In The Spotlight

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VIV Europe will unite the animal protein production and processing industry.

Event News

Modern agrifood integration to enhance production: Prince Carlos

VIV Worldwide has confirmed the presence of HRH Prince Carlos of Bourbon de Parme, who will be delivering a speech during the opening ceremony of VIV Europe 2026 and the Cities Leading Food System programme that is set to take place from 2-4 June in Utrecht in the Netherlands

Prince Carlos' presence will add to the significance of the trade exhibition's 25th edition as the animal protein production and processing industry returns for advancing knowledge sharing, innovation and international exchange.

Uniting the global feed to food supply chain, VIV Worldwide has partnered with Cities Leading Food Production to advance collaborations motivated largely by food security and agricultural resilience. These are designed to produce robust, regional and regenerative food systems in cities and regions in the EU, Africa, the Middle East and the world at large.

Prince Carlos will highlight the urgency of sustainable food production by integrating the modern agrifood systems. He will also mention key drivers in shaping future food systems, including innovation, resilience, sustainability, and the role of cities and international collaboration.

The 25th edition of VIV Europe comes at an influential time of increasing demand. The event will see exhibitors, industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, producers and innovators to Utrecht for an insightful edition focused on the future of local, regional, global agrifood production.

VIV Europe 2026 will mark the key factors redefining global food production.

Event News

VIV Europe 2026 to reflect shift in global food production

Exploring what drives today's global feed-to-food chain, the VIV Europe 2026 returns this year with the theme, 'Showroom of the World' from 2-4 June at Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs in Utrecht, The Netherland

Recognised widely by suppliers and producers as the World Expo from Feed to Food, the event's 25th edition will mark the key factors redefining global food production. The protein transition and sustainable protein sources; digitalisation, artificial intelligence and robotics in farm operations; animal health and welfare, and climate-smart agriculture remain the four driving factors in this year's edition.

As the event moves to a biennial cycle henceforth, Natalie Taylor, project manager, VIV Europe, said, "Twenty-five editions only happen because of the people who show up. VIV Europe is where the industry comes to see what's next: new technologies, new solutions, new connections. The energy and ambition this year have never been greater."

This year, the presence and opening speech of Bourbon de Parme's HRH Prince Carlos will enhance the event's global reach and significance in addressing sustainable food production, innovation, and resilience.

Participants can choose across more than 70 conference sessions in this year's VIV Europe, with topics ranging from AI-driven farm management and smart feedmill automation to antimicrobial resistance, and international trade dynamics. Knowledge partners include Wageningen University & Research, Rabobank, the World Poultry Science Association (WPSA), the World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA), and the Netherlands African Business Council (NABC), among others.

The programme also features the official launch of the Poultry Forward Kazakhstan initiative by the Dutch Poultry Centre, a significant new Dutch-Kazakh industry collaboration, and a dedicated multi-day strand, Cities Leading Food Production, positioning urban communities as active drivers of food system change.

Visitors can register in advance at europe.viv.net/registration to secure their pass ahead of the show.

Structuralising capital for rural lending is the need of the hour.

Agriculture

IDH Farmfit Fund to support Kenya's smallholder farmers

Kenya's smallholder agriculture industry will be supported with private-sector local currency securitisation led by anchor investor, IDH Farmfit Fund, with the transaction structured by Kaleidofin in partnership with agri-finance company Apollo Agriculture

Structuralising capital for rural lending is the need of the hour, and the currecy securitisation move will generate smallholder finance with the development of institutional credit markets. Approximately US$2.1mn has been mobilised through Apollo Agriculture to secure smallholder farmer credit in Kenya for agricultural inputs. About 51% of the 23,839 smallholder farmers covered by the portfolio are women, while 22% are first-time borrowers.

“This transaction demonstrates how innovative financial structures can unlock capital for smallholder farmers at scale,” said Roel Messie, CEO of IDH Investment Management, which manages the IDH Farmfit Fund. “Building investable opportunities in agriculture requires both capital and enabling infrastructure, and this partnership brings those elements together.”

Kaleidofin’s ki platform that caters to underserved segments by converting granular agricultural loans into investable securities in local currency, materialised the securitisation.

Apollo Agriculture leverages ki's AI-driven risk intelligence system in assessing creditworthiness. Apollo focuses on supporting farmers who does not have a background in credit.

“This is a meaningful step in building efficient, scalable funding for smallholder agriculture and validates our tech-enabled business model,” said Eli Pollak, CEO of Apollo Agriculture. “By converting receivables into working capital, we are able to lower our cost of funds and expand access to affordable, local currency financing for farmers.”

