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VIV Health & Nutrition Asia 2026: Are you ready? (Image credit: VIV Health & Nutrition)

Event News

VIV Health & Nutrition Asia 2026 is now officially open, marking an important milestone for one of Asia’s most influential trade events dedicated to animal nutrition, animal health, and feed innovation.

Taking place from 10–12 March 2026 at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) in Thailand, the event will once again be co-located with VICTAM Asia, creating a powerful hub for global agribusiness professionals, industry leaders, and technology innovators.

Positioned as a premier business and knowledge platform, VIV Health & Nutrition Asia brings together stakeholders across the entire animal protein and feed value chain. The event attracts professionals from animal nutrition, veterinary pharmaceuticals, genetics, feed additives, and animal health solutions, offering three days of high-level networking, product discovery, and market insight. Visitors can explore the latest advancements shaping sustainable livestock production and efficient feed systems.

The exhibition floor will feature more than 300 regional and international exhibitors, showcasing state-of-the-art solutions in feed processing technology, nutritional supplements, veterinary medicines, and precision livestock farming. With an expected 9,000 professional visitors, the event provides a unique environment for building partnerships, identifying new suppliers, and strengthening commercial relationships across Asia’s rapidly expanding animal health and nutrition markets.

Complementing the exhibition is a comprehensive three-day conference programme addressing the industry’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. Expert-led sessions and plenary discussions will focus on the poultry, swine, aquatic, and cattle sectors, covering key themes such as resilient feed supply chains, antibiotic reduction strategies, enhanced biosecurity, digital animal health technologies, and circular economy approaches in animal production. The programme will conclude with a regional dialogue aimed at advancing feed self-sufficiency and sustainable disease management across Asia.

The co-location with VICTAM Asia further enhances the event’s value, combining VIV’s extensive expertise in animal health and nutrition with VICTAM’s leadership in feed and crop processing technology. Hosted in Bangkok—one of Asia’s most connected business hubs the event benefits from excellent regional accessibility, modern infrastructure, and rich cultural appeal.

Early visitor registration enables faster entry, access to the latest exhibitor updates, and advanced meeting planning, ensuring a productive and rewarding experience at this must-attend industry event.

Avian flu viruses is raising concerns over poultry health, food security and regional egg supplies.

Poultry

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues to spread across East and West Asia, with new outbreaks affecting poultry farms in countries including the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Iraq and Israel.

The resurgence of the H5 group of avian flu viruses is raising concerns over poultry health, food security and regional egg supplies.

Among Asian nations, the Philippines has reported the highest number of new poultry outbreaks in recent days. Over the past 10 days, the country’s animal health authorities confirmed 10 outbreaks of HPAI to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Most involved the H5N1 virus, particularly in Isabela province in northern Luzon, affecting both large commercial farms and smaller backyard flocks. These latest cases bring the total number of outbreaks on Luzon over the past four years to 293, impacting around 2.35 million birds through culling or mortality.

New detections have also been reported in Mindanao, including South Cotabato, Davao del Sur and North Cotabato, involving grazing ducks infected with H5N1 and H5N8 strains. Authorities cite contact with infected birds and contaminated fomites as the likely sources of infection. As of 31 December, only one active outbreak remains under investigation in Central Luzon.

In Japan, five additional H5N1 outbreaks were confirmed between late December and early January, mainly affecting large laying hen farms. These cases raise the country’s total outbreaks since October to 13, with more than 3.87 million poultry directly affected. Further suspected cases are currently under review.

The spread of avian flu has significantly disrupted South Korea’s egg supply, prompting the government to import over 2.2 million eggs from the United States in January. Since October, South Korea has confirmed 34 poultry outbreaks, including a notable case involving the H5N9 virus, detected for the first time in domestic birds.

Elsewhere in East Asia, Taiwan reported a new H5N1 outbreak in early January, affecting nearly 60,000 laying hens in Chiayi county. In western Asia, H5N1 has re-emerged in Israel and Iraq, with infections linked to contact with wild birds.

With outbreaks spanning multiple regions and virus strains, authorities warn that enhanced biosecurity, surveillance and rapid response will be critical to limiting further spread across Asia’s poultry sector.

NUS develops microneedle system for faster plant growth. (Image credit: NUS)

Fertilizers & Pesticides

Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have unveiled a cutting-edge microneedle biofertiliser system that could redefine sustainable agriculture and precision farming.

The innovative technology uses dissolving microneedle patches to deliver living biofertilisers directly into plant tissue, bypassing soil-related limitations and significantly improving efficiency.

