The recently concluded VIV Europe 2026 united the global animal protein industry that made up 14,691 professional visitors from 135 countries, including 200 industry leaders, alongside 461 exhibitors active across the full animal protein value chain

The event covered sectors such as feed and grain technology, feed ingredients and additives, animal health, breeding and hatching, farm production, processing and packaging, cold chain logistics, laboratory services, and IT and automation. Participation spanned 20,500 sqm of net exhibition floor across six halls, with exhibiting companies hailing from 37 countries.

Across the three days, the conference programme featured 76 conference sessions and 107 speakers that brought together scientists, senior executives, policymakers, and specialists in substantive dialogue on the questions shaping animal protein and sustainable food production through the remainder of the decade. Sessions addressed the practical application of AI and digital tools in farm and feed management, the commercial and regulatory path toward reduced antimicrobial use, the geopolitical forces bearing on global protein and feed trade, and the structural adjustments required for more resilient, lower-impact supply chains.

Contributing institutions included Wageningen University & Research, Rabobank, the World’s Poultry Science Association, the World Veterinary Poultry Association, the Netherlands African Business Council, the Dutch Poultry Centre, World Veterinary Education in Production Animal Health, Global Dairy Farmers, and Common Source alongside a wide range of international research bodies and sector organisations. The AgriBITs seminar explored AI, precision nutrition, and smart feed processing; the Build My Feedmill seminar went deep on feed technology; and the Dairy 2030 track addressed data-led farm management. Meanwhile, Cities Leading Food Production convened city governments and researchers to examine the role urban food systems can play in wider supply chain resilience.

Natalie Taylor, project manager of VIV Europe, said, “What started as a vision nearly five decades ago came to life once again in Utrecht — bigger, bolder, and more connected than ever. Under the theme ‘Showroom of the World,’ VIV Europe 2026 was exactly that: the place where the animal protein and agri-food industry came to see what’s next. New technologies were unveiled, new solutions were shared, and new connections were made that will continue to transform the industry for years to come. The energy and ambition on show proved that this industry has never been more inspired. It was more than a trade show, our 25th edition was a milestone moment, and we thank you for being part of it.”

With its 25th edition complete, VIV Europe turns its attention to 2028. “We remain steadfast with one consistent purpose: to bring the entire animal protein chain together, under one roof, so that progress can happen faster than it would anywhere else. VIV Europe was built on the principle that the door should be open to everyone with something real to offer. VIV Europe is the Showroom of the World. It earns that name today. Not only through what we build, but more so, through what you bring,” said Jeroen van Hooff, president and CEO, Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs and VNU Group.

VIV Europe 2028 will take place from 13-15 June 2028 at Jaarbeurs Utrecht, the Netherlands. 

Aviagen has announced the promotion of Murat Yakar to General Manager of Aviagen Arabia, marking a strategic step forward as the company continues to expand its footprint across the Middle East and surrounding regions

This appointment highlights Aviagen’s long-standing commitment to developing talent from within its own ranks. Murat was selected following a comprehensive internal process, reinforcing the company’s focus on identifying, nurturing and advancing high-potential leaders. His progression reflects a broader corporate philosophy centered on sustainable growth, leadership continuity and investment in people.

Since joining Aviagen in 2016, Murat has played a pivotal role across Türkiye, the Middle East and Africa. Over the years, he has taken on increasing levels of responsibility, contributing to key initiatives and playing an instrumental role in driving regional performance. His experience across diverse markets has equipped him with a strong understanding of both operational demands and customer needs, positioning him well for his new role.

Within his role, Murat will lead the establishment and development of Aviagen Arabia’s operations, a critical component of the company’s broader regional strategy. His leadership will play a pivotal role in driving growth, strengthening customer relationships and ensuring that Aviagen’s global standards are effectively implemented at a local level.

The timing of the appointment is particularly notable, as the poultry sector across the Middle East continues to evolve, shaped by rising demand, technological advancement and increasing focus on food security.

As Aviagen continues to build momentum in the TMEA region, the promotion of Murat Yakar represents more than a leadership change – it underscores a clear direction of growth, stability and confidence in the future. His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Aviagen Arabia, with a strong emphasis on expansion, customer collaboration and delivering long-term value across the region.

