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This new partnership builds on previous efforts between the three companies to test and promote digital technologies that improve productivity.

Agriculture

Seibu Kaihatsu Nosan Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Corporation, and Sumitomo Corporation Tohoku Co., Ltd. have announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing sustainable agricultural practices and revitalising regional farming in Japan’s Tohoku region

This alliance focuses on improving food production, supporting local farmers, and promoting the use of smart farming technologies. The collaboration will focus on four key areas:

The first project aims to improve productivity and efficiency in agriculture by introducing smart farming technologies. These technologies, which include IoT-based work tracking, automated machinery, and agricultural drones, will be showcased through demonstrations to farmers across Tohoku. The goal is to help farmers achieve stable food production by adopting these innovations.

This initiative focuses on supporting farmers with consulting services and training programmes. The companies will collect and analyse data from farm machinery and smartphones to help improve operational efficiency. By leveraging their expertise in farmland management, they aim to sustain and grow regional agriculture, even in the face of a declining and ageing farming population.

The third project will work on enhancing the agricultural supply chain. By linking producer data with food processing and distribution companies, the alliance will help farmers better manage market fluctuations and improve product quality. The project also includes support for post-harvest activities such as sorting and drying, which will benefit producers and the entire distribution network in the region.

The fourth area of focus involves the adoption of environmentally sustainable farming practices. The partners will demonstrate and promote the use of eco-friendly agricultural inputs and cultivation systems, with an emphasis on reducing environmental impact. They also plan to explore the practical application of a carbon credit programme to further boost sustainability.

Japan’s agricultural industry is facing a critical challenge, with the number of farmers halving in the last 20 years. In 2023, the average age of Japanese farmers stood at 69. Additionally, nearly 10% of Japan’s farmland is abandoned, with over 420,000 hectares left unused.

Seibu Kaihatsu Nosan, one of Japan’s largest agricultural corporations, manages about 1,000 hectares of farmland and has already been leveraging smart technologies for more efficient farming. By offering services such as spraying, harvesting, and drying on behalf of neighbouring farmers, the company is helping maintain the vibrancy of regional agriculture.

This new partnership builds on previous efforts between the three companies to test and promote digital technologies that improve productivity. Their expanded collaboration aims to address the pressing issues facing agriculture in Tohoku, driving both technological innovation and regional revitalisation.

The campaign’s goals are to reaffirm European dairy’s reputation for high-quality products.

Agriculture

In 2024, Irish dairy exports to Asia surpassed €440 million, highlighting Ireland's growing role as a key supplier of high-quality dairy products

To build on this success, the European Union and Ireland have launched a €3.2 million campaign, titled “European Dairy – Ireland, Where Nature Meets Science”. The campaign, co-funded by the EU, is designed to strengthen partnerships in Asia and ensure sustainable, traceable dairy ingredients for the region's growing nutrition market. Running until 2028, it will focus on building supply resilience and fostering long-term trade relationships in Singapore, China, and Vietnam.

Singapore was chosen as the regional hub for the campaign due to its central role in Asia’s food innovation ecosystem. The country’s world-class food safety standards and research infrastructure make it an ideal location to connect Europe’s dairy industry with Asia’s demand for sustainable ingredients. This collaboration also allows Europe to meet the evolving needs of Asia’s volatile global food market.

Sarah McGrath, Ambassador of Ireland to Singapore, said, “This campaign is a symbol of Ireland’s commitment to strengthening the bridges between Europe and Asia. By launching in Singapore, we are reinforcing not only a vital trade relationship but also our shared pursuit of innovation, research, and sustainable development in food. Ireland’s expertise in science-driven agriculture, combined with Asia’s leadership in food innovation, creates an opportunity to deepen trust and collaboration across sectors. This initiative reflects the spirit of partnership that will define the future of our cultural and economic ties.”

Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, is spearheading the campaign, aiming to connect Irish producers with partners in key global markets. With offices in locations such as Singapore, Shanghai, and Tokyo, Bord Bia facilitates trade links and drives long-term collaborations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.

Lisa Phelan, Director for Southeast Asia and Australia at Bord Bia, said, “Ireland’s grass-fed, sustainably produced dairy, supported by Origin Green, our pioneering national food and drink sustainability programme, brings provenance, quality, and science-driven innovation—but we cannot achieve impact alone. By collaborating with Singapore, which combines technological expertise, research capabilities, and regional market knowledge, we can secure Asia’s nutrition future with dairy that is trusted, traceable, and future-ready. This campaign exemplifies how Europe’s strengths and Asia’s innovation ecosystem can come together to drive sustainable, long-term food solutions."