In controlled greenhouse trials, leafy vegetables such as Choy Sum and Kale showed faster and healthier growth, recording higher shoot biomass, increased leaf area and greater height all while using over 15 per cent less biofertiliser compared to conventional soil inoculation. This breakthrough highlights a promising pathway to reduce fertiliser waste and minimise environmental impact.

Traditionally, biofertilisers  beneficial bacteria and fungi that enhance nutrient uptake and stress tolerance are applied to soil, where they face competition from native microbes and adverse conditions. The NUS approach sidesteps these challenges by delivering microbes straight into leaves or stems, enabling faster and more targeted results.

“Inspired by how microbes can migrate within the human body, we hypothesised that by delivering beneficial microbes directly into the plant's tissues, like a leaf or stem, they could travel to the roots and still perform their function, but much more effectively and be less vulnerable to soil conditions,” said Assistant Professor Andy Tay from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at NUS, who led the study.

The plant-friendly microneedles, made from biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), dissolve within a minute of application, releasing their microbial payload gently into the plant. Laboratory tests confirmed minimal tissue disruption, stable chlorophyll levels and a rapid return to normal stress markers, underscoring the system’s safety and viability.

The team successfully delivered a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) cocktail directly into plant tissue, outperforming soil-based treatments. Importantly, growth response correlated with microbial dosage up to an optimal threshold, allowing growers to determine the lowest effective dose and cut costs.

“Our microneedle system successfully delivered biofertiliser into Choy Sum and Kale, enhancing their growth more effectively than traditional methods while using over 15 per cent less biofertiliser,” Asst Prof Tay said. “By faster growth we refer to higher total plant weight, larger leaf area and higher plant height.”

With strong potential for urban farming, vertical farms and high-value crops, the researchers are now exploring scalability, automation and wider crop trials. This pioneering “microneedle biofertiliser” concept positions smart agri-tech at the forefront of eco-friendly, future-ready farming.

African Farming

  • HSW ECO MATIC® 6ml _ 10ml (for injection, oral and pour-on application)

Successful debut of EuroTier digital

The next EuroTier will take place from 15-18 November 2022. (Image source: DLG)

The debut of ‘EuroTier digital’ has concluded and was adjudged a great success

More than 41,000 participants connected to the digital platform created by the DLG (German Agricultural Society) during the four days of the event (9-12 February). In addition to being able to access the offerings of around 1,200 participating companies, the visitors were also able to take part in 300 specialist events and to conduct targeted networking with the industry. Some 45% of the participants were located outside Germany.

“With EuroTier digital, the DLG’s new platform has successfully positioned itself as a digital business network and forum for professional exchange for the national and international agricultural industry. The access and engagement rates speak for themselves. The lively participation in events and the strong interest in the digital technical programme are a reflection of the networking competence of the farmers, the industry and our members. The digital format will be a complement to our physical trade fairs in the future,” concluded Dr Reinhard Grandke, CEO, DLG.

Current figures at a glance

Over 41,000 participants connected to the digital platform over the four days of the event. A total of around 255,000 engagements (including 1:1 audio/video calls, 1:1 chats, expo show room visits, user networking) and over 780,000 page impressions were recorded. About 45% of attendees came from outside Germany. In total, 128 countries were represented on the digital platform. The investment intention of participants was exceptionally high, at around US$3.3bn (2.8bn euros). One reason for this is the high rate of decision-makers - 76% - on the platform, shown by current visitor registrations.

Digital technical programme with convincing click rates

Under the guiding theme of ‘Farming in the food chain’, the organiser, DLG, had set up a technical programme with eight parallel online video channels, transmitting more than 300 interactive programmes that addressed relevant future topics affecting the global livestock sector and the decentralized energy supply industry. Visitors on the platform were able to interactively participate in numerous talk shows and discussion events. In total, the professional programme was visited around 83,000 times during the four days on the platform.

Highlights included digital industry events such as the International Poultry Event, the Cattle & Pig Event and the EuroTier Innovation Award ceremony. A special highlight was the DLG-Wintertagung (‘DLG-Winter Conference’), an important annual event for German farmers, which this year was held in parallel on the DLG Digital Platform hosted by the DLG on 11 February registering over 2,500 attendees.

The EuroTier digital was officially opened by German Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Julia Klöckner, who in her opening speech encouraged farmers in Germany to participate in the developments in agriculture and animal husbandry. Klöckner emphasised that it was not just technology or how to reduce workload that constitute the topics of today, but, more importantly, the social acceptance of livestock farming and animal welfare.

