Based on an emphatic response for participation, FederUnacoma has announced the expansion of exhibition grounds to accommodate a grand display of high quality equipment at EIMA International 2026, an influential agricultural machinery trade show in Bologna

Set to be held from 10-14 November, more than 60,000 models of machinery and technologies are estimated to be on display. “EIMA brings together much of the technical, economic and relationship-building work carried out by the Federation, all aimed at fostering cooperation among countries,” said general manager, Simona Rapastella. 

FederUnacoma has received confirmation from 1,800 exhibiting companies till date (with more than 100 still on the waiting list). This means the exhibition grounds will be full to maximum capacity (with over 60,000 models of machinery and technologies on display). Visitors from 150 countries are expected, while official ICE delegations from 90 countries have been confirmed, in addition to those of Italian and European parliamentarians; the area known as “Extend” will also host government institutions and representatives of the agri-food sector.

“This year, the fair will have an even more impressive visual impact,” added Rapastella, “given the quality of the booth design proposals that exhibiting companies are sending to our organising staff."

According to FederUnacoma -- which provides trade show management training through its AFI Academy -- trade shows and exhibitions play a major role in advancing the agricultural machinery industry. This belief is also backed by statistical and economic surveys from the Manufacturers’ Federation, a co-organiser of EIMA. In collaboration with the University of Bologna and the Italian trade agency ICE, the Federation has developed specific training programmes for member companies to prepare them for trade shows. These will train in leveraging trade shows as venues for communication and networking, promote awareness in trade show marketing, and advanced stand design methodologies, among other things.

“The trade show optimises marketing efforts, curates technologies, highlights new trends, and builds relationships of trust among industry professionals from around the world,” said Rapastella, “and this is invaluable at a historic moment when protectionism and geopolitical tensions are holding back the sector.” “But above all,” she added, “the EIMA exhibition bridges the gap between countries and fosters all forms of cooperation, from commercial and industrial collaboration to scientific and technological research.”

Advancing poultry production, food security and agricultural development across East Africa, Cobb-Vantress and Irvine’s Group have opened Cobb East Africa Limited, a joint venture Grandparent Facility located in Naibili Village, Siha District, Kilimanjaro Region 

As a result of the combined investment, the facility will bring international-scale poultry genetics expertise to Africa. When a dynamic market for affordable protien like East Africa's has to wait for breeding stock imported from overseas, logistical and supply chain gaps become exposed. One of the rapidly evolving poultry market, a genetics supply base will make a huge difference for East Africa as it will eliminate the need for overseas dependence when the source becomes available at hand.

With the new facility becoming operational, poultry producers across sub-Saharan Africa can now access to grandparents production in support of generating parent stock. This will give producers a competitive edge empowered by reliable supply chains, shorter lead times and heightened market engagement. 

The proximity of the facility also enables stronger on-the-ground technical support and closer collaboration with Cobb specialists — helping customers achieve improved flock performance and productivity at farm level.

“The opening of Cobb East Africa represents a major step forward in our long-term commitment to the African poultry industry,” said Shelby Watkins. “This investment is about more than expanding production capacity, it is about strengthening food security, supporting local farmers, creating sustainable employment opportunities, and helping make high-quality protein more accessible and affordable for families across East Africa. We are proud to partner with the region as it continues to grow and develop its agricultural potential.”

Theo Bezuidenhout added: “This is the culmination of years of planning and shared vision. The impact on local employment and economic activity has already been significant, and we believe this is only the beginning for what Cobb East Africa can deliver for the region.”

Craig Irvine, CEO of Irvine’s Group, said the joint venture was the natural culmination of a relationship stretching back to 1962. “Irvine’s Group has distributed Cobb genetics across Africa for more than six decades. We know this market deeply, and Cobb East Africa demonstrates what is possible when you combine that knowledge and experience with the world’s finest poultry genetics.”

Will Sawyer said “Facilities like Cobb East Africa help position us to better support customers through improved surety of supply and enhanced service capability, as the poultry industry in East Africa continues to show strong potential for growth.”