Ireland leads Europe in sustainable dairy production, with 90% of its herds grass-fed, a unique distinction globally. Additionally, 95% of Irish processors are enrolled in Origin Green, the independently verified sustainability programme, highlighting Ireland’s commitment to quality and traceability. The country is ranked second globally in the Food Security Index, further reinforcing its role as a reliable supplier.

The campaign’s goals are to reaffirm European dairy’s reputation for high-quality products, provide traceable ingredients, and strengthen connections between Singaporean firms and European innovation pipelines.

Innovations in Agri-Food to Watch in 2025. (Image Credit: Asia-Pacific Agri-Food)

Event News

The Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit is set to take place from 4–6 November 2025 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

As part of the Singapore International Agri-Food Week, the summit will bring together key players from across the agri-food industry—ranging from global corporates and start-ups to investors, researchers, and policymakers. It serves as a vital platform for building partnerships and showcasing new technologies that aim to reshape food systems across the Asia-Pacific region.

This year’s summit will focus on twelve central themes that tackle some of the sector’s most urgent challenges while highlighting new areas of growth and innovation. Topics such as Global Market Access and Climate-Smart Food will lead the agenda, with attention on developing sustainable farming practices and opening up new regional trade opportunities.

Other themes include Breeding Better Ingredients, which connects upstream scientific research with scalable food production, and Next-Generation Proteins, with a strong spotlight on precision fermentation and alternative protein innovation. The summit also turns its focus to High-Impact Crops like rice and oil palm, aiming to improve productivity from cultivation to distribution.

Environmental responsibility features heavily, with in-depth discussions on reducing Carbon, Methane, and Nitrous Oxide emissions throughout the food chain. In terms of financial inclusion, the summit will explore Agricultural Finance innovations such as digital credit and insurance tools that support smallholder farmers.

Investment will be a key theme, looking at how Innovative Investment models—combining venture capital, corporate investment, and philanthropic funding—can help scale agri-food tech across the region. Other core areas include Functional Nutrition, Biotech Innovation, and Upcycling Biomass, all focused on health, sustainability, and efficient use of resources.

The summit also emphasises Measurable Impact, encouraging agri-food businesses to build stronger ESG frameworks, even in complex and evolving markets. Together, these themes reflect a united commitment to building a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable food system for the future of the Asia-Pacific.

African Farming

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Telematics enhances efficiency and uptime for seed research. (Image source: ALMACO)

ALMACO Telematics is a next-generation system delivering remote access to real-time machine data—boosting efficiency, performance, and uptime for seed research professionals

Available on both the R1 Single-Plot and R2 Twin-Plot Research Combines, it’s the only telematics offering integrated specifically for seed research, reinforcing ALMACO’s leadership in precision agtech.

With insights into numerous machine parameters, the platform provides deep visibility into settings, location, diagnostics, software, and performance. This empowers fleet managers and researchers to easily monitor and optimise machine use for peak operational output.

Maximising uptime through smart diagnostics

A key feature of ALMACO Telematics is its remote diagnostics and repair capability, protecting uptime and reducing disruptions. Over 30% of service issues can be resolved remotely, removing the need for a field technician and delivering cost-effective value.

Simplified software upgrades

The system enables remote software updates, ensuring machines stay up to date without site visits. This reduces downtime and maintenance costs while supporting continuous tech improvement.

Enhanced fleet oversight

From their desks, managers can track machine performance and advise operators to refine seed trial accuracy. Telematics interfaces can also be remotely customised to support the specific goals of different research operations, improving data precision and machine functionality.

A smart investment for research operations

By reducing field calls, improving uptime, and enhancing resale value, ALMACO Telematics offers a strong return on investment. With its real-time oversight and proactive maintenance tools, seed research professionals can operate with confidence and lower costs.

“The integration of ALMACO Telematics marks a significant step forward in precision seed research,” said Mat Titus, service director at ALMACO. “By offering real-time data access and remote diagnostics, we are enabling researchers to focus on what matters most—developing the next generation of seed innovations.”

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Grid List

Crops

New crop varieties have already been introduced, including drought‑ and disease‑resistant wheat.

Agriculture

China is stepping up its efforts in crop breeding and seed variety regulation in order to improve agricultural resilience, productivity, and innovation

On 29 August, the Seed Industry Management Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), together with its Science & Technology Development Centre and related bodies, held a national conference in Chongqing to address these issues. New crop varieties have already been introduced, including drought‑ and disease‑resistant wheat, machine‑harvestable corn, and high‑oil, high‑protein soybeans.

