Visitors will explore how horticulture can embed sustainable business practices. (Image credit: IPM ESSEN)

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.

EIMA International has established itself as one of the world’s most influential exhibitions for agricultural and gardening machinery.(Image credit: EIMA)

EIMA International has established itself as one of the world’s most influential exhibitions for agricultural and gardening machinery.

Held every two years in Bologna, Italy, the event is organised by FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, alongside BolognaFiere. Since its launch in 1969, EIMA has grown into a major platform for manufacturers, industry experts, and buyers seeking the latest advancements in agro-mechanical technology.

The exhibition draws a diverse international audience, with companies from across the globe presenting cutting-edge machines and equipment. Delegates from more than 80 countries attend each edition, underscoring the event’s global reach and economic relevance. Hosted across an impressive 375,000 m², including 122,000 m² of dedicated exhibition space, EIMA offers visitors unmatched access to innovations that are shaping the future of farming.

EIMA International is organised into 14 distinct merchandise sectors, covering every aspect of modern agriculture. These range from engines, irrigation systems, soil-working and sowing equipment to harvesting machinery, crop protection technologies, components, and transport solutions. The structure of the fair allows visitors to explore the full agricultural supply chain in one location.

Alongside the main sectors, EIMA features several highly specialised themed showcases that highlight emerging trends. EIMA Components focuses on essential parts and accessories, while EIMA Green offers a hub for garden machinery and green-space maintenance tools. EIMA Energy is dedicated to renewable power for agriculture and forestry, and EIMA Idrotech spotlights advanced irrigation and water-management systems. One of the most forward-looking areas is EIMA Digital, where exhibitors present precision-farming technologies, electronics, and digital systems designed to boost efficiency and sustainability.

To enhance the visitor experience, the event is divided into two phases. The opening days are set aside exclusively for business professionals, enabling targeted networking and commercial negotiations. The remaining days welcome a wider audience, including gardening enthusiasts and small-scale growers.

In recent years, EIMA has hosted around 1,750 exhibitors from approximately 50 countries, displaying more than 60,000 models of machinery and equipment. Its scale and reputation firmly position it as a leading global event for agricultural machinery, landscaping technologies, and green innovation.

Africa’s leading agri investment Indaba returns to Cape Town in 2025. (Image credit: African Agri Investment)

The 8th Annual African Agri Investment Indaba, recognised as one of the continent’s foremost platforms for agricultural investment and collaboration, is set to return to the Cape Town Convention Centre from 24–26 November 2025.

This year’s gathering will focus on the urgent quest for a resilient, food-secure, and self-sustaining Africa under the forward-looking theme, “The New World Order: A Self-Sufficient Africa.”

As global supply chains continue to face disruption and geopolitical pressures intensify, the Indaba serves as a timely response to calls from the G20 Agriculture Working Group for stronger, more autonomous agri-food systems. The event is expected to draw over 800 attendees, including more than 80 industry leaders, 50+ international investors, and senior representatives from agribusiness, agro-processing, financial institutions, government departments, and agricultural technology firms representing over 50 countries.

Across the three-day programme, delegates will participate in an array of high-level discussions, expert-driven panels, and practical case-study sessions designed to examine how private-sector investment can drive agricultural transformation across Africa. A key highlight again this year is the Indaba’s well-established B2B matchmaking platform, which allows delegates, sponsors, and exhibitors to pre-arrange targeted business meetings. The previous edition facilitated more than 300 high-value meetings, underscoring the platform’s effectiveness in fostering meaningful partnerships.

In addition to the knowledge-sharing sessions, the Indaba will showcase a dynamic exhibition area featuring leading agri-solution providers, ag-tech innovators, and regional investment opportunities. Exhibitors will benefit from direct exposure to decision-makers, while businesses seeking new markets will have access to a strong pipeline of potential partners across the continent.

Hosted by the Agricultural Council of Africa, the event continues to be supported by a strong network of strategic partners and sponsors committed to advancing sustainable, commercially viable, and scalable agriculture in Africa. The Indaba remains a vital meeting point for stakeholders working to enhance food systems, expand trade, and build long-term agricultural resilience across African nations.

A Hub for global collaboration. (Image credit: VIV MEA)

VIV MEA 2025 is set to return to Abu Dhabi from 25–27 November, bringing together an impressive showcase of international agricultural innovation.

Held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), this year’s event will feature dedicated pavilions from the United States, France, and Korea—each presenting technologies designed to strengthen the Middle East’s food security, boost sustainability, and improve efficiency across the animal protein supply chain.

American Pavilion: Advancing Regional Food Security

With the support of the U.S. Commercial Service, the American Pavilion will unite 20 leading suppliers offering solutions across the full animal production spectrum. Exhibitors will present innovations in feed ingredients, livestock genetics, poultry production technology, feed processing systems, grain storage, and more.

Madison Martin, VIV North American Representative at IMEX Management, emphasises that the USA Pavilion highlights technologies that enhance sustainability, productivity, and biosecurity. Both long-standing suppliers and first-time participants will introduce advancements in animal health, feed efficiency, and production technology responding directly to the region’s rising need for reliable and efficient food production systems.

French Pavilion: Leading Innovation Across the Value Chain

The French Pavilion will host 28 companies, including five exhibitors making their debut at VIV MEA. Covering farm equipment, breeding, feed solutions, processing technology, and veterinary care, the pavilion underscores France’s strong reputation in high-quality agricultural systems.

Anne-Marie Brault, Operational Activities Project Manager at Business France, notes that French exhibitors offer solutions rooted in quality, durability, and innovation. A key trend this year is the use of plant-based and natural products, including probiotics and phytotherapy, to enhance animal health.

Highlights include Agri Réseaux International’s ARIonline market intelligence platform; Difagri’s DIFATOX, which blends yeast and plants to combat mycotoxins; Laboratoires ACI’s AGRICHOC TOTAL; SIPENA’s protected potassium carbonate for supporting cows under heat stress; STI Biotechnologies’ METALAC Postbiotic; and Technivet Equine’s phytogenic and bioresonance-based animal health products.

Korean Pavilion: Advanced Veterinary and Diagnostic Solutions

Organised by the Korea Animal Health Products Association (KAHPA), the Korean Pavilion will feature 11 companies specialising in vaccines, diagnostics, and veterinary pharmaceuticals. Gee-Myung Kim, Team Leader of KAHPA’s Planning Department, explains that Korean exhibitors aim to deepen partnerships in the Middle East and Africa by offering “proven quality veterinary medicine.” Korean companies will present poultry vaccines including those targeting Newcastle Disease—advanced diagnostic systems, and functional formulations that strengthen immunity and energy metabolism to boost livestock productivity.

Recognising the region’s diverse species, Korean exhibitors will also showcase specialised products for camels, racehorses, and companion animals.

A Hub for Global Collaboration

Together, the American, French, and Korean pavilions will provide a comprehensive platform for industry professionals to explore new technologies, connect with global manufacturers, and build long-term partnerships that support the region’s agricultural advancement.