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For more than 25 years, ICBA has extended its reach to support communities in more than 50 countries. (Image source: ICBA)

The International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) reflects on a journey marked by resilience, innovation and commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture in some of the world’s most harsh environments

Headquartered in Dubai, UAE, ICBA was founded to address the urgent challenges of agriculture in saline and arid environments. Since its establishment in 1999, ICBA has grown from a regional initiative to a global leader in biosaline agriculture and climate-resilient farming solutions.

For more than 25 years, ICBA has extended its reach to support communities in more than 50 countries, addressing pressing global challenges such as food security, water scarcity, and adaptation to climate change. Through its revolutionary research and development, ICBA has helped equip these communities with solutions for sustainable agriculture.

Initially focused on identifying salt-tolerant crops and developing resource-efficient technologies to enable agriculture in water-scarce regions, ICBA today, leads pioneering projects that range from natural resource management and climate adaptation to agri-aquaculture. Moreover, the world’s largest collections of drought-, heat-, and salt-tolerant plants are contained within its genebank

ICBA has also taken part in groundbreaking initiatives including developments such as the Emirates Soil Museum and the Desert Life Sciences Laboratory, each contributing to a better understanding of soil and plant resources in arid climates. Additionally, ICBA has championed the use of climate-resilient crops, like quinoa and pearl millet, to strengthen food security and support sustainable production in arid regions.

With a strong focus on capacity development, ICBA has collaborated with organisations worldwide to empower farmers, scientists, and policymakers with expertise in sustainable agricultural practices. 

As it celebrates its 25th anniversary, ICBA aims to deepen its research, expand its partnerships, and continue building resilient food systems to benefit communities around the world.

The 2024 edition of the only international apple trade show stood out for its high-quality audience, exhibitors and contents. (Image source: fruitecom)

The 13th edition of Interpoma took place from 21-23 November in Bolzano, with figures confirming its runway success  

Being the only international apple trade show, the Interpoma attracts global stakeholders every two years to the Fiera Bolzano. Around 16,000 visitors and 400 exhibitors registered for three days of agricultural and technological excellence under one roof. 

The numerous participants at the events speak to the consolidation of a discerning and high-quality audience consisting of industry experts and visitors. These events were the two-day Congress as well as the nine Interpoma Tours – guided tours for industry stakeholders and the press wanting to discover South Tyrolean best practice. 

The 2024 Interpoma Award was presented by a jury that assessed 16 candidates and went on to reward the most promising technology aimed at reducing carbon footprint, fertiliser and phytosanitary products from being used in an orchard. SporeScout by BioScout emerged as the winner. The technology was recognised for its contribution to extraordinary progress when it came to sustainably managing phytosanitary products to protect the apple orchard.

The Visitors' Choice Award was introduced for this time at the 2024 edition and was presented to Agromanager, which also received an honorobale mention. With more than 700 visitors voting on the first day of the trade show, Agromanager, an efficient digital platform used for running an apple farm's daily business, was recognised for its irrigation and fertilisation system control that enabled information needed for numerous decision-making processes to be transfered to specific areas of the orchard. 

Another new tool called Trapview also received an honorable mention. By monitoring and forecasting which insects can damage orchards, the tool aids crop protection and stands out for its ease of use as well as its agile system that is far better than the longer times required by manual traps. This enables efficient and remote management of the monitoring system by apple-growers and consultancy services. Moreover, the product’s potential to reduce the use of phytosanitary products mirrors the  Award’s criteria, as it forecasts which insects to fight and, therefore, improves the sustainability of apple orchard management. 

“Interpoma is where we discover the trends of the future," said Interpoma Brand Manager, Giulia Montanaro. "The choice to focus on the orchards of the future and showcase unprecedented digital technologies and new growing strategies has paid off vis-a-vis Congress footfall – also thanks to the expertise of speakers and companies from all over the world.” 

The next edition of Interpoma   nis scheduled to be held in November 2026. 

The new Case IH Quadtrac 715 and STEYR Plus models won the 2025 EIMA Tractor or the Year awards. (Image source: CNH)

CNH brands Case IH and STEYR have been chosen as the winners of the 2025 EIMA Tractor of the Year awards 

The jury for this contest which was held in Bologna, Italy comprised a panel of farm machinery journalists from across Europe. 