However, MARA identified problems such as imitative breeding and variety homogenisation-where many seed varieties are too similar and offer little distinct benefit. To tackle this, MARA called for “targeted and robust measures” to eliminate imitation, encourage genuine innovation, and remove seed varieties that lack market value. A variety management action plan is in place, aiming to improve germplasm utilisation, speed up breeding innovation, tighten trial and approval procedures, phase out underperforming varieties, and strengthen protection of plant variety rights. The plan aims to reduce “inflation” in approved varieties and seriously address variety homogenisation within three years.

At the same meeting, China unveiled the National Crop Germplasm Resources Management and Sharing Platform, a digital tool that gives access to over 300,000 germplasm resources across 26 crops like rice, maize, soybean, wheat and vegetables. The platform provides information about access paths, supplying institutions, and sharing status, helping breeders and researchers find and use these materials more efficiently. MARA said it will work to improve the platform's search functions and accelerate exchange of high‑quality resources.

Implementation is expected to involve stronger coordination between national and provincial agencies, clear deadlines, and concrete measures. MARA emphasises that the action plan must be carried out in a “checklist‑based, closed‑loop manner” to ensure all tasks are completed and deliver tangible results.

Together, these efforts represent China’s resolve to modernize its seed sector, support original innovation, and ensure variety offerings are meaningful and useful. With stricter regulation, enhanced breeding innovation and better use of germplasm, China hopes to dramatically improve how new seed varieties are developed, approved, and supplied to farmers.

This new partnership builds on previous efforts between the three companies to test and promote digital technologies that improve productivity.

The campaign’s goals are to reaffirm European dairy’s reputation for high-quality products.

Livestock

Automation is increasingly essential to manage labour shortages, enhance precision, and meet hygiene and welfare standards.

Poultry

The poultry farming equipment market is expected to grow steadily over the next decade, rising from a value of US$4.0bn in 2025 to around US$7.1bn by 2035

This reflects a CAGR of 6.0%, driven by increased global demand for efficient, scalable, and sustainable poultry production systems.

As demand for poultry-based protein grows, both developed and developing markets are investing in smarter and more automated systems. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on solutions that improve feed efficiency, water conservation, hygiene, and biosecurity. The integration of intelligent technologies, such as IoT-enabled monitoring and predictive maintenance, is playing a key role in transforming poultry operations.

In particular, the watering and feeding systems segment is set to dominate the market by product type, accounting for 22.5% of the market share in 2025. These systems are vital for flock health and are now widely adopted in both broiler and layer production. Advanced features like sensor-based regulation and adjustable flow have helped farms reduce waste, cut labour costs, and improve biosecurity.

The chicken segment continues to lead by poultry type, with a projected market share of 65.0% in 2025. Chicken farming remains popular globally due to its fast production cycles, low input costs, and high efficiency. Equipment manufacturers are tailoring solutions to meet the specific needs of chicken farms, especially in export-driven and urban markets. Vertical integration and demand for traceable, high-quality poultry products are also fuelling investment in standardised, scalable equipment for chicken production.

By mode of operation, automatic systems are expected to take the lead, holding a 48.0% share in 2025. Automation is increasingly essential to manage labour shortages, enhance precision, and meet hygiene and welfare standards. Automatic feeding, egg collection, climate control, and waste management systems are now core to modern poultry farms. Integration with digital platforms and data analytics tools further boosts their value in achieving consistent performance and compliance.

Government initiatives in emerging economies are also contributing to market expansion, particularly in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa. These initiatives support local farming enterprises and promote automation for increased productivity. At the same time, developed countries are focusing on next-generation farming systems that balance output with sustainability and welfare.

As consumer awareness grows around food safety, animal welfare, and environmental impact, the trend towards cage-free systems and eco-friendly equipment is gaining momentum. With ongoing innovation and rising global demand for poultry products, the poultry farming equipment market is well-positioned for continued expansion.

The event brought together over 300 industry experts. (Image credit: Sigenergy)

From striking plumage to reliable egg production and friendly temperaments, there’s a breed suited to every need.

Equipment

A new front axle improves ride comfort and tightens the turning circle, while retaining the compact dimensions that define this range. (Image credit: New Holland)

Equipment

The latest New Holland T7 Standard Wheelbase (SWB) tractors bring impressive advancements to the 180-225hp segment, offering enhanced efficiency, smoother operation, and cutting-edge technology

A new front axle improves ride comfort and tightens the turning circle, while retaining the compact dimensions that define this range. Additionally, the T7 SWB tractors now sport the striking Dynamic Blue colour, which will feature across future New Holland models.

