Event News

The DLG Spotlight 'Organic Farming' will shed light on organic crop production. (Image source: DLG)

With a wide-ranging programme focused on organic arable farming, the DLG Feldtage 2026 is all set to return at the International DLG Crop Production Center, Bernburg, from 16-18 June, exploring the theme 'Crop Production out of the Box'

The event will explore the use of ridge cultivation systems in organic farming as a concept for resilient and economically viable arable production. There will be information on organic markets and insights for organic farmers, new entrants as well as conventional farmers entering the organic farming segment. Demonstration farms specialising in organic agriculture will present innovative operational models on-site.

The DLG Spotlight 'Organic Farming' at the 2026 Feldtage will shed light on organic crop production. Trial plots will feature regionally adapted crops, and field vegetables, demonstrating their role within viable regional value chains.

A complete crop rotation will illustrate the potential of stockless organic farming systems in dry regions. There will be demonstrations and exchanges on mechanical weed control in spring crops using a hoe with 45 cm row spacing.

Agroforestry is another key theme, with demonstration plots showcasing establishment methods and the benefits of agroforestry systems in arable farming.

Ridge cultivation offers new approaches for both organic and conventional farming. In addition to classical ridge crops, farmers can grow cereals, legumes, maize and other crops using ridge systems.

This approach is characterized by loose soil structure with stable crumb formation, improved root development and enhanced soil water management.

Beyond crop management, the DLG Spotlight “Organic Farming” also provides insight into technical innovations, using Vitatill technology as an example. Key focuses include:

precise shallow cultivation (flat or contour-based), deep strip loosening below plough or cultivator layers, partial seeding and advanced mechanical crop care.

The machinery demonstrations at the DLG Feldtage will feature seven thematic areas with a total of 66 machinery combinations.

Key topics include soil-friendly and efficient tractor operation, mechanical weed control using harrows in spring durum wheat and using hoes in maize; deep non-inversion tillage before drilling; direct seeding and strip-till systems in cover crops and stubble,

The FarmRobotix area will showcase field robots in practical use, providing an overview of the current state of development of autonomous agricultural systems. All demonstrations are led by expert commentary and will take place live once per day during the event.

VIV Europe will unite the animal protein production and processing industry.

VIV Worldwide has confirmed the presence of HRH Prince Carlos of Bourbon de Parme, who will be delivering a speech during the opening ceremony of VIV Europe 2026 and the Cities Leading Food System programme that is set to take place from 2-4 June in Utrecht in the Netherlands

Prince Carlos' presence will add to the significance of the trade exhibition's 25th edition as the animal protein production and processing industry returns for advancing knowledge sharing, innovation and international exchange.

Uniting the global feed to food supply chain, VIV Worldwide has partnered with Cities Leading Food Production to advance collaborations motivated largely by food security and agricultural resilience. These are designed to produce robust, regional and regenerative food systems in cities and regions in the EU, Africa, the Middle East and the world at large.

Prince Carlos will highlight the urgency of sustainable food production by integrating the modern agrifood systems. He will also mention key drivers in shaping future food systems, including innovation, resilience, sustainability, and the role of cities and international collaboration.

The 25th edition of VIV Europe comes at an influential time of increasing demand. The event will see exhibitors, industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, producers and innovators to Utrecht for an insightful edition focused on the future of local, regional, global agrifood production.

VIV Europe 2026 will mark the key factors redefining global food production.

Exploring what drives today's global feed-to-food chain, the VIV Europe 2026 returns this year with the theme, 'Showroom of the World' from 2-4 June at Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs in Utrecht, The Netherland

Recognised widely by suppliers and producers as the World Expo from Feed to Food, the event's 25th edition will mark the key factors redefining global food production. The protein transition and sustainable protein sources; digitalisation, artificial intelligence and robotics in farm operations; animal health and welfare, and climate-smart agriculture remain the four driving factors in this year's edition. 

As the event moves to a biennial cycle henceforth, Natalie Taylor, project manager, VIV Europe, said, "Twenty-five editions only happen because of the people who show up. VIV Europe is where the industry comes to see what's next: new technologies, new solutions, new connections. The energy and ambition this year have never been greater."

This year, the presence and opening speech of Bourbon de Parme's HRH Prince Carlos will enhance the event's global reach and significance in addressing sustainable food production, innovation, and resilience.

Participants can choose across more than 70 conference sessions in this year's VIV Europe, with topics ranging from AI-driven farm management and smart feedmill automation to antimicrobial resistance, and international trade dynamics. Knowledge partners include Wageningen University & Research, Rabobank, the World Poultry Science Association (WPSA), the World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA), and the Netherlands African Business Council (NABC), among others.

The programme also features the official launch of the Poultry Forward Kazakhstan initiative by the Dutch Poultry Centre, a significant new Dutch-Kazakh industry collaboration, and a dedicated multi-day strand, Cities Leading Food Production, positioning urban communities as active drivers of food system change.

Visitors can register in advance at europe.viv.net/registration to secure their pass ahead of the show. 

Producer profitability took centre stage during panel discussions. (Image source: Grain SA)

True to its theme 'Resilience through Innovation', Grain SA's 2026 NAMPO Harvest Day highlighted the economic realities facing South African grain producers as the country's agriculture industry continues to move forward despite challenges

While the sector evolves, experts observed that producer profitability, long-term competitiveness and practical market solutions will be the key factors driving change. 

The shifting price-cost dynamics between rising production costs and producer income are redefining profitability as broader food security and economic stability issues that surpass farming.

Producer profitability took centre stage during a panel discussion titled 'To Farm or Not to Farm: The Economic Reality', facilitated by Theo Vorster and featuring Grain SA chairperson, Richard Krige, Hansie Viljoen, Jaco Minnaar and Japie Grobler.

A central question posed to the panel asked, “If you were starting today, would you choose to farm -- and what would need to change for that answer to be yes?”

Panellists agreed that tackling climate change has been a big challenge for the agricultural sector, which has also adversely impacted the economy at large. Improved profitability, more predictable policy frameworks, stronger logistics systems, expanded market opportunities and greater long-term investment certainty were established as the needs of the hour.

“We cannot separate sustainability from profitability,” said Krige. “If producers are not profitable, investment slows, succession becomes uncertain, and food security is placed at risk.”

Throughout the day, Grain SA also highlighted the urgent need to improve market access and move surplus grain more efficiently through export channels and value-chain development.