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Feed & Food Show 2026: exploring the future of indoor agriculture (Image credit: Inhouse Farming)

Event News

Feed & Food Show will return from 10 to 13 November 2026 in Hanover, Germany, as part of EuroTier, bringing fresh attention to the future of agriculture and food systems.

Organised by the DLG, this global B2B platform is designed to present new ideas and practical solutions in indoor production. With a strong focus on Controlled Environment Agriculture, the event creates space for meaningful discussion, innovation, and collaboration across sectors.

Set within one of the world’s leading trade fairs for livestock and farming, the show works alongside EuroTier and EnergyDecentral to support modern agri food systems. It offers a well structured technical programme built around four theme days, each exploring a key area of indoor farming while encouraging knowledge sharing and industry connections.

The opening day highlights mushroom production and its growing role as a scalable indoor system. From cultivation techniques to market opportunities, the sessions look closely at how mushrooms can be produced efficiently. Attention is given to climate control, automation, and the use of modern systems such as containers and modular farms, all of which help improve productivity and stability.

The second day turns to aquaculture, focusing on fish, shrimp, and algae production under controlled conditions. It presents how recirculating systems and advanced technologies make production more efficient and sustainable. A key feature is the “Salmon Story by Fjord & Farm”, which offers insight into the development of indoor fish farming. The programme also explores aquaponics and ends with an engaging “Aquatic Happy Hour”.

Insects take centre stage on the third day, showing their potential as a reliable protein source. Discussions cover feeding strategies, market opportunities, and the European regulatory environment. Visitors can learn how insect production is moving from research into real business applications.

The final day focuses on “retail & innovation”, examining how new food products can succeed in the market. It looks at consumer behaviour, pricing, and the role of retailers in supporting sustainable choices.

Overall, the event provides a clear view of how indoor farming is shaping the future of food production.

Natasha Hall as Vice President VIV Worldwide. (Image credit: VIV WORLD)

Poultry

VIV Worldwide is entering a new phase of global development with the appointment of Natasha Hall as Vice President VIV Worldwide by Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs | VNU Group.

The move signals a renewed focus on expanding the international reach of the VIV brand and strengthening its role as a leading platform for the global livestock and agrifood industry. The announcement also comes at an important time as preparations gather pace for major upcoming VIV events around the world.

The appointment arrives just months ahead of VIV Europe 2026, which will take place from 2 to 4 June at Koninklijke Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. This edition is particularly significant as it marks the 25th anniversary of the event, one of the most recognised trade gatherings for professionals across the feed to food chain. At the same time, the organisation is also preparing to launch VIV Select India, which will make its debut from 22 to 24 April in New Delhi, opening new opportunities in one of the fastest growing livestock markets.

Hall’s promotion reflects the organisation’s confidence in her leadership and international outlook. Jeroen van Hooff, President and CEO of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs, emphasised the impact she has already made within the organisation. "From the very start of her time at Jaarbeurs in 2025, Natasha has made a clear mark on the development of VIV Asia, where her international work experience and strategic vision contributed to growth, positioning and market connection. Her new role sets her up for the next step within the organisation and for further developing VIV as a globally leading B2B platform for the poultry and livestock sector."

In her new role, Hall will oversee the complete global VIV portfolio across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East and Africa region. Her responsibilities include the international VIV trade shows along with VIV Connect and the VIV Trade Forums. A key priority will be expanding the global network of exhibitors, visitors and industry partners while strengthening the international visibility of the VIV brand.

With more than a decade of experience in the exhibitions industry in Dubai, Hall brings strong international expertise to the role. "I see VIV as a unique global platform that brings together the entire feed to food chain, and I consider that integrated approach to be an important differentiating strength," said Hall.

Her appointment also comes during a milestone year for the brand. VIV Europe 2026 will celebrate its 25th edition and will also mark the decision to move the event to a biennial schedule from 2028 onwards. "VIV Europe has grown into a reliable and forward-looking platform where strategy, technology and business come together. The anniversary edition in June will once again bring hundreds of international exhibitors and thousands of professionals from the global feed to food chain to Utrecht — a recognised hub for agrifood innovation, science and sustainable chain development."

South Africa boosts citrus trade with China through new export agreement

Agriculture

South Africa has taken an important step in strengthening its citrus trade with China following changes to export rules on cold treatment

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has welcomed the update, describing it as a positive move that will expand trade and reinforce an already strong relationship between the two countries. The change is expected to support South Africa’s standing as the leading exporter of citrus to China.