“We’ve completely reimagined the key design features of the T7 Standard Wheelbase tractor range,” said Manfred Pfleger, Global Product Manager at New Holland. “Significant upgrades include a new cab design, a new operator interface and armrest, and a more compact front end. These changes aim to boost productivity and performance while ensuring greater comfort and control.”

One notable achievement is the T7.225 with Dynamic Command transmission, which set a new benchmark at the German DLG test centre. It achieved best-in-class PowerMix fuel efficiency in its power class, using just 243g/kWh. The new front axle, available in both standard and heavy-duty versions, features dual accumulators for a faster, smoother response. It also reduces the turning circle by 17%, improving headland turns and making the tractor more manoeuvrable.

Despite having the same 2,789mm wheelbase as previous models, the new T7 SWB tractors can now handle a maximum permissible gross vehicle weight of 13.5t and a higher maximum payload of 5.5t, making them leaders in their segment. The sloping bonnet enhances forward visibility and houses the Stage V FPT NEF 6.7-litre engine, which boasts a 750-hour service interval. Fuel and AdBlue/DEF capacities have been increased to 350 litres and 48 litres, respectively. The NEF engine’s new power curve delivers maximum power at a lower engine speed, reducing both fuel consumption and noise.

The T7.180, T7.190, and T7.210 models can be specified with the new 3x1-range Auto Command CVT, while the T7.225 offers a choice between Dynamic Command and Auto Command transmissions. These new transmissions deliver improved performance, with the Dynamic Command providing 24F/24R speeds and the Auto Command offering a 55kph top speed.

For greater comfort and productivity, the T7 SWB tractors feature an upgraded operator interface, including a new SideWinder armrest, IntelliView 12 touchscreen display, and refined CommandGrip multifunction handle. The cabin is more spacious, with improved climate control, expanded storage, and better accessibility to hydraulic and electrical connections.

As standard, all models come with Connectivity Included, enabling data-driven efficiency and remote dealer support for updates and diagnostics.

UC7 Plus helps farmers and crop service providers lower inputs. (Image Credit:

This collaboration integrates their platforms, offering users the ability to monitor and track their assets. (Image credit: Razor Tracking)

Technology

Enhance Agricultural Resilience with Solar Energy.

Infrastructure

The SoLAR project, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), is entering its second phase, aiming to deepen agricultural resilience and climate transformation in smallholder farming

Launched by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the initiative runs from July 2025 to December 2029 and expands its geographical and thematic focus, now incorporating Ethiopia and Kenya, while continuing its work in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Building on the success of its first phase (2019–2024), SoLAR looks to scale solar energy solutions for agriculture and position them as a replicable and scalable model for climate-resilient agriculture across the Global South.

In its first phase, SoLAR focused on generating evidence, piloting innovative financing models, and influencing policy to integrate solar-powered irrigation systems (SIPs). These solar pumps have proven effective in mitigating climate impacts by replacing diesel pumps and promoting sustainable groundwater usage. “Across the four South Asian countries, we have seen promising steps toward scaling solar irrigation sustainably and inclusively,” said Darshini Ravindranath, Project Lead and Research Group Leader at IWMI. The project has helped governments in Bangladesh and India integrate solar irrigation into national strategies, while in Nepal, it led to a significant policy shift, including revised subsidy criteria supporting women farmers and smallholders.

Key outcomes include the promotion of gender-sensitive policies, innovative financing such as micro-financing and grants, and the adoption of solar irrigation systems that reduce carbon emissions, conserve groundwater, and support high-value crops. IWMI’s work also extended to grid-connected solar irrigation in Nepal, enabling farmers to sell surplus energy, providing them with additional income streams while promoting responsible groundwater use.

In phase two, SoLAR will expand its reach to East Africa, focusing on scaling solar-powered solutions for irrigation, cooling, and processing. With Kenya and Ethiopia facing climate and energy challenges, the project sees solar technology as a transformative tool for boosting year-round agricultural production and enhancing food security. Muluken Elias Adamseged, Deputy Country Representative at IWMI in Ethiopia, remarked, “Scaling solar-powered irrigation, cooling, and processing can boost year-round production, cut losses and costs, and enhance food security.”

The second phase aims to drive an integrated approach with evidence-based policy design, accelerated funding for solar adoption, enhanced capacity building, and the establishment of Living Labs to test solar solutions in diverse settings. The program will directly benefit smallholder farmers in India, Bangladesh, Kenya, and Ethiopia by improving water and energy security, reducing emissions, and enhancing resilience to climate risks, according to Philippe Sas, Head of Cooperation for SDC in India.

These technologies also make farming more accessible for younger generations.

Technologies can improve farming efficiency and strengthen the supply chain.

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