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Sustainable foods 2026 is shaping the future of food system.

Agriculture

Sustainable Foods 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment, bringing together industry decision makers at the Business Design Centre on 28th and 29th January to tackle the biggest challenges facing our food system today.

This landmark gathering focuses on four transformative pillars: Health and Nutrition, Food Security, Net Zero targets, and Regenerative Agriculture. It represents a rare opportunity where both animal and plant based sectors collaborate to build solutions that benefit everyone.

Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee, said, "Rapid progress on reducing agricultural emissions and being thoughtful about how we use our land is needed for the UK to meet its climate targets. The good news is that the solutions are already in front of us, from supporting our farmers to making it easier and more affordable for people to access nutritious and tasty food."

The health crisis demands urgent action. With obesity rates climbing and diet related diseases on the rise, ultra processed foods now face unprecedented scrutiny. Major retailers recognise their responsibility in this transformation.

Ken Murphy, CEO of Tesco, said, "We recognise the vital role supermarkets can play in securing a sustainable food system. Our customers are telling us they want food that is affordable, healthier and better for the planet, and they expect us to lead the way."

Climate extremes, political tensions, and supply chain vulnerabilities dominate boardroom discussions. The event tackles these realities head on.

Henry Dimbleby, Co-founder of Bramble Partners, LEON, and author of the National Food Strategy added,"We are entering a decade of unprecedented disruption in the food system. Health, nature and climate are no longer abstract ESG concerns, they are hard commercial realities. Appetite suppressants are booming, ultra processed food is under fire, and climate change is straining supply chains. Money is moving, and leaders who don't act now will be left behind."

Over 700 delegates from 45 countries will converge, featuring 100 speakers and 50 exhibitors. BBC Radio 4's Dan Saladino will broadcast a special Food Programme episode on 6th February, capturing insights from this crucial gathering where commitment transforms into action.

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.

Rwanda is laying the foundation for a more productive, resilient, and competitive livestock sector.

Livestock

Rwanda is taking a significant step in modernising its livestock sector with the arrival of the first batch of 10 high-genetic-potential Holstein-Friesian dairy bulls imported from Germany.

This initiative is designed to strengthen breeding programmes and accelerate improvements in both dairy and beef herds. A second shipment of 20 bulls is expected by April 2026, featuring additional dairy breeds including Holstein-Friesian, Jersey, and Brown Swiss, alongside top beef breeds such as Angus and Charolais.

These elite bulls will be central to Rwanda’s national bovine artificial insemination (AI) programme, producing high-quality semen distributed nationwide to enhance cattle genetics. By providing farmers with superior semen rather than requiring the purchase of costly breeding animals, the initiative aims to increase productivity, improve herd health, and raise milk yields significantly above those of many local breeds.

The project forms part of Phase II of the Rwanda Dairy Development Project (RDDP-2), a US $100 million programme funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and running from 2024 to 2029. RDDP-2 aims to modernise Rwanda’s dairy value chain, raise milk quality standards, and boost overall sector productivity.

Rwanda’s efforts to improve livestock genetics trace back to the “One Cow per Poor Family” (Girinka) programme launched in 2006, which introduced improved dairy breeds to rural households. Since then, structured crossbreeding, artificial insemination, and veterinary support initiatives have led to notable gains in national milk and meat production, though authorities emphasise that expansion remains crucial to meet targets outlined in the country’s Strategic Plan for Agricultural Transformation.

By integrating high-genetic bulls and modern AI techniques, Rwanda is laying the foundation for a more productive, resilient, and competitive livestock sector, supporting farmers while contributing to the country’s broader agricultural development goals.

African Farming

Biome Makers announces commitment to soil health with Mission Soil Manifesto endorsement

Biome Makers, a leading agtech company in soil health analysis and microbiome technology, announced its commitment to safeguarding and revitalising soil health through concrete actions

On 20 April 2023, the company became a signatory of the Mission Soil Manifesto, underscoring its dedication to promoting sustainable soil management practices. 

The Mission Soil Deal for Europe, spearheaded by an alliance of regional and local policy-makers, stakeholders, and citizens, aims to establish a thriving community that prioritises the preservation of soil health. By endorsing the Mission Soil Manifesto, Biome Makers aligns with organisations recognising the urgent need for soil protection. Through this commitment, Biome Makers engages in knowledge-sharing activities and events, facilitating the exchange of best practices with like-minded organisations dedicated to preserving soil health.