Tractor of the Year awards ceremony at EIMA 2021

The 44th edition of EIMA International 2021 will host the Tractor of the Year awards ceremony, and feature a parade of the fourteen finalist models

The Bologna-based event focuses on new products and offers a wide-ranging showcase for Tractor of the Year, the competition promoted by Trattori magazine, that selects the best models among those produced during the year, and awards prizes to the winners from different categories.

During the exhibition, the awards ceremony will be held for four models - Tractor of the Year, Best Utility, Best of Specialised and Sustainable TOTY - that have been selected on the basis of votes cast by an international jury of 26 journalists from trade publications.

The Tractor of the Year event will be a major attraction throughout the five days of the event. It is expected to be one of the most interesting new features of this year's EIMA International.

The open-air arena within the exhibition complex, between halls 37 and 35, has been chosen to display the finalist tractors. The audience can expect to see the fourteen models that competed for the "Tractor of the Year" on display in the open-air arena, while a speaker will introduce the technical features of each of the models.

TOTY is an important promotional and marketing platform for the manufacturers of the tractor sector, which is able to develop substantial technological innovations every year, improve vehicle performance, and capture new user segments.

Event News

VIV Europe will unite the animal protein production and processing industry.

Event News

Modern agrifood integration to enhance production: Prince Carlos

The seminar featured a comprehensive programme. (Image source: Aviagen)

The DLG Spotlight 'Organic Farming' will shed light on organic crop production. (Image source: DLG)

Livestock

Nigeria’s livestock plan set to drive growth

Livestock

Nigeria’s livestock plan set to drive growth

Nigeria’s livestock sector is gaining fresh attention as a new development framework promises to open up opportunities across the industry.

The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Akajiugo Emeka Obegolu, has shared an optimistic outlook, stating that the initiative could create up to 350,000 jobs within its first two years.

According to Obegolu, the framework is designed to attract investment and support growth across the entire livestock value chain. Central to this effort is the planned Livestock Development Fund, which aims to make financing more accessible for farmers, processors, and other stakeholders. With better access to funding, businesses in the sector are expected to expand and improve their operations.

He also praised the current administration for establishing a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a timely and strategic move. This step, he explained, gives the sector the focused attention it needs to reach its full potential. Rather than taking direct control, the government is encouraged to create supportive policies and regulations that allow private investors to play a leading role.

The scale of opportunity within the livestock industry is significant. Obegolu noted that the sector could be worth around 33 trillion naira, covering areas such as meat production, dairy, leather, and poultry. With proper planning and investment, these segments can contribute strongly to economic growth.

He highlighted the importance of improving key areas such as feed systems, animal breeding, and veterinary services. Advancing techniques like artificial insemination and better genetics can help increase productivity and efficiency across farms.

Another major focus is the need to modernise how meat is processed and transported. Moving away from the traditional practice of transporting live animals over long distances, he suggested a system that relies on processed meat and cold chain logistics. This approach would reduce losses, maintain quality, and improve overall efficiency.

With growing collaboration between the government and private sector, the livestock industry is steadily moving towards a more structured and sustainable future. The proposed framework is expected to support job creation, improve food supply, and strengthen Nigeria’s wider economy.

Murat Yakar, General Manager of Aviagen Arabia. (Image source: Aviagen)

Zimbabwe Agri venture targets rural growth (Image credit: African Agri Council)

Crops

Women, youth and farmers will be espcially supported by the project.

Agriculture

Solar-powered irrigation to support Somalian communities

Gode in Somali region has been selected by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) for a solar-powered irrigation scheme to sustain year-round food production and empower drought-prone communities to weather climate shocks

Defined as 'Climate proofing food security in Ethiopia’s drought prone lowland areas' or IFTIIN, the project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through KfW Development Bank.

IFTIIN, which signifies 'light' or 'hope' in the Somali language, has been designed to support 17,000 pastoral and agro-pastoral families spanning several woredas in the Somali region. Women, youth and farmers will be espcially supported by the project in line with national priorities. Beneficiaries will get increased water access and support for crop and livestock production. Multiple income streams will open up for families and local institutions will be empowered to support communities in managing climate shocks.

“WFP’s vision in Ethiopia is to support the Government’s shift toward resilient, self-reliant food systems,” said Zlatan Milisic, WFP representative and country director in Ethiopia. “By working closely with government institutions, we are strengthening national systems and embedding resilience approaches that are community-led and locally owned. Through IFTIIN, we are investing in irrigation, markets and livelihoods so communities can absorb climate shocks and reduce long-term reliance on humanitarian assistance. Today’s inauguration is that strategic vision in action.”

Shoprite Group provided a profitable platform for growers. (Image source: Shoprite)

Structuralising capital for rural lending is the need of the hour.

Technology

FederUnacoma has compiled a comprehensive data on new registrations of agricultural machinery.