Approximately 140 jobs have already been created through the development of the facility, with 98% of employees being Tanzanian citizens, contributing directly to local economic activity and improved livelihoods in surrounding communities.

Africa, especially the eastern and southern regions, where the agricultural sector is central for food and nutrition security, economic development, and rural livelihoods, subsidies and broader public support policies are critical to building resilient, inclusive food systems to advance sustainable development objectives 

Input subsidy programmes, including inorganic fertiliser and maize seed, eat up most of the public investments, however. It should rather be channelised towards broader policy interventions that cover extension and research and development. 

The International Institute for Sustainable Development has released a report titled 'From Subsidies to Sustainability', trying to identify the best conditions for reforming public support to agriculture improve productivity, equity and environmental sustainability outcomes in Eastern and Southern Africa? It takes note of public support and reform experiences in Kenya, Malawi and Zambia, exploring how different subsidy models have influenced development outcomes and identifying lessons learned from these experiences.

Kenya, for example, can rely on centralised subsidy programmes for prompt stabilisation of input prices in cases of market volatilities, but affect longer-term progress on equity and sustainability goals.

In Malawi, sustained long-term efforts in the way of soil health pilots can transform agriculture and food systems to grow resilient but may come at the cost of temporary reductions in yields.

Subsidies are more than just input price reductions, going beyond affordability to also include equitable access. Access inequality marked many African countries, where the poorest and most marginalised farmers get left out of available schemes. While reforms have the power to cut down the costs of agricultural inputs, it cannot guarantee equal access unless distribution points are identified strategically to ensure uniform supply.

Arranging awareness programmes also play a significant role in expanding the reach of subsidies and support schemes. The effectiveness of subsidies also depends on soil health. Investments to boost the quality of degraded soils can ensure better results from fertilisers. Regional policy frameworks, such as the African Fertiliser and Soil Health Plan (2024–2034) are increasingly identifying the bridges that connect soil health and yields, as part of integrated soil health management and improved soil health for sustainable productivity growth.

Early findings from Malawi’s soil health pilots, corroborated by results from soil health pilots in India, points towards the need for organic and blended organic-inorganic inputs over inorganic fertilisers alongside support for soil management to increase yields.

Reforms and their impact are influenced by a combination of fiscal pressure, broader policies and local conditions for farmers. Price shocks in Kenya, debt reform in Zambia, and foreign exchange constraints in Malawi all played a role in creating space and political will for reform. The outcomes of these reforms depended on tenure security, access to extension services, the quality of inputs, access to finance, and markets for agricultural produce.

Advanced rubber tracks manufacturer, Trackman, has expanded its offerings with the launch of Trackman HP Plus tracks for the Fendt 900 and 1100 Vario MT (Multi-Track) series tractors 

Trackman’s proven track technology for commercial applications gets a new addition to its diverse range of high-performance rubber tracks that promise enhanced ride quality, durability and field performance.

“The HP Plus track was developed in direct response to what today’s operators are asking for, improved ride quality without sacrificing durability or performance,” said Dan Fullenkamp, director of business strategy. “With this design, we’ve optimised tread pitch, lug size and the internal construction to reduce machine stress and deliver a smoother, more consistent ride across a wide range of field conditions. It’s a meaningful step forward for both operator comfort and long-term track performance.”

The Fendt 900 Vario MT Series tracks come in 25- inch and 30-inch widths. These are equipped with 7.6-inch pitch for improved ride quality, 2.95-inch tread bars for optimal wear and traction, 1.5-inch thick carcass with four layers of proprietary MAXXTUFF reinforcement, and enhanced guide lug design to reduce stress on drive wheels and idler wheels. 

These fully molded tracks are engineered for long service life and consistent performance across varying field conditions.

The tracks for Fendt 1100 Vario MT Series, on the other hand, are available in 30-inch and 36-inch widths. These feature 7.9-inch pitch for improved ride quality in heavy tillage applications, 2.95-inch tread lugs for durability and traction, and advanced MAXXTUFFTM construction for strength and longevity.