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The three day programme begins on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Event News

IFTEX 2026 marks the 13th edition of the International Flower Trade Exhibition and continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the most important business focused floriculture events in the world.

Set to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, the exhibition will be held from June 2 to June 4, 2026, at the Visa Oshwal Centre in Ring Road Parklands. Organised by HPP Worldwide, the event brings together the global flower trade under one roof and places East Africa firmly on the international floriculture map.

Designed exclusively for industry professionals, IFTEX 2026 is a trade only exhibition that welcomes growers, breeders, exporters, logistics providers and international buyers from across the globe. Entry is restricted to qualified visitors aged 18 years and above, ensuring a professional environment where meaningful business discussions and long term partnerships can flourish. The exhibition provides a focused platform for networking, sourcing new products and exploring opportunities within the fast growing global flower market.

The three day programme begins on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, with an official opening ceremony scheduled from 09:00 to 11:00 hrs, followed by exhibition hours running until 18:00 hrs. On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, the exhibition continues from 10:00 to 18:00 hrs and concludes with the official exhibition party from 18:30 to 23:00 hrs, offering a relaxed setting for industry networking. The final day, Thursday, June 4, 2026, runs from 10:00 to 16:00 hrs, allowing visitors to finalise meetings and business deals.

IFTEX has consistently positioned itself as a central global platform for the floriculture industry, attracting international participation and supporting large scale trade connections. While previous editions such as 2025 highlight the event’s growth, the confirmed dates and format underline the importance of IFTEX 2026 as a key calendar event.

For floriculture professionals seeking access to global markets, innovative flower varieties and valuable industry connections, IFTEX 2026 offers a unique opportunity to engage with the heart of the international flower trade.

Global antimicrobial usage peaked dramatically at 118,600 tonnes in 2013 before dropping to 84,000 tonnes by 2020.

Livestock

A groundbreaking UCL study reveals a paradox at the heart of global agriculture: whilst antimicrobial use in livestock has plummeted by nearly a third since 2013, wealthy nations are quietly shifting the burden overseas through strategic imports.

The research, published in Nature Sustainability, tracked antimicrobial consumption patterns across a decade, painting the most comprehensive picture yet of how these critical medicines flow through our interconnected food systems. The findings tell two contrasting stories about progress and persistent problems.

Global antimicrobial usage peaked dramatically at 118,600 tonnes in 2013 before dropping to 84,000 tonnes by 2020. This remarkable decline accelerated following the landmark 2016 UN meeting on antimicrobial resistance, which catalysed stricter regulations across numerous countries. Per capita consumption fell from 15.6 grams to 10.6 grams during this period.

China and the United States, commanding roughly 60% of worldwide usage, drove this positive shift with reductions of 29% and 28% respectively. These numbers represent genuine progress in combating a threat that currently claims 700,000 lives annually through drug resistant bacteria.

However, beneath these encouraging statistics lies a troubling pattern. Developed nations have effectively exported their antimicrobial footprint by importing products from emerging economies where livestock farming practices remain antimicrobial intensive. Between 2010 and 2020, internationally traded goods' share of antimicrobial use climbed from 16% to 20%.

Perhaps most surprising: half this footprint stems from non food products like clothing, chemicals, and electronics containing animal derived materials. Meanwhile, nations like India and Indonesia face rising antimicrobial consumption, partly fuelled by export demands. India's footprint expanded by 16% across the decade.

"The overuse of antimicrobials in livestock is a serious health concern, posing a potential global health threat. The decline in use in recent years is promising, and shows that government regulation and intervention can be effective. Our research can help inform future guidance for their usage," said Heran Zheng (UCL Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction).

This study underscores a critical reality: reducing antimicrobial resistance requires coordinated global action, not just shifting production to countries with looser regulations. True progress means addressing consumption patterns and supporting sustainable farming practices worldwide.

Bayer East Africa Warns Farmers Against Counterfeit Seeds Ahead of Planting Season

Agriculture

Bayer East Africa has called on farmers across the country to be cautious when buying seeds, warning that counterfeit products continue to harm harvests and livelihoods.

The company says uncertified seeds are undermining food security and placing thousands of smallholder farmers at risk.

Speaking during a pick up promotion campaign in Kisii, Managing Director John Kanyingi expressed concern over the growing circulation of fake seeds in local markets. According to him, many farmers have suffered disappointing yields and financial losses after unknowingly planting poor quality seed.

He emphasized that the campaign aims to protect farmers, improve yields, and stabilize food supply.

“We are telling our farmers to purchase seeds only from licensed agro-dealers and verify packaging details, including KEPHIS certification labels,” Kanyinke said. Certified seeds, he added, significantly boost productivity in maize, beans, and horticultural crops—key staples in Kenya’s food basket.

The initiative supports wider government efforts to strengthen national food systems, reduce reliance on imports, and shield households from rising food prices. At the same time, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service has stepped up market surveillance and enforcement measures ahead of the planting season. The agency is also increasing awareness campaigns to help farmers identify genuine agricultural inputs.

For many farmers, the message hits close to home. Catherine Kemunto from Bobasi shared how switching to certified DK maize varieties changed her fortunes. What was once a harvest of barely ten bags has grown to as many as forty sacks. The improvement has supported her family income and allowed her to pay school fees. She now encourages fellow farmers to use quality seed and adopt better farming practices.

Peter Nyabuto, also from Bobasi, recalled the disappointment of buying seed from an unverified dealer. The result was uneven germination and a poor harvest.

Kanyinke reiterated that access to certified seeds is critical to Kenya’s food security goals and urged farmers to remain vigilant against counterfeit agricultural inputs.

Understanding the shifting landscape of global agriculture.

Technology

Global agriculture continues to expand, yet the agricultural machinery market is navigating a period of turbulence.

Economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies are reshaping where and how farm equipment is bought and sold. This evolving landscape was outlined during the press conference launching the 47th edition of EIMA International, the world’s leading exhibition for agricultural technologies, set to take place in Bologna from 10 to 14 November.

Mariateresa Maschio, FederUnacoma President, said, “Protectionist policies in some countries, economic sanctions, interference with trade routes, and tariff wars have led to market fragmentation and a sharp slowdown in trade which is weighing on the performance of the agromechanical sector.”

Traditional markets are feeling the strain. The United States recorded a 10 percent fall in tractor sales in 2025, while Germany, France and the United Kingdom also posted double digit declines. In contrast, southern Europe is showing renewed momentum. Italy and Spain both closed the year with strong growth, signalling cautious optimism within the European agricultural machinery industry.

India remains the standout performer. With tractor sales exceeding 1.1 million units, the country continues to dominate the global market. According to Maschio, this growth reflects deeper structural demand rather than a short term spike. “Over the past fifteen years, output in the primary sector has grown significantly,” said Mariateresa Maschio, “but to meet the needs of the world’s population it will have to grow by a further 14% by 2034, especially in India and in those countries of North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East that are experiencing the highest demographic growth.”

A new geography of agricultural production is emerging, driven by mechanisation, digital farming solutions and expanding demand in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Chinese manufacturers are rapidly increasing their presence across these regions and even gaining ground in Europe.

“In the coming years we will have a highly segmented agromechanical sector, with low-cost basic technologies alongside highly advanced technologies for complex operations,” added Mariateresa Maschio, underlining the importance of innovation, policy support and international cooperation as the sector looks ahead.