African Island Nations Unite to Shape a Stronger Agrifood Future. (Image credit: FAO)

African Small Island Developing States are stepping forward with renewed ambition to reshape their agrifood systems, strengthen climate resilience and unlock the promise of the blue economy.

From 3 to 5 March 2026, under the theme “Big Ocean States leading the wave of agrifood systems transformation.”, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations will host the African SIDS Solutions and Investment Forum 2026.

The gathering will bring together ministers, parliamentarians, regional institutions, investors, private sector leaders and research bodies to mobilise partnerships and finance for sustainable growth across Cabo Verde, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritius, São Tomé & Príncipe and Seychelles.

African island states face distinct pressures. Their distance from major markets drives dependence on imported food and raises transport and energy costs. Fragile ecosystems are increasingly exposed to rising sea levels, erratic rainfall and powerful storms. Global disruptions in trade, health and geopolitics have added further strain. Yet these nations are also centres of creativity and opportunity. Fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, youth enterprise and digital innovation all offer room for resilient growth.

The Forum will launch a new Ministerial and Parliamentarian Network for African SIDS and present the second phase of the Regional Hand in Hand Investment Initiative. It will also showcase solutions shaped by the Interregional Technical Network. The aim is clear: strengthen cooperation, improve the design of climate smart agrifood and blue economy investments, and attract public and private capital.

Built on detailed technical analysis and wide consultation, the FAO African SIDS Programme focuses on governance, sustainable agrifood systems, blue transformation, stronger value chains, empowerment of women and young people, and innovation. These priorities align with global and African development agendas while reflecting growing regional political momentum.

By connecting credible projects with investors and decision makers, the 2026 Forum seeks to turn evidence into action and ensure that Africa’s island states lead their own sustainable transformation.

Inhouse Farming Feed and Food Show 2026 Set to Drive the Future of Sustainable Food Systems. (Image credit: DLG)

The Inhouse Farming Feed and Food Show 2026 is gathering pace as exhibitor registration opens ahead of its return to EuroTier 2026 in Hanover, Germany.

Taking place from 10 to 13 November 2026, the show will once again form part of EuroTier, recognised globally as the leading exhibition for professional animal farming and livestock management. Organised by DLG, the event continues to strengthen its position as a central meeting point for forward thinking businesses shaping the future of agriculture and food production.

Interest is already building across the sector. Companies working in vertical farming, controlled environment agriculture, alternative protein development, aquaculture, fermentation and smart farming technologies have confirmed their participation. The show provides a practical link between agricultural production and modern food systems, bringing together expertise, innovation and commercial opportunity under one roof.

Running alongside EuroTier, the platform also complements EnergyDecentral, which focuses on decentralised energy solutions. Together, the exhibitions explore how farming, food production and energy systems can connect more efficiently. A strong emphasis will be placed on circular thinking, with many exhibitors presenting concepts that reuse side streams to create additional raw materials. The aim is to develop closed loop systems that are cost effective and resource conscious across the entire value chain.

The 2026 edition will highlight technologies ranging from insect farming and aquaculture systems to bioreactors for fungi and microalgae. Advances in cellular agriculture and innovative inhouse farming methods will also feature prominently. As global demand for reliable and sustainable protein sources grows, organisers expect visitor numbers from overseas to rise further.

Marcus Vagt, Head of Energy, Inhouse Farming and New Foods, DLG, said, “The momentum in the market is enormous. More and more companies are recognizing that inhouse farming is a key component of the food systems of the future. It supports the DLG’s new guiding principle of ‘sustainable productivity growth’, which unites growth and resource conservation. At the same time, inhouse farming enables high product safety because plants and organisms grow in closed, controlled environments – free from climate fluctuations and external influences. This ensures reliable feed and food safety standards."

“Our exhibitors benefit from a highly qualified professional audience, international visibility and an environment that actively promotes innovation. We are delighted with the strong interest already at the start of the registration phase,” Vagt adds.

Following the Hanover exhibition, the Inhouse Farming Feed and Food Convention will take place in Hamburg on 21 and 22 April 2027, continuing the conversation around the future of food and farming.

VIV Europe stands out as a vital platform connecting innovation, trade and real business opportunity. (Image credit: VIV Europe)

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.

IPM ESSEN 2026 Highlighted Innovation in Horticulture. (Image credit: IPM ESSEN)

IPM ESSEN 2026 delivered a clear message of confidence and momentum for the global horticultural industry, bringing together innovation, business and international exchange at a time of continued economic pressure.

Held from 27 to 30 January, the 42nd edition of the world leading horticulture trade fair attracted almost 40,000 trade visitors and reinforced its role as a central meeting point for the sector.

“IPM ESSEN is the central international platform for orientation, exchange and future solutions,” summarised Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen. “Networking within the horticultural industry is essential today – the key to identifying trends early, finding answers together to structural challenges and consistently seizing new opportunities.” Discussions throughout the event reflected uncertain markets, rising production requirements and cost pressures. At the same time, there was a strong sense of determination to shape the future, which drove exceptional interest in new technologies, innovative products and modern sales concepts.

With 1,476 exhibiting companies, IPM ESSEN 2026 recorded a three per cent increase in exhibitors compared to the previous year. This growth was widely viewed as a positive signal in challenging times and a clear indication of industry confidence. The return of several exhibitors further strengthened the fair’s reputation as an international business platform, with more than 85 per cent of exhibitors stating their intention to participate again.

International participation remained high, as 41 per cent of visitors travelled from abroad. The Netherlands formed the largest visitor group, followed by Italy and other European markets, while Great Britain Northern Ireland, Spain and the USA were also strongly represented. The fair continued to serve as a hub for decision making, with 68 per cent of visitors identifying as decision makers and many initiating purchases during the event or planning orders based on contacts made.

The supporting programme was broader than ever, addressing topics such as sustainability, climate resilient plants, peat reduction, urban greening and digital marketing. New formats, including the Woodland Arena, highlighted the growing societal relevance of horticulture. IPM ESSEN 2026 ultimately showcased the industry’s innovative strength and adaptability, setting a confident tone ahead of the next edition scheduled for January 2027.