Biome Makers actively supports soil health restoration through its ongoing global initiative, Fields4Ever. Dedicated to conserving and monitoring soil health, Fields4Ever currently backs 218 soil health restoration projects in 45 countries. With its BeCrop technology, utilised by more than 2,000 customers worldwide, Biome Makers empowers stakeholders with functional soil assessment tools, education, and training. 

"We are thrilled to be part of the Mission Soil community and to endorse the principles outlined in the Manifesto," stated Alberto Acedo, cofounder and chief scientific officer at Biome Makers. "Soil health is fundamental to the sustainability of our planet, and as leaders in soil analysis and microbiome technology, we are committed to driving positive change. By joining forces with other signatories, we can collectively foster innovative solutions and ensure a prosperous future for our soils." 

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Event News

EIMA International promotes knowledge sharing and networking.(Image credit: eima.it)

Event News

EIMA International stands as the world’s premier International Exhibition of Agricultural and Gardening Machinery, a landmark biennial trade fair in Bologna, Italy, celebrated globally as the innovation factory for the agri-mechanical sector.

The 2026 edition is scheduled from 10–14 November and will take place across the sprawling Bologna Fairgrounds, covering a total area of 375,000 m, including 122,000 m of net exhibition space. Each edition draws approximately 1,750 exhibitors from over 50 countries, showcasing more than 60,000 models of agricultural, horticultural, and gardening machinery, creating an unparalleled global platform for business and innovation.

The exhibition is meticulously organised into fourteen merchandise sectors, encompassing everything from tractors, engines, and irrigation systems to harvesters, livestock equipment, soil preparation tools, and specialized machinery. This structure allows visitors from professional buyers to farm managers to efficiently navigate and explore the most relevant agri-tech innovations.

Adding depth to the main sectors, specialised thematic showcases highlight emerging trends and niche technologies: EIMA Components (parts and accessories), EIMA Green (garden machinery), EIMA Energy (renewable energy in agriculture), EIMA Idrotech (water management solutions), and EIMA Digital (precision agriculture and electronic systems). These zones provide a hub for collaboration, cross-sector insights, and technological discovery.

Beyond machinery displays, EIMA International promotes knowledge sharing and networking, attracting professionals during the first two days before opening to gardening enthusiasts and the public. Attendees enjoy press events, virtual tours, multimedia coverage, and the EIMA app for planning visits, accessing exhibitor data, and engaging with interactive content.

With its scale, innovation focus, and historical significance, EIMA International remains a must-attend global event, driving market trends, fostering industry connections, and showcasing sustainable solutions that shape the future of agriculture and gardening worldwide.

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

HortiFlora Expo also serves as a strategic showcase for sustainable agriculture, innovation and export competitiveness. (Image credit: HortiFlora)

Livestock

Fishmeal plant strengthens west coast fisheries.

Aquaculture

The South African government has welcomed a major R170 million investment by the African Pioneer Group into a new fishmeal plant at Sandy Point Harbour in St Helena Bay, Western Cape.

The facility is set to boost local and export supply chains by producing a range of fish products and strengthening the small pelagic sector’s value chain.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp,said, “This facility is so much more than an expansion of processing capacity. It is a strategic intervention in the small pelagic value chain that strengthens domestic beneficiation, enhances operational efficiency, and positions South Africa to extract greater economic value from each tonne of fish harvested,” he said. He added that the project “strengthens local opportunities without increasing pressure on the resource base” and represents investment in communities and the future of South Africa’s fishing industry.

Aucamp emphasised and added, “The more than R170 million investment represented by this facility contributes directly to sustainable industrial growth in a priority coastal node,” he said, highlighting the partnership between government, science and the fishing industry as central to sustainable marine resource management.

The small pelagic sector plays a crucial role in coastal employment, food security, animal feed supply chains, and export earnings, especially along the West Coast. However, it is also highly vulnerable to environmental variability and climate-driven shifts. The Minister pointed to recent scientific assessments showing major fluctuations in biomass and recruitment, particularly the record-low anchovy recruitment in 2025 and persistently low sardine populations.

