Eritrea is preparing to become a member of the African Plant Protection Convention. (Image source: Ministry of Information Eritrea)

Eritrea took part in the 19th annual meeting of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures, held from 17-21 March in Rome

The Commission on Phytosanitary Measures is the governing body of the International Plant Protection Convention, established by member countries to oversee the progress of its subsidiary bodies toward the Convention’s objectives.  

Tekleab Misghina, Director General of Regulatory Service at the Ministry of Agriculture, and Asmerom Kidane, Eritrea’s Deputy Permanent Representative at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, represented the country at the meeting. According to the Public Relations Office of the Ministry of Agriculture, Eritrea is preparing to become a member of the African Plant Protection Convention.

Ulrich Feiter, SABPA board member. (Image source: Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa 2025)

Taking place from 28-30 March at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa 2025 is set to delight showgoers with an all-encompassing programme of insightful talks, panel discussions, and experiential sessions

With a focus on the Southern African organic sector, the expo will kick off on 28 March, with a conference opened by chief director economic sector support at the Western Cape Economic Development, Ilze van Schalkwyk. This will be followed by Matt Purkis, joint operations at the South African Organic Sector Organisation (SAOSO), setting the scene for the region’s botanical industry.

A key highlight of the event will include two panel discussions moderated by the project manager and management consultant, Avril Harvey. Board members of the Southern African Botanical Products Association (SABPA) featuring the trio Ulrich Feiter, Dr Thomas Brendler and Suzette Trevor, will introduce the organisation and discuss indigenous plants alongside Access and Benefit Sharing frameworks. Dr Brendler will share insights on market access for Southern African botanical products, drawing on his extensive research and affiliations with global organisations like the American Botanical Council.

Two panel discussions along with additional sessions will take place on the first day, covering practical topics such as getting listed in South African retail and effective financial management. The day will throw light on the Russian organic sector, while featuring an international perspective with the deputy head of RussQuality, Aleksandr Chumak.

29 March will deep dive into global trends and innovative solutions shaping the organic industry. From exploring the global development of the halaal food industry and certification processes, sharing expertise on sustainability in the mushroom industry and exploring new approaches to pain relief using PEA, curcumin, and quercetin, to unpacking the importance of gut health, the second day of the event will round off with a focus on health, technology and global trade. 

On the final day of the event, attendees will be invited to a yoga session and Tai Chi demonstration, along with being offered hands-on experience and forward-thinking discussions on experiential learning and future visions. Alexandra Dodd, a campaigner with Plant Based Treaty SA, will share a compelling vision for the future, highlighting South Africa’s role in the global plant-based movement. Dodd, a futurist and advocate for social, environmental, and animal justice, will discuss the impact of initiatives like the Fossil Fuel Treaty and the Plant Based Treaty on transforming food systems. The day will conclude with a slow food experience, offering attendees a chance to connect over shared values of sustainability and mindful consumption.

The expo which will host more than 100 exhibitors, will span three days, showcasing everything from a wide range of flowers and fresh produce.

Ethiopia’s premier international horticulture and floriculture trade fair, HortiFlora 2025 is set to raise the flower industry’s standards to new heights when it makes a return to Addis Ababa’s Millennium Hall from 1-3 April 2025 

Organised by HPP Exhibitions, this year’s event promises an unmatched convergence of different players in the horticulture and flower industries. The 2025 edition, hosted in collaboration with the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers Exporters Association (EHPEA) builds on two decades of the industry’s growth which has been marked by a consistent expansion and development of flower farming infrastructure, as well as a surge in international investment.

The expo which will host more than 100 exhibitors, will span three days, showcasing everything from a wide range of flowers and fresh produce. A plethora of flowers, vegetables, fruits, and herbs will be on showcase for exhibitors. HortiFlora 2025 offers a rare image of the emerging trends shaping and reshaping the flower and horticulture industries. It plays a role in connecting buyers and other investors directly with suppliers and other industry players in this fast-growing hub.

The event will feature structured networking sessions, buyer-seller meetups and also a farm tour that will enhance visitors' engagement with Ethiopia's growers. These include industry individuals, breeders, growers, suppliers and policymakers. It also presents an effective platform for partnerships that could redefine the flower business course. 

This co-location helps farmers access a variety of tools and knowledge. (Image source: LAMMA)

Aimed at delivering an unmatched experience for farmers and industry professionals, LAMMA and Low Carbon Agriculture, along with CropTec, are set to co-locate for the 2026 exhibition

Over recent years, LAMMA and Low Carbon Agriculture have each grown as stand-alone events with distinct strengths and audiences. While LAMMA has long been recognised as a premier destination for agricultural machinery, innovation, and business networking, Low Carbon Agriculture on the other hand has become a specialised, informative hub, creating a space for learning and networking for forward-thinking farmers looking to reduce their carbon footprint and future proof their business.

The co-location at LAMMA 2026 will combine these strengths, providing exhibitors a unique opportunity to engage with an expanded audience and offering visitors a streamlined experience where they can explore everything the sectors have to offer, all in one place. Key benefits of this co-location include:

1. Uniting farmers: Combining these shows provides a space where industry experts, policymakers, and forward-thinking farmers can come together and strategise for the future.

2. Boosting visitor convenience and efficiency: The co-location offers a consolidated, efficient experience where farmers can connect with both machinery experts, arable and grassland specialists, and low carbon farming specialists, in a single venue, without wasting their time.  

3. Innovation for the future: The combined event ensures that attendees are equipped with actionable strategies and state-of-the-art solutions to help them navigate the evolving landscape of agriculture.

This co-location helps farmers access a variety of tools and knowledge. It also allows visitors to build their knowledge on the latest advancemnets in AI, GHG removal, robotics, gene editing, and controlled environmental agriculture, all under one roof. Moreover, they will also benefit from Low Carbon Agriculture's extensive conference programme, welcoming pioneering thought-leaders in the industry  to provide practical guidance from on-farm experience on sustainability and low carbon practices.