Machinery & Equipment

Public incentives can stabilise agricultural machinery market: FederUnacoma

Manufacturers’ association, FederUnacoma, has observed that public incentives and proactive support schemes are integral in the face of volatilities in the agricultural machinery market driven by geopolitical instability and economic uncertainties

After studying the latest figures provided by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the Italy-based association with an ever-expanding presence in Africa and Southeast Asia has compiled a comprehensive data on new registrations of agricultural machinery. It has found that while the first quarter of 2025 recorded an upward trend the market remains vulnerable in the near future due to crisis in the Middle East.

A 11.8% decline has been seen in the transporter sector, including tractors and flatbed trailers, since the largely prospective 1Q 2025. However, there has been a growth of 2.7% in new registrations for tractors, with over 3,633 units sold (3,537 in the first quarter of 2025), and a 65% increase for combine harvesters, with 33 machines registered (20 in the same period of 2025). Telescopic handlers also performed well, recording a 46% increase with 343 units (235 sold in 2025), whilst trailers remained in line with last year’s figures (1,659 registrations, down 1.5%).

Variables linked to the conflict in the Middle East and uncertainties regarding certain incentive measures (the 5.0 credit, for example) risk negatively affecting companies’ willingness to invest and their planning, slowing down purchases of agricultural machinery. In this context, the Federation of Manufacturers believes it is more important than ever to bring measures such as hyper-amortisation and the Transition 4.0 credit into full effect. The system of public incentives – notes FederUnacoma – can play a decisive role in stabilising the domestic market during a critical economic phase such as the current one.

Image_of_IoT-native_precision_agriculture_model

Africa gets its first IoT-native precision agriculture model. (Image source: MyBitSecure)

AEROSEM has multiple hopper systems. (Image source: Pottinger)

Event News

The seminar featured a comprehensive programme. (Image source: Aviagen)

Event News

Aviagen Anadolu showcases the future of poultry production at 9th technical seminar

Aviagen Anadolu successful hosted its ninth technical seminar in Belek, Antalya, Türkiye, from 28–29 April, bringing together poultry professionals, industry experts and customers from across Türkiye for 1.5 days of knowledge sharing, innovation and collaboration

The seminar featured a comprehensive programme focused on broiler and breeder management, flock performance, hatchery technologies, disease prevention, nutrition and emerging industry trends. Participants benefited from presentations delivered by Aviagen specialists and international guest speakers, who shared practical insights and the latest developments shaping the poultry sector.

Discussions throughout the event emphasized improving production efficiency, bird health, meat quality and sustainability across poultry operations. The Aviagen Anadolu team also highlighted the importance of continued education and collaboration in supporting customers and advancing poultry production standards throughout the region.

The seminar also provided an opportunity for attendees to strengthen professional relationships and exchange experiences during networking sessions, panel discussions and the gala dinner.

The closing session included an interactive panel discussion, giving customers the opportunity to engage directly with presenters and ask questions related to the topics covered throughout the seminar. The event concluded with a group photo and a special Club awards presentation recognizing outstanding customer performance with Ross flocks.

During the awards ceremony, the Aviagen Anadolu team honored the top three Club award winners with certificates and awards in recognition of their exceptional production results. The Clubs celebrate customers who demonstrate outstanding dedication, management excellence and performance achievements with their Ross flocks.

“The seminar was highly valuable in terms of covering technical topics and demonstrating the development and future direction of the Ross breed. It provided an excellent opportunity for our teams to further develop their knowledge. The event was also very enjoyable socially, especially with the recognition and celebration of successful performers during the closing session.”, said İsmail Ertonga, vice general manager, Beypiliç.

Sharing his perspective on the seminar, Güven Atlı, general manager, Keskinoğlu, commented, “The topics covered during the seminar and the expertise shared by the speakers were extremely valuable for our team. We sincerely appreciated the care, attention and support shown by the Aviagen Anadolu team throughout the event. Their hospitality and professionalism made the experience especially meaningful for all attendees.”

Reflecting on the success of the seminar, Yüksel Öztürk, Production Manager, Orallar, added, “The organisation of the seminar was excellent from start to finish. The presentations addressed current industry challenges with practical and result-oriented information delivered by highly experienced experts. We were extremely pleased with both the content and the overall event experience.”

Rıza Elmas, Senior Technical Manager, Aviagen Anadolu, added: “We dedicated significant preparation over the past year to ensure the success of this seminar. The programme was carefully designed to address key areas across the entire production chain, including hatchery operations, management practices, health, nutrition, data analysis, ventilation and processing. We also explored the future genetic potential of the Ross 308 and the opportunities it presents for our customers.

