Manila, Philippines

VIV Europe 2026 is set to be a landmark event as it celebrates its 25th Edition and reinforces its position as one of the most influential agrifood exhibitions in the world.

Backed by strong international partnerships and near sell out momentum, the event returns to where the VIV Worldwide journey first began, bringing together the global feed to food community at a crucial moment for the industry.

Organised by Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs and VNU Europe, the 2026 edition not only honours VIV Europe’s rich legacy but also signals a forward looking strategy. The organisers have confirmed that from 2028 onwards, VIV Europe will move to a two year cycle, with the next edition scheduled for June 2028. This shift aims to provide greater continuity, consistency and long term value for exhibitors and visitors alike.

“VIV Europe is evolving with the strength, consistency and international depth that the industry has been asking for,” said Jeroen van Hooff, President and CEO of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs and VNU. “Europe needs a reliable and forward-looking agrifood platform to connect strategy, technology and business. VIV Europe 2026 will meet that need and the new two-year rhythm from this year on will provide in the epicenter of Europe, the continuity and momentum that our exhibitors, partners and global community deserve.”

The anniversary edition will welcome around 600 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations, technologies and machinery across the agrifood value chain. An estimated 20,000 international visitors are expected in Utrecht, one of the world’s leading hubs for agricultural innovation. The programme will be supported by major partners including Rabobank, Wageningen University, the World Poultry Science Association and Common Source, alongside a full week of industry focused activities under the banner of VIV Week.

Poland has been named Country of Honor for 2026, reflecting its status as the leading poultry producer in the European Union and a rapidly growing exporter. Special sessions, delegations and matchmaking activities will spotlight Poland’s dynamic role in animal protein production.

With more than 97 percent of exhibition space already sold, VIV Europe 2026 clearly demonstrates strong market confidence. As Europe’s agrifood sector faces rapid technological change, sustainability demands and global competition, VIV Europe stands out as a vital platform connecting innovation, trade and real business opportunity.

A World Bank Implementation Support Mission is currently taking place in Monrovia as part of ongoing oversight of the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project, one of the country’s most important investments in food security, jobs and coastal economic growth.

Led by World Bank Task Team Leader Ngao Mubanga, the mission is focused on reviewing progress, strengthening technical delivery and ensuring that planned activities under the project are completed on time and to the required standard. The project is being implemented by the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, commonly known as NaFAA.

According to an official statement, the mission is assessing a range of priority investments that span infrastructure development, fisheries value chains, institutional strengthening and private sector participation. Among the major activities under review are preparations for a modern fisheries complex, progress under the aquapreneurs incubation programme and renovation works at NaFAA’s regional headquarters in Harper, Maryland County.

The aquapreneurs initiative stands out as a key livelihood programme under the project. It is expected to conclude with the competitive allocation of fiberglass fishing canoes, aimed at improving safety at sea, modernising artisanal fishing methods and boosting productivity for small scale fishers.

“The objective of this mission is to ensure that implementation remains aligned with agreed standards and that project benefits are delivered efficiently to Liberians who depend on the fisheries sector for their livelihoods,”  Mubanga said, underlining the World Bank’s focus on results driven development.

The mission is also reviewing efforts to establish a dedicated call centre to strengthen the Fisheries Information Management System, which supports data based decision making and monitoring of fishing activities. Alongside this, progress is being made on a Public Private Partnership framework to attract private investment into fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure.

Other components under review include construction of a 1.2 kilometre access road, as well as development of a 10 Year Fisheries Strategic and Investment Plan for 2026 to 2035. The plan is expected to be launched at the National Fisheries Investment Conference on March 30 and 31, 2026, by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.

During the mission, the World Bank team will visit canoe manufacturing sites, meet beneficiaries of the Women’s Empowerment Grant Programme and inspect the Klay Fish Hatchery in Bomi County to ensure quality, community impact and environmental compliance.

“These field engagements are critical,” a NaFAA official noted. “They allow both the Bank and the implementing agency to directly hear from beneficiaries and ensure that investments are meeting community needs while respecting environmental standards.”

The Licensed Cocoa Buyers Association of Ghana has issued a strong warning over growing financial pressures in the cocoa sector, urging the government to urgently secure a funding facility to support the purchase of about 300,000 metric tonnes of cocoa between now and September.

