In The Spotlight
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The ARA sprayer now supports over 20 crop algorithms, offering unmatched precision. (Image source: Ecorobotix)
Swiss Certified B Corporation and sustainable Agtech leader, Ecorobotix recently announced 10 new beta crop algorithms for its AI Plant-by-Plant software
These algorithms which are now available for testing by ARA users, help in enhancing the ARA ultra-high precision sprayer's capabilities, thereby broadening the range of supported crops and enabling more farmers to reduce plant protection products and advance sustainable practices. Ecorobotix's latest software update (5.01) can be used for a wide variety of crops including broccoli, cauliflower, cotton, soy, sweetcorn and dicot weeds in wheat among others.
Clients with an ARA sprayer can access these crop algorithms free of charge for a limited time. While still under refinement, they allow users to contribute valuable feedback for improving agronomic performance. By using these beta features, farmers gain early access to innovative tools while supporting the evolution of our precision technology. These solutions have been optimised to deliver exceptional accuracy across diverse field conditions, reducing chemical use while maintaining effective crop care. The Carrot and Dock + Thistle (for Grasslands) algorithms, successfully beta-tested in 2024, are now available as paid features.
The ARA sprayer now supports over 20 crop algorithms, offering unmatched precision for herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, fertilisers, and bio stimulants. With up to 95% reduction in chemical use, the technology empowers farmers to achieve sustainable practices without compromising productivity. Flexible alternatives like the All-Green or Row algorithms are available for crops not yet covered.
Ecorobotix’s innovations are now accessible in 15 European countries including Canada, South America, the US and New Zealand, expanding sustainable farming solutions globally.
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The WFP Innovation Accelerator supports bold and transformative solutions to address food insecurity. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Leader in soil and water conservation technology, Desert Control AS has been selected to join the United Nations World Food Programme’s (WFP) Innovation Accelerator SPRINT Programme
Our participation in this programme aims to pilot the innovative Liquid Natural Clay (LNC) technology in Iraq, focusing on sustainable food production and efficient water resource management. Funded by a grant from the WFP Innovation Accelerator, the six-month pilot will be executed in collaboration with Desert Control’s regional partner, Soyl and the WFP Iraq Country Office. The project will target the enablement of agricultural cultivation under harsh desert conditions at a site managed by the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture’s Department of Forestry and Combating Desertification. The initiative aims to demonstrate LNC's capacity to improve soil health, reduce water consumption, and convert low-value agricultural land into fertile areas suitable for high-value crops.
"Iraq has been grappling with environmental challenges such as drought, desertification, and water scarcity, which jeopardise food production and community livelihoods," said Ole Kristian Sivertsen, CEO of Desert Control. "Being part of the WFP Innovation Accelerator Programme enables us to develop a blueprint for drought response and resilience, utilising our innovation to transform degraded land into fertile soil. By enhancing agricultural productivity under water-limited conditions, we empower communities to manage their resources sustainably and contribute to global food security."
The WFP Innovation Accelerator supports bold and transformative solutions to address food insecurity. Its SPRINT Programme (Sustainable Product Innovation & Technology) offers seed funding, hands-on project management and access to WFP’s expert networks. Desert Control’s involvement aligns with WFP’s mission to eradicate hunger and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger).
"By leveraging innovative solutions like Liquid Natural Clay, we aim to tackle the root causes of food insecurity while building resilience in regions most affected by climate change and resource scarcity," said Bernhard Kowatsch, head of the WFP Innovation Accelerator. "We look forward to Desert Control and Soyl joining our programme to explore the potential of this technology to unlock sustainable food production."
Kashif Shamsi, group CEO of Mawarid Holding, parent company of Soyl, expressed: "As a group deeply committed to the conservation of natural resources, we are honored to work with Desert Control and WFP as the implementation partner for this groundbreaking initiative. This innovation programme holds immense potential to create lasting impact, transforming how communities in arid regions can sustainably cultivate their lands and achieve food security, which can become a global blueprint for solutions to end hunger."
The project plans to demonstrate the innovation’s impact on agricultural crops, including olive trees, pistachio, and windbreak varieties in sandy soils, with performance monitored against designated control areas. Success metrics encompass reduced water usage, improved tree survival rates, and observable plant and ecosystem health enhancements.