We were especially pleased to welcome more than 150 customers, including many key decision-makers from across the region. The seminar served as an important platform for industry professionals to connect, exchange ideas and discuss future opportunities for improving performance and achieving genetic potential.

I would like to sincerely thank our Technical Managers, especially Orhun Tikit, along with Ahmet Emrah Örtlek and Kifah Abutumeh, whose dedication and hard work played a major role in making this event a success. Together with the Aviagen Anadolu team and our global experts, we were proud to deliver a truly valuable and memorable seminar experience.”

The seminar featured a comprehensive programme. (Image source: Aviagen)

The DLG Spotlight 'Organic Farming' will shed light on organic crop production. (Image source: DLG)

Livestock

Murat Yakar, General Manager of Aviagen Arabia. (Image source: Aviagen)

Poultry

A New Chapter in TMEA: Murat Yakar Leads Aviagen Arabia Forward

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.

Murat Yakar, General Manager of Aviagen Arabia. (Image source: Aviagen)

Zimbabwe Agri venture targets rural growth (Image credit: African Agri Council)

Crops

Shoprite Group provided a profitable platform for growers. (Image source: Shoprite)

Agriculture

Gardeners from Botswana sell produce at Shoprite's event

Community gardeners from Botswana came together to leverage one of the region's influential retail platform to sell their vegetable produce at Shoprite Gaborone and Checkers Airport Junction Centre in Market Day

Working for the cause of food security in southern Africa, Shoprite Group provided a profitable platform for growers from more than 300 community gardens in the country.

“This year Market Day provided almost 60 gardeners and co-operatives across South Africa, Namibia and Botswana with the opportunity to sell their fresh produce directly to the public, gain retail experience and strengthen the roots of small businesses that feed their communities,” said Sanjeev Raghubir, chief sustainability officer at the Group. “Customers stocked up on local peppers, spinach, parsley and many other vegetables and fruits, met the small-scale farmers and learned about their sustainable growing methods and in some instances, even purchased seedlings for their own home gardens.”

Adams Eden, which participated at the event, offers trees and seedlings at discounted prices to foster sustainability. Tree cultivation besides, the nursery is also actively tapping into crop production to address the local demand for fresh vegetables. Operating since 2021, its vision is to make Botswana green.

“Through our participation in Market Day, we gained confidence in sharing our story and explaining our growing techniques, while understanding what customers value most,” said Lerato Bwire, the founder and operator of Adams Eden.

The platform also advances skills transfer across customer relations, communication, pricing, product presentation and record-keeping, among other things.

“For each community gardener taking part in Market Day, there is a story both of individual circumstance and a pathway towards a more grounded and food secure life rooted in the soil,” said Raghubir. “The power of this day is in taking this a step further by facilitating market entry with skills training.”

Alongside Market Day, the Shoprite Group also drives the Act For Change programme to support local community gardens. “It’s exciting to see the seeds we help sow within our communities grow and flourish,” said Raghubir. “We are proud to champion the heroes of Southern African gardens and small farms, who nourish their communities and their future through their own dedication and hard work.”

Shoprite Group provided a profitable platform for growers. (Image source: Shoprite)

Structuralising capital for rural lending is the need of the hour.

Technology

Africa gets its first IoT-native precision agriculture model. (Image source: MyBitSecure)

Machinery & Equipment

New IoT-native precision agriculture model to support farmers

Designed for emerging farmers, cooperatives and smart agricultural programmes across sub-Saharan Africa, the MBS SmartFarm Platform has been deployed following a three-month applied research pilot at the Sustainability Institute in Lynedoch, Stellenbosch

The platform reported marked improvements in soil health and water management, after close monitoring of soil moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, water consumption, and real-time climatic conditions across the SI’s community garden.

With this platform, Africa gets its first IoT-native precision agriculture model to embed enterprise-grade cybersecurity at its architectural foundation. Community food production initiatives, and institutions operating within sustainability-driven and development-finance supported programmes across Sub-Saharan Africa can leverage the application.

“The integration of smart agriculture technologies within our garden is not only about improving yields and resource management, but also about deepening experiential learning; transforming the garden into a living laboratory for innovation,” said Mulweli Nethengwe, research and strategy analyst, Sustainability Institute.

“Soil health is the foundation of food security and for too long, the intelligence needed to protect it has remained out of reach for the farms and communities that need it most. The MBS SmartFarm Platform changes that. What we are bringing is a contribution to the long-term resilience of food systems across this continent, backed by evidence, built for African conditions, and designed to serve the people who feed us.” said Tandi Rouse, co-founder and director, MyBitSecure Technologies (Pty) Ltd.

Africa gets its first IoT-native precision agriculture model. (Image source: MyBitSecure)