In response, the sector has been urged to diversify fishing efforts towards more abundant species such as round herring, which has shown strong biomass performance. “This species now plays a critical buffering role in maintaining throughput in the pelagic sector during periods when sardine and anchovy are constrained,” the Minister said. He explained that investments like the Sandy Point fishmeal plant support resilience by enabling efficient processing of a wider species mix, reducing waste, improving turnaround times, and stabilising supply to downstream industries.

Overall, the plant is seen as a strategic move towards sustainable industrialisation and strengthened marine beneficiation, aligning with the Oceans Economy Master Plan and the government’s industrial policy framework.

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

Rwanda is laying the foundation for a more productive, resilient, and competitive livestock sector.

Crops

Sustainable foods 2026 is shaping the future of food system.

Agriculture

Sustainable Foods 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment, bringing together industry decision makers at the Business Design Centre on 28th and 29th January to tackle the biggest challenges facing our food system today.

This landmark gathering focuses on four transformative pillars: Health and Nutrition, Food Security, Net Zero targets, and Regenerative Agriculture. It represents a rare opportunity where both animal and plant based sectors collaborate to build solutions that benefit everyone.

Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee, said, "Rapid progress on reducing agricultural emissions and being thoughtful about how we use our land is needed for the UK to meet its climate targets. The good news is that the solutions are already in front of us, from supporting our farmers to making it easier and more affordable for people to access nutritious and tasty food."

The health crisis demands urgent action. With obesity rates climbing and diet related diseases on the rise, ultra processed foods now face unprecedented scrutiny. Major retailers recognise their responsibility in this transformation.

Ken Murphy, CEO of Tesco, said, "We recognise the vital role supermarkets can play in securing a sustainable food system. Our customers are telling us they want food that is affordable, healthier and better for the planet, and they expect us to lead the way."

Climate extremes, political tensions, and supply chain vulnerabilities dominate boardroom discussions. The event tackles these realities head on.

Henry Dimbleby, Co-founder of Bramble Partners, LEON, and author of the National Food Strategy added,"We are entering a decade of unprecedented disruption in the food system. Health, nature and climate are no longer abstract ESG concerns, they are hard commercial realities. Appetite suppressants are booming, ultra processed food is under fire, and climate change is straining supply chains. Money is moving, and leaders who don't act now will be left behind."

Over 700 delegates from 45 countries will converge, featuring 100 speakers and 50 exhibitors. BBC Radio 4's Dan Saladino will broadcast a special Food Programme episode on 6th February, capturing insights from this crucial gathering where commitment transforms into action.

Gulfood360 Africa Kenya 2027 Launches in Nairobi to Power Africa’s Global Food Trade.

Baya Solara's first commercial strawberry variety. (Image credit: Bayer)

Technology

These wireless temperature and humidity sensors are ideal for a wide range of uses. (Image credit: MultiTech )

Machinery & Equipment

MultiTech Wireless Air Temperature and Humidity Sensors are advanced, long-range IoT devices designed for precision environmental monitoring using the LoRaWAN wireless standard.

These innovative sensors use airflow to accurately measure temperature and humidity levels, and they automatically send alerts over the network when readings rise above or fall below preset thresholds, ensuring timely action for critical applications.

Features & Durability:

Equipped with a fully integrated internal antenna and two types of tamper detection enclosure tamper (detects if the sensor housing is opened) and wall mount tamper (detects removal from mounting) these sensors provide robust security. They support over 200,000 transmissions on a single battery, with an expected lifespan of 5 to 10 years depending on usage. Over-the-air configuration allows flexible in-field setup, while automatic low battery reporting and supervisory messages keep users informed.

Applications:

These wireless temperature and humidity sensors are ideal for a wide range of uses, including industrial temperature monitoring, detecting freezing temperatures to protect plumbing, monitoring cooling system failures, ensuring restaurant food safety, and monitoring heat conditions in second homes or remote buildings. Their open architecture allows seamless integration into existing IoT platforms, making them a cost-effective and scalable solution for businesses, smart buildings, and industrial environments.

Key Benefits:

Long-range wireless connectivity, low maintenance, customisable design, and reliable performance make MultiTech sensors essential tools for proactive environmental management. They empower users to monitor conditions in real time, reduce operational risks, and ensure safety and efficiency across multiple settings.

Understanding the shifting landscape of global agriculture.

GrainMate stands out as an affordable and user-friendly solution with a measurable impact on food systems.(Image credit: Sesi Technologies)

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