From 27 to 30 January 2026, Messe Essen will once again become the beating heart of the global green industry as it hosts IPM ESSEN 2026.

The world-leading trade fair will bring together the entire horticultural value chain, offering a comprehensive look at plants, technology, floristry, garden features and the emerging trends shaping the horticultural future. This upcoming edition places strong emphasis not only on new products, but on the strategic transformation of the industry itself.

Visitors will explore how horticulture can embed sustainable business practices, harness the growing influence of artificial intelligence, captivate modern consumers and attract the skilled professionals and young talent the sector urgently needs. As Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen, explains, “IPM ESSEN is the place where the green sector collectively tackles global challenges – in a practical, international and inspiring way. Our visitors experience not only trends but also viable solutions – from climate-resilient plants and new training concepts to sustainable technology.”

With around 1,400 exhibitors from 45 countries expected, the fair will serve as a major platform for ordering, networking and knowledge-sharing. Familiar industry leaders such as Florensis, Scheurich, Soendgen Keramik and Koopman International will return, showcasing the innovative products and services that continue to shape international horticulture. As in previous years, the exhibition grounds will be fully occupied and clearly organised by theme, ensuring smooth navigation for professional visitors.

The plant halls will display the sector in all its diversity—from perennials and young plants to herbs, balcony plants and cut flowers. A core focus will be plants that can withstand the realities of climate change, including drought-tolerant and heat-resistant species. Hall 2 will welcome the Gardener Forum, offering expert lectures on production, marketing and technology. A new highlight, the Wood Arena in Hall 7, will explore future-proof tree assortments for cities, forests and private gardens, alongside biodiversity-enhancing hedges. Messe Essen will also host the Green Cities Europe Award for the second year, celebrating impactful urban greening projects. Additionally, the Landgard Order Days | Spring Edition return in Hall 1A, providing a compact, inspiration-filled ordering platform.

Technology remains central to the future of horticulture, and IPM ESSEN 2026 will showcase cutting-edge solutions in automation, digitalisation and resource efficiency. The Horticultural Technology Innovation Center in Hall 4 will present forward-looking approaches to energy saving, water optimisation and logistics. The Cannabis.NET special area, led by the University of Hohenheim, will give insight into scientific developments in cannabis research. Hall 4 will also host the Horticultural Information Center, featuring practical demonstrations on peat-free substrates, biostimulants and novel cultivation techniques, and will present the IPM Novelties Showcase, awarding the top plant innovations on the first day.

Country pavilions from across Europe, Asia and the Americas will highlight global expertise and trade opportunities, with participation from Turkey, France, Denmark, Italy, the UK, Poland, Portugal and Israel. A stronger focus on the next generation will be seen through Training Day, the Careers + Future Forum, and the debut Young Entrepreneurs Day, featuring a keynote by musician and entrepreneur Joey Kelly.

Alongside the fair, the Congress Center Essen will host the BdB seminar and the “GaLaBau Outlook” congress, offering professional insight into urban greening and landscape architecture.

South African agritech pioneer SwiftVEE has successfully raised approximately US$10.1mn in a Series A funding round, marking a significant milestone in its mission to modernise livestock trading through technology.

The investment round was spearheaded by African venture capital firm HAVAÍC and private equity firm Exeo Capital. Notably, former Old Mutual CEO Iain Williamson also participated, bringing a wealth of financial services experience. Existing investors, including fund managers Mike Kirsten and Carlo Dickson, along with private investment vehicle Zire Africa, joined the round, signalling strong confidence in SwiftVEE’s growth potential.

Founded in 2019, SwiftVEE specialises in digital livestock auctions, connecting buyers and sellers of cattle, sheep, goats, and game through online and live-streamed events. To date, the platform has facilitated over US$100mn in annual livestock and game sales through hundreds of auctions, proving the scalability and efficiency of its model.

With this new funding, SwiftVEE plans to expand across Southern Africa, targeting markets in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, while also aiming to grow its international reach via buyer syndicates in North America, Europe, the UAE, Asia, and Australia.

Beyond livestock trading, the startup intends to integrate fintech, insurance technology, and data-driven solutions into its platform. SwiftVEE aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem for farmers — providing access to digital finance, insurance services, data analytics, and other tools that simplify and secure agricultural value chains.

The company already operates PrysWys, an online marketplace for agricultural inputs where farmers can purchase essentials like fertiliser, feed, seed, and fuel. Earlier this year, SwiftVEE partnered with Nedbank Agribusiness to embed financing into the agriculture value chain, allowing farmers to purchase inputs through the platform with integrated credit solutions.

This approach reflects a broader trend across Africa’s agritech sector, where digital services and finance are increasingly embedded into agricultural platforms to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability.

According to CEO Russel Luck, connecting fragmented value chains has revealed opportunities beyond livestock: “The success of connecting fragmented value chains through the platform has revealed opportunities beyond livestock in other industries where similar inefficiencies exist.”