The association said delays in financing are placing licensed buying companies under severe strain and could eventually lead to the collapse of the cocoa buying system if no immediate action is taken. It stressed that any funds raised must be strictly reserved for cocoa purchases, noting that the primary responsibility of the Ghana Cocoa Board is to buy cocoa beans produced by farmers.

Addressing a press conference in Accra, the Executive Secretary of LICOBAG, Victus Dzah, said uncertainty around the current farmgate price of cocoa was worsening anxiety across the entire value chain.

“The government must urgently make a determination on the current farmgate price of cocoa to allay the apprehension of all value chain actors,” he said.

Mr Dzah explained that since the 2023 to 2024 cocoa season, the industry has struggled with serious funding gaps following COCOBOD’s failure to secure its usual syndicated loan facility.

“Instead of the usual annual syndication of US$1.3bn or more, COCOBOD was able to raise only $500 million, which was secured six months after the opening of the season on September 8, 2023. As a result, Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) were compelled to pre-finance cocoa purchases through facilities raised from various banks at very high interest rates, with the Ghana Reference Rate standing at 29.8 per cent at the time,” he explained.

According to him, part of the current crisis stems from the COCOBOD and Cocoa Marketing Company off taker shipment arrangement, which he said failed to respond effectively to prevailing market conditions.

“Why should we move from a period of rollovers in the previous season because COCOBOD could not deliver on their contracts, and this season we cannot buy cocoa produced by farmers because our pricing mechanism is not competitive enough?” he asked.

Dzah said traders failed to enter the market early and take advantage of high global prices, worsening the situation. He revealed that COCOBOD only made its first payment for cocoa delivered to the port on January 26, 2024, six months after delivery, despite farmers having already been paid in full by LBCs.

“This unfortunate development pushed all LBCs into huge debts, leading to the total collapse of many companies,” he remarked.

He added that the debt burden continues to grow as COCOBOD has not compensated LBCs for the high interest costs incurred during pre financing, despite earlier assurances.

Calling for reforms, Dzah urged COCOBOD, CMC and traders to adopt more proactive sales strategies, strengthen oversight of trading operations and build professional capacity within the system. He also appealed for an end to what he described as “rhetorics and theatrics”, urging COCOBOD to focus on its core mandate and divest from non essential businesses.

New Holland tractors are set to play a bigger role in transforming agriculture in Kenya following a new partnership between Inchcape and NCBA Group, one of East Africa’s leading financial institutions.

The collaboration focuses on making New Holland’s modern tractor range more accessible to farmers through a flexible and affordable financing solution designed around real farming needs.

The initiative enables farmers to acquire New Holland tractors with financing of up to 95 percent of the purchase value, making advanced machinery attainable for both small and large scale operations. Repayment periods can extend up to 60 months, with options structured to suit farming cash flows. Farmers can choose monthly or seasonal repayments aligned with harvest cycles, helping them manage costs without disrupting day to day operations. The financing package also includes cover for up to two farm implements, allowing farmers to fully utilise the capabilities of their New Holland equipment. To further support customers, each financed tractor comes with one year of free insurance through NCBA Bancassurance, offering reassurance throughout the loan term.

New Holland tractors are known for their durability, efficiency and suitability for a wide range of farming applications, from land preparation to harvesting support. By pairing these machines with tailored financial solutions, the partnership aims to improve farm productivity while reducing the operational strain often associated with equipment investment.

Marion Gathoga Mwangi, Managing Director of Inchcape Kenya, said, “Through this collaboration, we are not just offering financing; we are driving mechanisation, which remains a key pillar in increasing agricultural productivity and efficiency. When farmers have access to modern, reliable machines, their yields rise, their costs reduce, and their work becomes more rewarding.”

NCBA Group also emphasised the importance of aligning finance with the realities of farming. Lennox Mugambi, Group Director of NCBA Asset Finance and Business Solutions, added, “This partnership with Inchcape Kenya marks a major step in our mission. We aim to support farmers by providing accessible and flexible finance. By matching repayment schedules to the realities of farming, we remove barriers that have held back mechanization. We believe this will empower farmers to boost productivity and improve their livelihoods across Kenya.”

The programme brings Inchcape’s Accelerate+ strategy to life by combining high quality New Holland products with value added services such as financing and insurance. By improving access to trusted machinery, the initiative supports sustainable agricultural growth and creates long term benefits for farming communities across Kenya.