"Through participating in this programme, we aim to demonstrate how marginal land and sandy soils can be transformed into productive agricultural land, contributing to food security and sustainable economic development," Sivertsen added. "Our mission is clear: soil health leads to healthy plants with less pressure on natural resources, which support healthy food, healthy people, and, ultimately, a healthy planet. We aim to make earth green again by delivering innovations that secure the future of humanity and the resources we depend on, and we are proud to work with the WFP team to drive meaningful impact on this mission."
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VIV Asia 2025, the premier international trade show for the animal protein production and processing industry is set to return in March this year. (Image source: VNU Europe)
With over 150 curated sessions led by 300 industry experts, VIV Asia 2025 provides an unparalleled platform for knowledge building and networking
VIV Asia 2025, the premier international trade show for the animal protein production and processing industry is set to return this year in co-location with Meat Pro Asia and Horti Agri Next (HAN) Asia, with an expanded focus on sustainable solutions. This year’s edition will feature a series of high-level seminars that will address pressing challenges in modern livestock production, including disease prevention, regenerative agriculture, and biosecurity. These seminars will provide a platform for in-depth discussions, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among industry professionals, all with the shared goal of shaping the future of animal farming.
150 seminars, 300 industry experts
With over 150 curated sessions led by 300 industry experts, a major emphasis of VIV Asia 2025 will be on disease prevention and biosecurity, where speakers will present cutting-edge strategies for controlling infectious diseases, mitigating risks, and enhancing farm biosecurity to ensure resilient livestock production. The seminars will offer insights into the latest scientific developments, policy frameworks, and technological innovations designed to protect animal health and minimise the risk of disease outbreaks.
Another key focus will be on regenerative agriculture within animal farming, with thought leaders exploring sustainable farming practices that enhance soil health, foster biodiversity, and optimize resource efficiency. Discussions will highlight the economic and environmental benefits of regenerative approaches, along with real-world case studies that demonstrate their effectiveness.
Smart tech and alternative protein
The role of smart technologies and precision farming in advancing livestock management will also take center stage. Industry leaders will delve into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and automation in improving productivity, optimising resource use, and reducing environmental impact. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how these innovations can be integrated into existing farming systems to drive efficiency and sustainability.
Feed innovation and alternative protein sources will be another critical topic, with a focus on the latest developments in animal nutrition. Experts will examine alternative feed sources that not only enhance sustainability but also improve animal health and productivity. The discussion will cover advances in feed formulation, nutrient efficiency, and novel protein alternatives.
Conference highlights to watch out for
Poultry Sessions take center stage, offering highly sought-after insights into industry developments. Experts will discuss key trends, technological advancements, and market patterns, alongside critical updates on the fight against avian influenza. Dedicated sessions will also explore trade opportunities, current market challenges, and strategies for success. Session highlights include: International Poultry China Forum – Featuring speakers from Rabobank and China Agricultural University on 11 March and The first World Native Poultry Conference – Organised and hosted by the World Poultry Science Association (WPSA) on 12 March.
Attendees can also watch out for these key talks lined up at VIV Asia 2025, and plan their schedules accordingly to avoid missing any of the sessions on high demand: Aquatic Conference, AgriBITs, Shaping the Future of Local Dairy Markets, Biotechnology Innovation for Health Promotion and Sustainability Improvement in Animal Farming, and Smart Insect-Driven Feed Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture, among many others! More details regarding the specific locations, dates, and times can be found on the VIV Asia website under the Conference Programme section.
Birgit Horn, managing director at VNU Europe shares, “VIV Asia 2025 represents a critical opportunity for industry stakeholders to access the latest knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate on innovative solutions that will shape the future of animal farming. These high-level seminars and conferences will provide an unparalleled platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient industry.”
Onsite registration costs €15 or THB 600. Register online for **Free Admission** before 11 March at: www.vivasia.nl / www.meatpro-asia.com / www.hortiagrinext-asia.com
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HSW ECO MATIC® 6ml _ 10ml (for injection, oral and pour-on application)
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Novonesis will vertically integrate the complete value chain of the Alliance, adding dsm-firmenich’s sales and distribution activities alongside its existing product innovation and production capabilities. (Image source: Novonesis)
Novonesis has signed an agreement with dsm-firmenich to take over the sales and distribution activities of the Feed Enzyme Alliance in exchange for a total cash consideration of US$1.5bn
This acquisition aligns with Novonesis’ growth strategy and expands its presence across the animal biosolutions value chain. Financially, this transaction is accretive to revenue growth, adjusted EBITDA margin and adjusted EPS excl. amortisation, with attractive revenue synergies.