SwiftVEE’s journey from a simple livestock auction platform to a fully integrated agritech-fintech ecosystem demonstrates the growing convergence of agriculture, technology, and finance across Africa. With rising input costs and pressure on traditional value chains, platforms like SwiftVEE are positioning themselves as key drivers of a more inclusive, efficient, and digitally-enabled agricultural economy.

Ghana is set to establish itself as Africa’s premier "food nation," fuelled by substantial government investments in agriculture. This transformation is being driven by ambitious infrastructure developments such as irrigation systems, state-of-the-art warehouses, and advanced processing facilities.

These initiatives form part of a broader economic strategy to boost food production, create job opportunities, and address food insecurity not just in Ghana, but across the entire African continent.

In a recent address, President Nana Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in the country’s agricultural future, stating, “We are on track to make Ghana the food hub of Africa, able to feed the rest of the continent.” This statement reflects Ghana's commitment to enhancing the entire agricultural value chain, from cultivation through to food processing and export. Akufo-Addo also highlighted the long-term benefits of this strategy, noting that it would enhance food security, industrialisation, and economic growth across the nation.

Central to Ghana’s agricultural revolution is the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme. This flagship initiative has delivered critical support to farmers by providing fertilisers, seeds, and technical expertise, resulting in significant increases in crop production. The president praised the programme, saying, “Our policies have transformed agriculture, with production levels increasing significantly across various crops.” The PFJ is not only improving yields but also fostering an environment where sustainable agriculture can thrive.

The surge in food production has opened new doors for employment, especially among the youth. Traditionally, agriculture in Ghana was perceived as a sector for older generations. However, thanks to modern, technology-driven farming practices, young people are increasingly seeing agriculture as a promising and profitable career path. Akufo-Addo noted, “The youth of Ghana are increasingly turning to agriculture as a viable and lucrative career,” adding that the government’s backing has made this shift possible, reducing youth unemployment in the process.

To reinforce its position as a leading food producer, Ghana is also investing in infrastructure to streamline food distribution. The focus is on enhancing transportation, storage, and processing systems to optimise the food supply chain and minimise post-harvest losses. Moreover, the government is strengthening the link between farmers and markets, ensuring that food production aligns with consumer demand and national requirements.

Beyond securing food for its citizens, Ghana aims to leverage its agricultural success for regional economic growth. By increasing food production, the country plans to become a key supplier to other African nations, boosting regional trade and integration. “Our goal is to ensure that Ghana becomes a leading food supplier for Africa,” the president concluded, solidifying Ghana’s aspirations as a major player in Africa’s food economy.

In summary, Ghana’s future as Africa’s food hub looks increasingly certain. Through strategic investments, innovative policies, and a deep commitment to agricultural growth, Ghana is preparing to lead the continent in food production, not only meeting its own needs but also supporting its neighbours.

Case IH is set to make a strong impression at Agribex 2025 in Brussels, highlighting its commitment to Belgian farmers with a full display of innovative tractors, advanced precision technology, and next-generation equipment.

Taking place from 3–7 December, the exhibition will see Case IH presenting models from the compact Quantum range right through to the powerful Optum, ensuring every farming sector is represented. Visitors to Hall 6, Stand 6200, will also witness the Belgian debut of the refreshed 100–117hp Farmall C tractors.

The latest Farmall C line-up has been updated with customer-focused features, offering a choice between the familiar 24F/24R ActiveDrive 2 transmission or a new 12F/12R ManualDrive option, equipped with a clutchless electronic power shuttle. For specialist tasks, operators can add eight creep speeds, expanding the range to 20F/20R. Both transmissions now benefit from the ActiveClutch brake-to-clutch system, designed to improve ease of control, especially during intensive loader work. Supporting this, Case IH’s new factory-fitted L635 mechanical self-levelling front loaders provide an impressive 2.0t lift capacity and reach of 3.8m.

A major attraction will be the Puma 185, representing the newly introduced generation of Puma tractors. Featuring contemporary styling, improved front axle suspension and tighter turning capability, it brings enhancements across transmission performance, braking efficiency and rear implement connectivity. The stand will also showcase a Puma 220, equipped with dual narrow wheels, tyres and a central tyre inflation system supplied by Gruva designed specifically for the needs of root crop growers.

Case IH’s presence continues with the compact Farmlift 626 telescopic handler, capable of lifting 2.6t to 6.0m, and the RB456 Rotor Cutter baler, known for producing high-density variable-chamber bales up to 1.65m with either 13 or 25 knives. The brand will also engage visitors through special initiatives. “We’ll also have a special focus for Ladies’ Day on Thursday, December 4,” said Matthias Claerbout, Marketing Manager Benelux for Case IH.

“This initiative underscores our dedication to shaping a future where women in agriculture thrive – empowering them with technology, and opportunities to lead the industry forward. In addition, we are supporting the Workshop Live project from Thomas More school, providing Case IH machines for live workshop activities by students, underlining our belief in the next generation of engineers.”