Keeping agriculture at the forefront of national development, the Government of Ghana has launched the AgriConnect Compact framework driven by a self sufficient approach that ensures food security by cutting down imports, employment generation and investment mobilisation in targeted segments of the industry

Food and nutrition accessibility and job creation will drive the first phase of the project over the next few years at approximately US$3.5bn costs, which will be borne by the government with the World Bank's support alongside other development partners. The forest economy, cashew, coconut, rubber and fisheries are the country's strategic zones picked by the government for the implementation of production boost practices to leverage market reach and economic expansion. The compact will also work to strengthen Ghana's overall agri-food resilience, including produces such as cocoa, oil palm, rice, maize and poultry.

“Ghana’s AgriConnect Compact is a bold step toward building a more productive, resilient, and jobs-rich food system. By linking policy reform with investment and delivery, Ghana is creating the conditions to strengthen food security, support farmers and agribusinesses, and unlock private capital at scale,” said Guangzhe Chen, World Bank Group Vice President for Planet.

“AgriConnect is about turning Ghana’s agricultural potential into tangible results: more food on the table, more jobs for young people, and more value created here at home. This Compact provides a clear roadmap to modernize agriculture, support farmers, and build stronger value chains that can drive growth nationwide,” said Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture.

“The Government of Ghana remains fully committed to working with all stakeholders to translate the aspirations of this AgriConnect Compact into tangible results for our people. This is Ghana’s moment to feed itself, employ its youth, build competitive industries and create wealth from its own soil," said Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Deputy Minister of Finance.

Austrian manufacturer Pöttinger’s latest innovation in operational convenience and cost effectiveness is the AEROSEM seed drill, which comes with multiple hopper systems

There are options of a standard hopper, with or without precision combi seeding (PCS), and a double hopper with a pressurised hopper system. The standard hopper holds 1,250 litres of seed material and can be expanded by a further 600 litres.

Standard hopper has a capacity of 450 litres for maize (2 x 225 litres) and 800 litres for fertiliser. The optional hopper extension increases the capacity to 650 litres of maize (2 x 325 l) and 1200 litres of fertiliser.

The PCS version, on the other hand, adds precision metering separator elements to the seed drill hopper for economical precision sowing of maize seed. The 2000l-capacity double hopper is equipped to handle application rates of up to 520 kg/ha. Its pressurised hopper system unlocks new agronomic strategies, offering a one-stop shop for the drilling of different-sized seeds, depositing fertiliser granules, or sowing a companion crop.

For sowing using the single-shoot method, the double hopper is partitioned 60:40 and has a separate metering unit for each hopper. This means that different components can be optimally mixed and placed together in the same seed slot.

Both the hopper options in the AEROSEM M is driven by the intelligent distribution system (IDS) that controls each outlet via the bus system. This option unlocks diverse prospects for contract work and machinery rings when it comes to handling coulter pipes and tramlines.

The high output AEROSEM seed drill is equipped with precision metering and rugged coulter system to efficiently place the seed at the right position for assured results.

Challenging operating conditions are simplified with consistent distribution from the injector metering system. High yields are ensured for the combined effect of the precision metering system, the large and versatile distribution head, and the coulter rail with dual disc coulter system.

The double-disc coulters are easy to adjust and can reach a pressure point of up to 60 kg. The dual disc coulters have been especially modified by Pöttinger to sow maize so that every seed is optimally embedded in the seed slot. When the seed exits the coulter pipe it is carefully pressed down by the firming roller.

Right after, the optional harrow tines cover the seed with soil. The dual disc coulters work well even on clayey soil that contains considerable plant residues, and at high driving speeds.

Whether deployed together with a power harrow or compact combination, the Pöttinger AEROSEM M brings consistency to seed placement, optimised weight distribution, and high sowing accuracy.

As Africa’s farming sector is experiencing the transition phase in digital adaptation, a region-specific integrated approach of traditional application alongside technology can be the practical way forward.

Convenient and cost-effective precision farming offerings such as Pöttinger’s AEROSEM M can make adaption easier for smallholder farmers, making a difference where it matters. Once this can be initiated on the ground level, deploying further advanced applications such as geographic information system (GIS), global positioning system (GPS) or variable rate technology will be a matter of time.