFlora 2025 is set to raise the flower industry’s standards to new heights when it makes a return to Addis Ababa’s Millennium Hall from 1-3 April 2025
Organised by HPP Exhibitions, this year’s event promises an unmatched convergence of different players in the horticulture and flower industries. The 2025 edition, hosted in collaboration with the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers Exporters Association (EHPEA) builds on two decades of the industry’s growth which has been marked by a consistent expansion and development of flower farming infrastructure, as well as a surge in international investment.
The expo which will host more than 100 exhibitors, will span three days, showcasing everything from a wide range of flowers and fresh produce. A plethora of flowers, vegetables, fruits, and herbs will be on showcase for exhibitors. HortiFlora 2025 offers a rare image of the emerging trends shaping and reshaping the flower and horticulture industries. It plays a role in connecting buyers and other investors directly with suppliers and other industry players in this fast-growing hub.
The event will feature structured networking sessions, buyer-seller meetups and also a farm tour that will enhance visitors' engagement with Ethiopia's growers. These include industry individuals, breeders, growers, suppliers and policymakers. It also presents an effective platform for partnerships that could redefine the flower business course.
This co-location helps farmers access a variety of tools and knowledge. (Image source: LAMMA)
MAA 2025 aims to accelerate Africa’s trade and investment opportunities. (Image source: Market Access Africa)
The model uses the factorial approach to estimate the sow’s ultimate requirements. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
At the request of the animal feed industry, project leader Christiaan Buitink along with a pig researcher, Benthem de Grave developed the SowModel, by collecting input data using available manuals and scientific literature on the nutritional needs of sows in different life stages
The model uses the factorial approach to estimate the sow’s ultimate requirements for net energy, SID lysine, available calcium and digestible phosphorus. A number of factors including litter number and condition, development of the sow, feed composition and intake, litter size, weaning age, birth and weaning weight of the piglets, ambient temperature and straw usage are taken into consideration.
SowModel also provides users the option to calculate two scenarios side by side. For example, the needs of a first litter and an older sow can be easily compared, with results being displayed both graphically as well as in tabular form. These needs can then be directly compared with the applied feed amount and composition.
Using the table, users can estimate the extent to which the feed used meets the needs of the sow on each day of gestation or lactation. This enables users to make targeted choices and to adjust the feeding schedule, feed composition, stable climate or management on the sow farm where necessary to improve the zootechnical results, but also animal health and welfare.
The SowModel, which currently works as an Excel calculation tool, and is available in seven different languages, can soon be accessed via the SFR website in the near future.
BetaTrace has been built by combing betaine and organic trace minerals. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The camel thorn tree grows naturally and requires minimal agronomic inputs, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to conventional grain-based feeds. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Replacing normal polyethylene with Symphony's NbR resin is considered more environmentally friendly due to its ability to biodegrade after the harvest. (Image source: Symphony Environmental)
Leading sustainable plastics manufacturer, Symphony Environmental has urged farmers and growers to halt their use of ordinary plastic mulch films that are capable of contaminating soil and affecting food quality, thus calling for new plastic-manufacturing methods
To prevent the ongoing environmental damage caused by plastic pollution year after year, CEO of Symphony Environmental, Michael Laurier argues that farmers and growers must switch to the right kind of biodegradable plastic. To protect crops and reduce water evaporation, farmers and growers generally spread plastic mulch films on their fields. However, conventional plastic films cannot be recycled easily after use due to contamination and degradation. Moreover, when being removed from the field post exposure to sunlight and weathering, they tend to release fragments and microplastics that are extremely detrimental to the environment.
Replacing normal polyethylene with Symphony's NbR resin is considered more environmentally friendly due to its ability to biodegrade after the harvest , without needing to be collected and transferred to a composting facility. Its degradating can be programmed to occur in the timescale required for each crop type. It will then act as a carbon source for next year's plants.
“This resin can be produced by mulch-film manufacturers at lower cost than normal polyethylene using their standard equipment, as it contains 20% less fossil-derived plastic,” said Laurier. “Plastic pollution of the countryside needs to be addressed urgently, and farmers and growers now have the opportunity to do this at no extra cost.”
Panelists identified several critical barriers to adequate financing. (Image source: AfDB)
As South Africa continues to cement its place as a leading player on the global export market, it is looking to underline its unique selling points to buyers and consumers. (Image source: SA Raisins)
Agmatix BASF Partner to develop Soybean Cyst Nematode detection tool. (Image source: BASF)
Leading AI-powered solutions provider, Agmatix recently announced a strategic collaboration with BASF, one of the world’s largest chemical and agricultural solutions companies, to develop a cutting-edge digital solution aimed at detecting and predicting the presence of soybean cyst nematode (SCN)
The collaboration began through AgroStart, an open innovation and partnership platform by BASF, that aims to empower soybean growers with real-time, scalable insights to mitigate yield losses caused by SCN, one of the most damaging and often invisible soybean pests. Axiom, an advanced AI technology engine developed by Agmatix is the core of this initiative. It transforms vast amounts of raw agronomic data into highly standardised and enriched datasets. This rigorous data process enables the development of a robust machine-learning model capable of detecting and predicting SCN infestations with unprecedented accuracy and scalability.
