The road to PotatoEurope 2026 officially began with a practical potato planting event held on 21 April, organised by the DLG

This hands on activity set the stage for both PotatoEurope and the newly introduced SugarBeet Expo, which will take place on 9 and 10 September 2026 at Rittergut Gestorf, near Hanover. The event is expected to draw around 300 exhibitors, making it a key gathering for the farming community.

The planting demonstration was carried out in collaboration with farmer Friedrich Henkels, whose land is being prepared as a 45 hectare open air exhibition site. Industry representatives, media, and agricultural stakeholders attended to get an early look at what is planned for September. Machinery from AVR, DeWulf, and GRIMME was used during the planting, with crops that will later be harvested live during the exhibitions. Support for the demonstration came from Case IH, while Interseed Potatoes GmbH supplied the planting material.

“It’s an honour to organise the potato planting event this years and, once again, to welcome PotatoEurope to this farming region for the sixth time,” said Friedrich Henkels, Agrarpartner Limberg KG that manages the land.

“We look forward to hosting the new event, SugarBeet Expo. Events like these allow farmers to experience solutions directly in the field. That is essential when preparing investment decisions and long-term strategies,” he added.

The event also highlighted the importance of live machinery demonstrations, which will form a central part of both exhibitions. Visitors will be able to see planting, harvesting, and crop handling in real field conditions. Innovative techniques, including crop protection and mechanical weed control, will also be showcased.

“PotatoEurope is the central platform for exchange, innovation, and further development within our industry,” emphasizes Olaf Feuerborn, Chairman of the Board of UNIKA. “Especially in light of current and future challenges, the exhibition will highlight how innovative and high-performing the German potato industry truly is.”

Together, the two exhibitions aim to create a shared platform for growers, processors, and industry experts, reinforcing their importance within modern European agriculture.

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.

Kenya is moving with clear intent to reshape its agricultural future through the launch of the World Agriculture Forum country council

The initiative reflects a growing commitment to modernise farming by bringing together innovation, investment and collaboration across the entire agricultural value chain.

At its core, the council is focused on improving productivity while helping farmers adapt to a changing climate. With rising pressure from unpredictable weather, population growth and strained supply systems, the country is looking for practical ways to increase both the quality and volume of food production. The aim is not only to grow more, but to do so in a way that is sustainable and resilient.

A strong emphasis has been placed on the use of advanced technologies. Tools such as artificial intelligence and bioengineering are expected to support farmers in making informed decisions and improving overall farm performance. Better seeds, smarter planning and efficient resource use are all part of this shift towards more intelligent farming systems that balance productivity with environmental care.

The council is also designed to close the gap between policy and real farm practices. By encouraging closer cooperation between government bodies, researchers and agribusiness leaders, it seeks to turn ideas into measurable results. This includes boosting yields, raising farmer incomes and strengthening rural communities over time.

Equally important is the focus on partnerships and local innovation. By connecting scientists, investors and policymakers, the platform creates space for knowledge sharing and tailored solutions that reflect Kenya’s unique agricultural landscape. It also opens doors for farmers to access global expertise and new markets.

Support for farmers remains a key priority. The initiative promotes access to finance, training and modern tools, ensuring that innovation is not out of reach for those working on the ground. Collaboration between public and private sectors, along with strong local engagement, will be vital to making these efforts successful.

Looking ahead, Kenya plans to build a scalable model for agricultural growth by 2028, signalling a shift from planning to real action in the sector.

The demand for advanced coolant technology is growing steadily across the world as industries evolve and machinery becomes more sophisticated

Efficient cooling is now a key requirement rather than an added feature, playing a vital role in maintaining performance, ensuring safety and extending the lifespan of engines and equipment.

A major factor behind this growth is the continued expansion of the automotive sector. With more vehicles being produced and used globally, the need for dependable cooling systems has increased. Modern engines, including hybrid and electric models, operate under higher temperatures and require specialised coolants that can deliver improved thermal control. This has encouraged manufacturers to focus on creating more durable and efficient coolant solutions that can meet changing engine demands.

Industrial development is also contributing to the rising demand. Equipment used in manufacturing, construction and agriculture relies heavily on effective cooling to function smoothly. As industries move towards more advanced and high capacity machinery, the need for high performance coolants becomes even more important. These modern fluids are designed to offer better heat transfer, protect against corrosion and last longer, helping businesses maintain efficiency and reduce downtime.

Sustainability is another key factor shaping the direction of the market. With stricter environmental regulations in place, there is a clear shift away from traditional chemical based coolants towards safer and more eco friendly alternatives. Bio based and recyclable coolants are gaining popularity as industries aim to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining performance standards.

Innovation continues to drive progress in this field. New coolant formulations, including organic acid and hybrid technologies, are being developed to improve durability and reduce maintenance needs. These advancements not only enhance performance but also help lower long term operating costs.

However, challenges remain. The cost of producing advanced coolants can be high, and fluctuating raw material prices may slow adoption in some regions. At the same time, the rise of electric vehicles is changing cooling requirements, creating both uncertainty and new opportunities for manufacturers.