The revised approach to cold treatment is set to make the export process smoother and more efficient. Producers and exporters are likely to benefit from lower costs while ensuring that fruit reaches Chinese markets in better condition. This improvement is expected to help South African citrus maintain and grow its presence in a fast developing and competitive market.

China continues to be one of South Africa’s key agricultural partners. In 2025, citrus exports to China and Hong Kong reached about 11.5 million cartons, making up around 6 percent of total exports. With demand in the region continuing to rise, there is clear room for further growth.

The agreement also builds on recent progress in trade relations. South Africa has already gained access to the Chinese market for stone fruits such as apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums and prunes. These developments show a steady expansion of opportunities for farmers and exporters across different sectors.

“South Africa places a high value on its relationship with China, which continues to create meaningful opportunities across our agricultural sector,” said Minister Steenhuisen. “These agreements are the result of trust, respect and sustained cooperation, and they are helping open doors for our producers at a time when diversification has never been more important.”

The citrus industry remains a vital part of the country’s agricultural strength. In 2025, exports from Southern Africa reached about 204 million cartons, with South Africa contributing the majority. Earnings passed 2 billion dollars for the first time, reaching around 2.47 billion dollars. The sector supports about 140000 direct jobs and many more across related industries, making it a key driver of rural livelihoods and economic growth.

The company officially launched its Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) equipment and services at its Africa headquarters in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.(Image credit: xylem)

Machinery & Equipment

Water scarcity and wastewater management have long been pressing concerns across South Africa, and Xylem, a globally recognised water technology company, has just made things a great deal more manageable.

The company officially launched its Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) equipment and services at its Africa headquarters in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, marking a significant step forward in accessible, practical wastewater treatment for the region.

The launch drew attention from a wide range of industries that deal with the daily challenge of treating and recycling water responsibly. Mining operations, municipalities, agricultural businesses, aquaculture farms, food and beverage producers, paper and pulp mills, chemical manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies are all in the frame as potential beneficiaries of this technology. It is a broad reach, and deliberately so.

At its core, DAF is a pre-treatment and solids-separation system designed to slot into existing wastewater management frameworks. It works as a standalone unit or as part of a larger treatment process, sitting alongside biological treatment, filtration, and water reuse systems to help facilities meet compliance targets and achieve their recycling goals. What makes it particularly attractive is its compact, modular build, which means it can be installed even in tight or congested spaces where traditional systems simply would not fit. Rental options are also on the table, making it viable for smaller operations or those with seasonal demands.

The science behind DAF is clever but straightforward. Xylem's systems use Hellbender pumps to generate microscopic air bubbles that, after the water undergoes coagulation and flocculation, latch onto suspended particles and drag them to the surface where they can be skimmed off. The result is water that is significantly cleaner, with total suspended solids, fats, oils, greases, and biochemical oxygen demand all reduced efficiently.

Three models are available, the RT-50, RT-100, and RT-240, catering for flow rates ranging from 100 to 1,000 GPM. Each unit is built from durable stainless steel, comes with an integrated flocculation tube, and includes a pre-wired control panel that makes setup relatively straightforward.

Chetan Mistry, Strategy and Marketing Manager at Xylem WSS (AMETI), was candid about what this launch means for local customers. "We are very excited to bring cutting-edge DAF solutions to our local customers. Xylem has introduced our DAF solutions to several other markets, where they have become a big hit among companies of various sizes. They appreciate the logistical benefits of DAF's compact designs and convenient deployment, supported by our expert technicians. South African organisations in the private and public sectors can now also leverage DAF to expand their choices for water treatment and recycling."

The support offering goes well beyond simply supplying equipment. "Xylem's expert staff and our experienced partners customise each solution as required. We deliver and manage components such as mixer tanks, weir tanks, pumps, and conveyors, as well as catwalks and accessories. Our skilled technicians can support on-site staff or run the process on behalf of our customers," added Mistry.

For too long, fully industrialised water treatment felt out of reach for many South African organisations, put off by the cost and operational complexity involved. Xylem's DAF range changes that conversation considerably, offering a flexible, scalable entry point into serious water management without demanding enormous upfront commitment. Whether a business is running a pilot programme or upgrading an established treatment system, there is a configuration to suit the need.

The launch plants Xylem firmly on the map as a hands-on, solutions-driven partner for industries and municipalities that are serious about using water wisely.