Event News

Field preparations begin for PotatoEurope 2026 and New SugarBeet Expo (Image credit: PotatoEurope)

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.

DLG Feldtage 2026 to showcase practical crop protection for modern farming

The DLG Feldtage 2026 event is set to take place from 16 to 18 June at the International Crop Production Centre in Bernburg, Germany

Recognised as one of Europe’s leading field based events for crop production, it will bring together farmers, experts, and industry leaders to explore practical approaches to modern crop protection. The event will focus on helping farms make informed decisions through real world demonstrations and direct exchange with specialists.

Arable farming is facing growing pressure. Resistance among weeds and pests continues to rise, while key chemical solutions are steadily being withdrawn. At the same time, new pest challenges are emerging, making crop protection more complex than ever. Farmers are now expected to rely on a broader approach that combines crop rotation, soil management, careful variety selection, and precise use of crop protection products.

For decades, chemical crop protection has played a major role in securing stable yields, especially in highly specialised farming systems. However, this approach is becoming less reliable. The number of available active ingredients is shrinking, and resistance in weeds such as blackgrass is increasing. With strict approval processes across Europe and fewer new products entering the market, farmers are left with limited options.

This shift is pushing agronomic practices back into focus. Methods such as flexible soil cultivation, improved seedbed preparation, and adjusted sowing dates are becoming essential tools. Crop rotation is once again a key strategy, as diversifying crops can reduce the spread and dominance of problem weeds. Choosing competitive crop varieties and maintaining strong field hygiene also play an important role in long term success.

The DLG Feldtage 2026 event will highlight how these strategies work in practice. With around 300 exhibitors and more than 60 live demonstrations, visitors will see a wide range of solutions, from advanced spraying systems to mechanical weed control and integrated farming approaches. Interactive sessions, expert talks, and discussions will provide valuable insights into efficient and practical farming methods.

The event also offers a platform to explore future technologies, including digital tools, smart spraying systems, robotics, and artificial intelligence. By encouraging open dialogue between farmers and experts, the event aims to support farms in improving productivity, using resources wisely, and preparing for future challenges in agriculture.

IFTEX 2026 signals strong confidence in a changing global floriculture market (Image credit: IFTEX)

The International Flower Trade Exhibition returns to Nairobi from 2 to 4 June 2026 with a renewed sense of purpose and growing industry confidence

After a record setting edition in 2025, this year’s event is expected to welcome more than 200 exhibitors for the first time, highlighting both the resilience of the sector and the rising importance of East Africa in the global flower trade.

Last year’s event at the Visa Oshwal Centre brought together 189 exhibitors from 18 countries. Building on that success, IFTEX 2026 reflects an industry that continues to invest in growth despite uncertain global conditions. Companies across breeding, production, logistics, and postharvest solutions still view the exhibition as a key platform for meaningful business connections.

The event takes place at a time when international trade faces ongoing pressure. Supply chains remain unpredictable, freight costs shift frequently, and currency fluctuations continue to affect planning. Yet these challenges have only increased the value of meeting in person. For many businesses, 2026 is a crucial year for making decisions that will shape future competitiveness, and IFTEX offers a space to assess risks and build reliable partnerships.

Participation at record levels sends a clear message that the industry is moving forward rather than waiting for stability. Breeders will introduce new varieties that meet changing consumer demand, while growers will present improved quality and consistency. Service providers are expected to focus on efficiency, sustainability, and smarter logistics.

Kenya remains central to this global story. As one of the leading flower producing nations, it offers buyers direct access to high quality products, innovative growing methods, and strong export capabilities. The continued growth of IFTEX reflects confidence in the country’s role within the international market.

Sustainability and innovation will once again shape discussions. From environmental standards to digital solutions, the sector is adapting quickly to meet both regulatory demands and market expectations.

IFTEX 2026 arrives at a defining moment. It is not just an exhibition but a place where decisions are made, connections are strengthened, and the future of floriculture begins to take shape.

African Agri Investment Indaba Heads to Durban (Image credit: African Agri Investment Indaba)

Africa’s agricultural sector continues to face a serious funding shortfall, estimated between US$65bn and US$80bn each year, with current investment covering less than a third of what is needed

Against this backdrop, the 2026 African Agri Investment Indaba set out a clear message that the focus must shift from small scale trials to real, lasting expansion.

Taking place in Durban from 16 to 18 November 2026, the event centred on the theme: "Scaling for Impact: Transforming Private Sector Commitments into Zero Hunger Realities."

Organised by the African Agri Council, the Indaba highlighted that while the platform has successfully linked investors with agricultural projects over the years, the real challenge now lies in turning those connections into measurable outcomes. With the United Nations goal of Zero Hunger by 2030 fast approaching, the urgency to act has become impossible to ignore.

Across the continent, many agricultural ideas have shown promise but failed to grow beyond limited reach. Projects often succeed on small farms or within tight communities, yet struggle to expand to the level required to feed entire populations. The issue is not innovation, but the ability to scale it effectively.

There was also a strong emphasis on the gap between promises and delivery. While private sector pledges have increased, they have not always translated into actual funding or implementation. The Indaba aimed to bridge this divide by encouraging practical deals and structured investment pipelines rather than broad commitments.

To tackle these challenges, the 2026 event introduced four focused forums addressing key parts of the value chain, including market access, trade finance, agro processing infrastructure, and executive leadership. Each session was designed to remove barriers that prevent growth, from limited access to buyers and funding to weak logistics and operational challenges.

Following feedback from the previous year’s event in Cape Town, the programme was reshaped to include more direct investment opportunities. New formats such as Investment Discovery Sessions and a dedicated Lenders Lounge created space for real business discussions between financiers and agribusinesses.

Durban was selected as the host city due to its strong transport links and growing infrastructure, making it a strategic hub for agricultural trade. With early registration already open, the event was expected to attract a wide mix of investors, business leaders, and industry experts, all focused on turning ambition into action.