Following are the winners of the contst:

1. Case IH Quadrac 715: Winner in the HighPower category for models over 300 hp. Assessments were carried out by the judging panel based on areas including engine performance, fuel efficiency, transmission smoothness and reliability. Designed to help the largest farm businesses cover ground as efficiently as possible, while minimising fuel use, labor hours and soil compaction, the new Quadtrac 715 features an FPT Cursor 16 TST twin-stage-turbo engine.

2. STEYR Plus: Launched last year, the 4120 Plus 70-150 hp model has a range of features including a four-cylinder FPT Stage V 3.6-liter engine and S-Control 2 24F/24R powershuttle transmission, that impressed the judging panel. The cab features the familiar STEYR Multicontroller for fingertip operation. For the first time at this power level a full precision farming package can be specified, including STEYR connectivity features for remote recording and monitoring, and S-Guide auto-steering.

“It’s a great honor for our Case IH and STEYR brands to be recognised with these awards," said president, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Carlo Alberto Sisto. "At CNH we are focused on bringing our customers cutting-edge products that boost their productivity and deliver greater profitability. These awards are recognition of our great iron and tech.” 

The awards underscore the essential role butchers play in providing high quality products, while maintaining traditional skills and forward-thinking practices. (Image source: Best Business Cleaver Awards)

The 20th Annual Best Business Cleaver Awards was held from 23-25 October, recognising the most distinguished butchers across South Africa 

This prestigious event brought together industry leaders, business owners, and esteemed guests from across the country, marking two decades of celebrating the nation's top talent in the meat industry. It also saw some of South Africa’s finest butchers receive the coveted Titans Trophy, a symbol of their status as the 'Best of the Best.'

With over 110 years of experience in supplying superior products and equipment for the meat and food industry, Crown National which was proudly announced as the headline sponsor marked a significant milestone for the awards. Their expertise and reputation for quality make them the perfect partner in recognising and supporting the country’s top butchers.

The awards serve as a hallmark of excellence, showcasing those in the industry who have achieved the highest levels of craftsmanship, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. This year’s winners were recognised for their dedication to maintaining the highest quality standards and their ability to adapt to changing market demands. Recipients of this year's Titans Trophy not only represent the pinnacle of South African butchery but also continue to set new standards for service and innovation.

“We are proud to continue celebrating and honouring those who contribute to the strength of South Africa’s butchery industry and serve their customers with excellence,” said Ryan Read, founder of the Best Business Cleaver Awards.

Senegal was chosen due to its ambitious 2050 Vision, forward-looking agricultural policies. (Image source:

Senegal has been chosen as the host country for the world-class Africa Food Systems (AFS) Forum 2025 Summit

After a robust three-month rigorous process, Senegal was chosen among other strong candidate for its forward-looking agri food systems, ambitious 2050 Vision led by the new young leadership, commitment to sustainable food systems transformation that align with the Forum’s mission, the countryworld class event infrastructures, stability and security.  

The country's ambitious 2050 Vision, highlightsits leadership capacity and political will to spearhead agri-food systems transformation not only in Senegal but across Africa. The 2025 Summit is expected to further Senegal’s influence in shaping the future of Africa’s food systems and to inspire new partnerships and investment initiatives across the continent.

Dr Mabouba Diagne, Minister for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock of the Republic of Senegal said that hosting the AFS Forum 2025 Summit is an honour and a powerful endorsement of the nation’s commitment to sustainable agri-food systems. Amath Pathé Sene, managing director of AFS, emphasised the importance of the annual summit for accelerating progress and driving impactful changes. Dr Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA and Co-Chair AFSF Partners Group congratulated Senegal on the selection.

“Our 2050 Vision is centred on building productive, resilient and competitive agrifood systems that not only ensure food and nutrition security for our people but also position Senegal as a leader in agri- food systems innovation on the continent," said Dr Diagne. "Through this vision, we aim to empower smallholder farmers, enhance value chains, and drive sustainable practices that address climate challenges and drive economic growth and markets development through the African Continental Free Trade Area."

The 2025 summit in Senegal is expected to address pressing issues in African agriculture and food systems, with a focus on enabling country Legacy Programmes, supporting MSME growth in the food sector, and promoting strategic partnerships that drive investments, forging the continent agenda.

"We are confident that this platform and year-round activities will help us in delivering our new flagships program such our Municipal Agricultural Cooperatives, drive investments in ouragri food systems policies, insights and collaborations formed in Dakar will leave a lasting impact on food security and sustainability across the continent, paving the way for a prosperous and food-secure Africa,” Dr Diagne added.

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