Novonesis will vertically integrate the complete value chain of the Alliance, adding dsm-firmenich’s sales and distribution activities alongside its existing product innovation and production capabilities. The fully integrated business will be better equipped to serve existing and new customers with strong insights into core markets and product technologies enhancing R&D and unleashing further innovation.
Through the successful combination of Novozymes and Chr Hansen, Novonesis is now an industry leader in animal biosolutions with one consolidated go to market model and leading technological know-how. With this transaction Novonesis will have a greater customer reach and a broader offering of market leading biosolutions, combining enzymes and probiotics, for both animal nutrition and health. This acquisition will accelerate Novonesis’ sales growth of animal biosolutions by a low-single-digit CAGR above market growth.
“The Alliance has been a great success for both companies, establishing a global leadership position in feed enzymes," said CEO of dsm-firmenich, Dimitri de Vreeze. I am confident that this business will continue to thrive under the leadership of Novonesis, and I am pleased that the long-term commercial relationship with our Animal Nutrition & Health business will continue.”
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The company's egg flow control systems offer a comprehensive and groundbreaking approach to smart egg collection. (Image source: Hotraco Agri)
Global leader in innovation farm automation, Hotraco Agri recently announced its participation in the 2025 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) scheduled to take place from 28-30 January in Atlanta, Georgia
Hotraco Agri will present three next-generation products and systems developed to optimise every aspect of farm management, setting new industry standards in egg flow control. These groundbreaking solutions are designed to boost efficiency and profit, enhance animal welfare, and simplify operations.
The company's egg flow control systems offer a comprehensive and groundbreaking approach to smart egg collection, setting new standards for optimising processes at both barn and farm levels. At the barn level, the new Antares Egg controller ensures smooth egg flow by synchronising belt speeds, reducing shell damage, and minimising labour requirements. Equipped with a user-friendly 7-inch touchscreen, it provides real-time insights into egg production with 99.5% accuracy, making it easy to monitor and adjust operations as needed.
For organisations with multiple barns, the Fortica MAX - centralised egg collection (CEC) solution elevates egg flow management by coordinating outputs across barns. This system adjusts for production fluctuations, ensuring a consistent flow to centralised processing points. The result is reduced downtime, less egg breakage, and more efficient packing and grading. Both integrate seamlessly into new or existing farm setups and operations and offers specialised solutions for barn and farm-level egg flow control.
Attendees can feel free to meet experts available at Booth B18042 to provide demonstrations and discuss tailored solutions for farming operations.
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Monarch MK-V tractor demonstrating V2G through Borg Warner DCFC and Gridtractor CMS. (Image source: Gridtractor)
Gridtractor, Monarch Tractor, and Borg Warner have achieved a significant milestone by successfully demonstrating Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities utilising a Monarch MK-V tractor, a Borg Warner 60 kW DC fast charger, and Gridtractor’s cloud-based charge management system employing the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP)
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Westfalia Fruit’s sustainable dye extraction on display at Fruit Logistica 2025. (Image source: Westfalia Fruit)
Global leader in the avocado industry, Westfalia Fruit has partnered with Efficiency Technologies to develop the most recent development—an innovative technology that specialises in the extraction of a natural, sustainable dye from avocado stones
This marks a significant advancement in total crop utilisation. The process extracts perseorangin, a rare and sought-after natural pigment from avocado stones collected at Westfalia's UK facility. The pigment offers eight distinct shades ranging from light yellow to rich reddish-brown, creating new opportunities for sustainable colouring solutions across multiple industries. The specialised extraction method isolates perseorangin, which constitutes approximately 3% of the avocado stone, and processes it into a dried powder form, offering extended shelf life.
Besides the dye extraction, remaining materials from the avocado skins and stones are also processed into additional valuable products. For example, starches are directed to paper manufacture as a precursor to packaging production, while ground materials find applications in cosmetics as natural exfoliants, as alternatives to micro-plastics.
The natural dye extraction process represents a significant advancement in sustainable practices, particularly as industries increasingly seek alternatives to synthetic dyes. The powder format ensures stability and ease of use across various applications, while the range of the eight distinct natural shades offers versatility for different product requirements. This innovation comes at a time when consumer demand for natural, sustainable products continues to rise across fashion, beauty and packaging sectors.
The commercial potential and versatility of the natural dye have already been demonstrated through several high-profile applications. The company's integrated operations ensure efficient collection and processing of avocado stones and skins from multiple production sites, which will help to maximise the sustainable impact of the initiative and builds upon Westfalia's commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles.