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MAFF personalities, including Deputy Director-General Katsuhiro Saka. (Image Credit: Hort Innovation)

Crops

Three officials from Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) went to Australia in June to investigate possibilities for counter-seasonal horticulture exports

Their trip included interviews with Australian farmers and horticulturists to evaluate possible future partnerships. The tour included significant MAFF personalities, including Deputy Director-General Katsuhiro Saka, as well as others from other departments. This trip built upon earlier interactions between the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and the horticultural industry, including a successful Australia-Japan Showcase Dinner in Tokyo in March 2025. With exports of US$175.6mn in 2025, Japan is Australia's third-biggest trade partner in horticulture, highlighting the importance of the Japan-Australia connection. Their collaborative seasonal and counter-seasonal nature struck him.

Brett Fifield, CEO of Hort Innovation, said, “Japan is Australia’s third largest trading partner in horticulture, with exports valued at US$175.6mn in 2025. Our partnership in horticulture has been highly complementary and counter-seasonal, allowing us to support each other’s markets effectively, particularly in the months when Japan’s significant domestic horticulture production slows due to offseason.”  

Fifield added, “On this recent visit, we were proud to showcase Australian horticulture, supported by stringent quality assurance programs, first-rate food safety systems, eye-catching branding strategies, and a strong reputation for safe, clean, and innovative agricultural products to our Japanese visitors. Off the back of the visit, one thing is clear: we are deeply invested in each other’s success and building our relationship further, and we look forward to seeing our growers benefit from this opportunity."

Australian horticulture was highlighted during the visit, with an emphasis on food safety and quality assurance to strengthen their image. Among significant exports to Japan are macadamias, table grapes, and oranges. DAFF's Al Campbell remarked that this cooperation strengthens the horticulture industries of both countries, as the visit coincided with a new statement meant to improve Agri-Food Value Chains between the two countries. The goal of the project is to link industry leaders from Japan and Australia so that they can promote relationships, information sharing, and business prospects.

Al Campbell, First Assistant Secretary for Trade and International at DAFF stated, “Japan is an important trading partner for Australia, and this visit has made the collaboration between our respective horticulture industries even stronger. By continuing to engage with our Japanese counterparts, we can support expanded trade opportunities and provide the best outcomes for both Australian exporters and Japanese consumers.”   

Andi Amran Sulaiman signed an MoU with Palestinian agriculture minister Rezq Basheer-Salimia.

Agriculture

Andi Amran Sulaiman, Indonesia's agriculture minister announced a co-management project of 20 thousand hectares of land between Indonesia and Palestine for rice and horticultural crop cultivation, following a signed MoU with Palestinian agriculture minister Rezq Basheer-Salimia

Sulaiman said,“We are preparing 10 to 20 thousand hectares of land for rice fields and horticulture. This is the concern from President Prabowo Subianto for Palestinians."

Sulaiman detailed plans to prepare land primarily for rice and horticulture. He noted Palestine's expertise in water management and drip irrigation technology will enhance agricultural productivity in Indonesia's South Sumatra and Kalimantan regions. Most of the produce, especially rice, is intended for Palestine to support long-term food security and demonstrate humanitarian solidarity. The partnership aims to produce 200,000 tons of rice annually and horticultural yields like tomatoes and garlic. This initiative will encourage technology transfer and resource collaboration, aligning with the vision of food sovereignty and benefiting both nations. Basheer-Salimia appreciated Indonesia's ongoing support for Palestine, underlining the Memorandum of Understanding's role in improving strategic and humanitarian relations across various agricultural sectors.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Indonesian government. Thank you for supporting Palestine in all aspects, especially for supporting the rights of the Palestinian people" said Basheer-Salimia .

 

Unauthorised agricultural medicines can be harmful for the environment.

Fertilizers & Pesticides

The regulatory agency in the Gash Barka area has held food safety workshops for people and animals, focusing on farmers and owners of organisations that provide social services in the sub-zones of Sel'a, Kerkebet, Laelai Gash, Gogni, and Mogolo

During the seminars, Meaze Neguse, an expert in animal resources regulation, cautioned that hazardous food could risk the lives of both people and animals. He stressed the importance of safety and hygiene throughout the whole food production chain, from farm to consumer, and emphasised the close relationship between food safety and environmental protection. He exhorted everyone involved in the food processing and distribution industry to work with regulatory professionals.

Hadish Gebremeskel, a representative of the plant regulatory service, spoke at length about the immediate and indirect negative consequences of misusing pesticides. He aimed at the serious implications of employing unauthorised or harmful agricultural medicines without consulting specialists, noting that these methods are bad for the environment, people, and animals. He requested farmers to switch to organic production methods and utilise only licensed pesticides.

Sub-zone officials, for their part, said that the seminars make a big difference in achieving the objective of "Ensuring Nutritious Food for All and Everywhere." They urged farmers and food processing companies to use the skills they acquired during the training in their regular activities.

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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Crops

The workshop aimed at cross-sector collaboration to build inclusive, tech-enabled climate services.

Food & Commodity

Recently, the Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe (MSD), in partnership with Safe4All Africa and the Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union (ZFU), hosted a five-day workshop to address climate change and food insecurity challenges across Africa

Held in the wake of new weather station installations in Mashonaland East, the event brought together meteorologists, journalists, civil society groups, farmers, and other stakeholders for a focused dialogue on climate adaptation and early warning systems.

The workshop was a collaborative platform to share knowledge, promote climate-smart agricultural practices, and scale innovative technologies that enhance community resilience. Safe4All Africa, a non-governmental organisation founded in January 2024 and operating in Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Ghana, showcased several digital tools designed to help smallholder farmers manage climate risks.

Among the tools introduced were the Uliza-WI Chatbox, an AI chatbot providing localised forecasts and real-time farming advice; the Drop App, which tracks rainfall and sends drought alerts; the Climate Impact Atlas, an interactive platform highlighting high-risk climate zones; and a 24/7 Call Center Line, offering voice-based weather updates and expert support for farmers with limited internet access.

With Africa warming nearly twice the global average, and Zimbabwe increasingly vulnerable to droughts and shifting seasonal patterns, such innovations are crucial. Over 60% of Zimbabwe’s population relies on agriculture, making access to timely, localized climate data vital for national food security.

The Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union played a key role in ensuring farmer participation and emphasised the importance of local engagement. “We believe that technology must be rooted in local realities,” said Prince Kuipa, ZFU Operations Director. “By working closely with government agencies and tech innovators, we can ensure that smallholder farmers don’t get left behind in the climate conversation.”

MSD reaffirmed its commitment to expanding localized forecasting and early warning systems. These efforts align with Zimbabwe’s National Adaptation Plan and Vision 2030, the country’s strategy to achieve upper-middle-income status by the end of the decade.

The workshop concluded with a strong call for cross-sector collaboration to build inclusive, tech-enabled climate services that protect people and the planet.

MAFF personalities, including Deputy Director-General Katsuhiro Saka. (Image Credit: Hort Innovation)

Andi Amran Sulaiman signed an MoU with Palestinian agriculture minister Rezq Basheer-Salimia.

Livestock

The partnership will unlock new avenues for impact across food systems, carbon resilience, and soil health.

Aquaculture

Luminis, a global leader in microbiome intelligence and precision agri-tech solutions, has partnered with Forvis Mazars in India to expand its impact in the aquaculture and soil microbiome sector for agriculture

The partnership will unlock new avenues for impact across food systems, carbon resilience, and soil health. Nalanda Capital Partners, the strategic advisory and capraise arm, facilitated the move.

Rachelle Jensen, CEO of Luminis, said, “By joining forces with Forvis Mazars and Nalanda Capital Partners, we will be able to combine science-backed solutions, powerful industry networks, and catalytic capital to deliver next-gen solutions and rewrite the future of farming.”

The extensive network with Forvis Mazars will enable Luminis to deepen its footprint in India's thriving agri-sector, utilizing its Omni Biome AI platform and deep genomics capabilities to tackle challenges such as soil degradation, yield instability, disease rise, and climate resilience. Luminis is accelerating the deployment of next-gen bioproducts and microbiome-based solutions designed for India's dynamic agri-food systems, leveraging extensive Next Gen Sequencing and AI-driven insights. This expansion will enhance food security and national prosperity, as agriculture and allied activities contribute approximately 16% to India's GDP.

“This partnership marks a strategic step for Forvis Mazars in India as we help farmers to further unlock value in the crop production and aquaculture sectors,” said Ajay Kakra, Associate Partner, Government, Infrastructure & Development sector Advisory Services, Forvis Mazars in India. “By supporting Luminis, we combine innovation with our sectoral expertise to scale microbiome solutions that can transform Indian agriculture and drive real, lasting impact.”

“This partnership represents the exact kind of visionary science and scalable impact Nalanda Capital Partners is proud to back,” added Ayan Desai, co-founder at Nalanda Capital Partners. “Together, we’re planting the seeds for a healthier, more sustainable food system— one microbe at a time.”

Microsaf is an innovative probiotic combining three Bacillus strains enhanced with GO Technology.

Microwave moisture measurement. (Image source: Hydronix)

Equipment

Pegasus Moving Mixer is perfect for industries where hygiene and safety are vital. (Image credit: Dinnissen)

Equipment

Dinnissen has launched the Pegasus Moving Mixer, a new fully automated mixing system designed for compact production environments

This innovative solution combines safety, hygiene, and precision in one smart, space-efficient unit. The Pegasus Moving Mixer works with movable barrels and mixers, allowing automated handling from start to finish. The barrel containing unmixed product is automatically lifted, rotated, and connected to the Pegasus mixer, where its contents are discharged for mixing. A nitrogen system creates an inert environment before mixing, reducing explosion risks. During the process, liquids and additives are sprayed evenly, ensuring a homogenous mix with no waste.

Once mixing is complete, the mixer moves up and the barrel returns to its position for discharge. The product is returned to the same barrel, without any demixing. This closed-loop process is dust-free, air-free and fully hygienic, making it ideal for food and chemical production.

The system is also highly compact and easy to clean. The unique interaction between the moving mixer and barrel, the Pegasus Moving Mixer makes optimal use of limited floor space. It is fully enclosed, accessible, and designed with safety in mind.

It has fully enclosed system for hygienic operation, even liquid and additive distribution for consistent results, and inert mixing environment with nitrogen injection for explosion safety highlight its advanced safety and hygiene features. With "no manual steps: filling, mixing and discharge are fully automated,” it offers ease of use and consistency. Its compact design ideal for tight production setups makes it suitable for various production environments. Perfect for industries where hygiene and safety are vital, the Pegasus Moving Mixer offers a modern, efficient alternative to traditional systems. 

Zoomlion showcases tailored solutions for Africa’s growth at China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo. (Image source: Zoomlion)

The R1 Single-Plot Research Combine by Alamco. (Image source: Alamco)

Technology

Entocycle operator using controls web. (Image source: Entocycle)

Technology

Entocycle, a UK-based developer of insect farming technology that transforms food waste into sustainable protein for animal feed, has collaborated with Siemens to launch the country’s first digitalised insect farm showroom

The facility is uniquely located beneath four Victorian railway arches in central London.

Focused on creating a sustainable protein alternative, Entocycle chose the high-profile London Bridge area to boost visibility, attract top talent, and engage potential investors in its innovative approach to circular food systems.

Before construction began, Entocycle used Siemens’ digital twin technology to create a virtual model of the site. This simulation helped maximise the use of the complex arch-shaped space and minimise construction errors, saving time and costs.

The site has since undergone a full digital transformation and now runs on Siemens AI and automation systems. Advanced technologies integrated into the facility include robotic arms, machine vision systems that monitor 3,000 larvae per second with up to 100% accuracy, and climate-controlled chambers. These upgrades have significantly enhanced production by reducing larvae growth time and improving survival rates by 30%.

Now in operation for a year, the facility has demonstrated that insect farming can address two major environmental challenges: cutting the UK’s annual 10.7 million tonnes of food waste (of which 30% is lost through supply chain inefficiencies) and reducing reliance on 3.3 million tonnes of imported soy used for animal feed.

With proof of concept established, Entocycle plans to expand its model to industrial scale, aiming to support farms, agri-businesses, and waste management companies in cutting emissions and rethinking protein supply chains.

Matt Simonds, managing director at Entocycle, said: “We’ve spent a decade developing this concept, which has grown from equipment pieced together from hardware retailers to the bespoke and highly advanced factory we’re running today. The London Bridge centre proves our concept, which leverages the black soldier fly as nature’s recycler, that can be scaled around the world to help tackle the dual issue of food waste and sustainability issues in animal feed supply.

“Insect farming is an exciting emerging industry, and our vision is to be the go-to provider of technology to customers alongside our partner Siemens. In 10 years’ time, we expect Entocycle-designed farms to be processing millions of tonnes of food waste around the world, saving millions of tonnes of carbon emissions with it. Partnering with Siemens to deliver our solution internationally provides us with the trust and scalability we need to deliver on our global ambitions.”

Keith Thornhill, head of food and beverage for UK & Ireland at Siemens said: “Entocycle has created the blueprint for high-tech insect farming. It’s successfully applied modern manufacturing technology to its highly niche subject of rearing black soldier flies. And the outcomes are clear to see in increased insect survival rates and slashing the time staff would spend counting insects.

“It’s a fantastic concept ready to be delivered to customers around the world, regardless of site size and location. We’re proud to support it as a great example of technology with a purpose in addressing crucial sustainability challenges.”

Entomatic is highly versatile and can be used in horizontal and vertical row crops. (Image source: Biobest)

Among Bayer’s 11 sets of tanks, the measurement range varies from a maximum of 9 tons to a minimum of 4 tons. (Image source: Bayer)

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Latest news

The partnership will unlock new avenues for impact across food systems, carbon resilience, and soil health.

Pegasus Moving Mixer is perfect for industries where hygiene and safety are vital. (Image credit: Dinnissen)

The workshop aimed at cross-sector collaboration to build inclusive, tech-enabled climate services.

Microsaf is an innovative probiotic combining three Bacillus strains enhanced with GO Technology.

MAFF personalities, including Deputy Director-General Katsuhiro Saka. (Image Credit: Hort Innovation)

Andi Amran Sulaiman signed an MoU with Palestinian agriculture minister Rezq Basheer-Salimia.

Unauthorised agricultural medicines can be harmful for the environment.

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