Developed through AgroStart by BASF, this initiative combines Agmatix’s AI-driven agronomic platform with the deep expertise of BASF in seed and crop protection solutions and will foster the development of a scalable, user-friendly digital model. The tool will integrate with existing farm management practices, enabling users to access near real-time SCN risk assessments and tailor their pest management strategies accordingly.
SCN remains the leading pest in soybeans, with infestations frequently going undetected until yields are significantly affected. Traditional detection methods, such as soil sampling or mid-season root digs, are time-consuming, labour-intensive and not widely adopted. A digital tool could help create awareness and compliment these traditional methods.
By providing accurate, predictive data on SCN infestations, the Agmatix-BASF collaboration paves the way for future innovations in pest management and digital agriculture. The joint effort represents a significant leap forward in integrating digital agriculture with crop protection strategies, demonstrating how advanced analytics can drive on-farm decision-making and improve agronomic outcomes.
“Our collaboration with BASF is driven by the urgent need to provide a practical, data-backed tool that helps growers minimise yield losses caused by SCN,” added Ron Baruchi, president & CEO at Agmatix. “By digitising large volumes of field trial data within Axiom, we believe our machine learning model will give growers the power to act before SCN causes irreversible damage.”
With its Itaba maize seed facility in Zambia, Bayer supports food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. (Image source: Bayer)
The technology is designed for simple and efficient application, at speeds of up to 25 mph. (Image source: CNH)
Most Read
Valis Plus improves control programmes. (Image source: Certis Belchim)
Experts verify Infectious Bronchitis Virus in Ghana's poultry industry. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Marel’s WingMaster is a flexible module, providing a precise anatomic wing cut with perfect skin coverage for mid-wing as well as drumette. (Image source: Marel))
The Myco'Kingdom platform gathers seven functionalities for identifying, assessing, preventing and managing mycotoxin risk. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The new FeedMixer App makes feed mixing easier by calculating whether the feed mixtures farmers use contain the right balance of key nutrients, by age, type of chickens, and available ingredients. (Image source: World Poultry Foundation)
The project aims to make Somalia self-sufficient in broiler production and contribute to the development of the livestock sector. (Image source: TİKA)
The funding will support Liberia’s agricultural sector by promoting sustainable practices aimed at increasing the resilience of smallholder farmers. (Image source: Ministry of Finance & Development Planning)
Henri Hekman, CEO of AgroCares (left) and Casper Niesink, Director Global Solutions and Services at Trouw Nutrition. (Image source: AgroCares)
AgDevCo’s mezzanine loan of US$9.5mn will enable Agventure to continue to develop its canola oil production capabilities. (Image source: AgDevCo Ltd)
The initiative aims to promote sustainable development and governance in Africa's fisheries and aquaculture sector. (Image source: AU-IBAR)
Latest news
Agmatix BASF Partner to develop Soybean Cyst Nematode detection tool. (Image source: BASF)
With its Itaba maize seed facility in Zambia, Bayer supports food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. (Image source: Bayer)
Replacing normal polyethylene with Symphony's NbR resin is considered more environmentally friendly due to its ability to biodegrade after the harvest. (Image source: Symphony Environmental)
Panelists identified several critical barriers to adequate financing. (Image source: AfDB)
As South Africa continues to cement its place as a leading player on the global export market, it is looking to underline its unique selling points to buyers and consumers. (Image source: SA Raisins)
Initiatives like Namibia’s entry into the AfCFTA are crucial as they pave the way towards a future where hunger is eradicated across the continent. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Governor Kefas has urged stakeholders to harness the momentum of the ACReSAL project. (Image source: ACReSAL)
Sudan, the Philippines and Malawi made notable contributions to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
To avert a major crisis in Somalia, the WFP is calling for urgent funding to mitigate the impacts of the expected drought. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The model uses the factorial approach to estimate the sow’s ultimate requirements. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
More Articles
Agmatix BASF Partner to develop Soybean Cyst Nematode detection tool. (Image source: BASF)
With its Itaba maize seed facility in Zambia, Bayer supports food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. (Image source: Bayer)
The technology is designed for simple and efficient application, at speeds of up to 25 mph. (Image source: CNH)
Biome Makers has announced integrations is enabling farmers to bridge the gap between soil biology and digital farming. (Image source: Biome Makers)
Through AGRIMAX SPARGO SB, BKT aims to offer farmers an advanced solution that addresses the specific challenges of row crops and spraying operations. (Image source: BKT)
CultiWise is an advanced farm software from Czech startup Skymaps, which allows farmers to generate high-precision 'prescription maps' within hours using the entry-level CultiWise drone. (Image source: CultWise)
What makes it unique is its use of a single cab-mounted, factory-fit SenseApply Camera unit unlike other smart apply technology which employ multiple boom-mounted cameras. (Image source: CNH)
The school will focus on teaching students sustainable and environmentally friendly farming techniques. (Image source: Salesian Missions)
The new Sunflower Processing Unit will give a business boost to 21,000 people. (Image source:
Westfalia Fruit’s sustainable dye extraction on display at Fruit Logistica 2025. (Image source: Westfalia Fruit)
Q4 2025 will witness the arrival of new PowerStar Series tractors. (Image source: CNH)
BKT has analysed the main trends that will shape the future of agricultural tires, matching the expectations of leading tractor and farm machinery manufacturers. (Image source: BKT)