Klöckner also noted that the industry is undergoing radical change, which can, however, only be successful and sustainable if done proportionately with a view to the long-term perspectives for livestock farmers in Germany. Indeed, should the production leave Germany, nothing would be gained, quite the opposite. Neither environmental nor animal welfare issues can be solved by exporting them. Klöckner commented that these issues would be discussed at the world's leading trade fair, EuroTier.

Hubertus Paetow, president of the DLG, noted that animal husbandry in Germany and Europe will continue to look different in the future than in many other regions of the world. Higher demands on animal welfare and sustainability require different technical concepts. This poses significant challenges for manufacturers and farmers alike. However, it also presents opportunities for those who recognise the trends early on and implement them efficiently. Paetow concluded that to maintain this sustainable animal husbandry in Germany, which includes maintaining the economic perspective in global competition will require functioning value chains, which can and must be supported, at least temporarily, with political instruments.

1,200 exhibitors presented products and innovations

More than 1,200 exhibitors presented information, in real-time, on their range of products and services using various multimedia tools. Exhibitors were also able to network and engage directly with participants via chat and video meetings. In addition to offering new technologies and consulting for livestock farming, the companies’ offerings also included the upstream areas of livestock farming, such as breeding, techniques and farm input, as well as downstream areas, such as processing and distribution channels. Exceptional innovations presented by exhibitors eligible for a coveted gold or silver award were evaluated by an independent jury.

Content continues to be available ‘on demand’

All content of EuroTier digital will be available on the digital platform from 18 February until 15 April. Participants will thus continue to have the opportunity to find out about exhibitors' offerings as well as the content of the technical program. Likewise, they can network with companies via text messages and contact requests, using the platform.

Next EuroTier: 15-18 November 2022

The next EuroTier will take place from 15-18 November 2022, at the Hanover Exhibition Grounds, Germany. The trade fair will be complemented by the DLG Digital Platform. EuroTier and EnergyDecentral are hosted by the German Agricultural Society (DLG).

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Crops

Ottevanger Services provides comprehensive support to feed producers. (Image credit: Ottevanger)

Agriculture

Triott Group has announced a major strategic step by bringing all its feed-related businesses together under a single, globally recognised name: Ottevanger.

With immediate effect, Ottevanger, Almex, Inteqnion, IVS Dosing Technology and Pelleting Technology Netherlands (PTN) will operate as one unified brand, reinforcing Ottevanger’s position as a leading global partner to the feed industry.

Based in Moerkapelle, the Netherlands, this consolidation represents a new chapter in Ottevanger’s long-term vision to provide complete, future-ready solutions for feed mills worldwide. By integrating these specialist companies under one name, customers benefit from a single point of contact, enhanced transparency and a more streamlined approach to project delivery and long-term collaboration.

The move also strengthens internal cooperation across disciplines, enabling Ottevanger to design and deliver tailored solutions that respond to the rapidly evolving demands of the global feed sector, including automation, digitalisation and sustainability.

Following the consolidation, Ottevanger now operates through four fully integrated business units, each designed to address both current operational challenges and future industry needs. Ottevanger Milling Engineers focuses on the design and construction of fully automated, turnkey feed mills, including both conventional and modular concepts. Ottevanger Process Solutions delivers high-quality equipment and advanced processes, supporting data-driven, fully automated milling from raw material intake through to packaging.

Meanwhile, Ottevanger Services provides comprehensive support to feed producers, including reliable on-site and remote maintenance, troubleshooting and spare parts supply. Completing the structure, the Ottevanger Development Centre looks to the future by optimising feed mill performance through practical research and development, testing and the creation of sustainable, next-generation solutions.

Commenting on the milestone, Director Ernst Jan Ottevanger said: “For more than a century, Ottevanger has been a family business, built on the finest Dutch quality and craftsmanship. Now we are formally extending our family to welcome these four trusted partners that have already contributed so much to our collective success based on the same shared values.” He added: “This is a significant moment for our company, but more importantly, for our customers worldwide. We are now far better placed to deliver the innovation and lifetime value they need to compete more effectively.”

Ottevanger will continue its close collaboration with Top Silo Constructions (TSC) to deliver advanced feed storage solutions, while TSC remains independent due to its diverse customer portfolio.

A new geography of agricultural production is emerging, driven by mechanisation.

NUS develops microneedle system for faster plant growth. (Image credit: NUS)

Livestock

Crayfish provide a nutrient-dense, low-impact protein source that requires minimal feed.

Aquaculture

The Philippines has taken a decisive step toward strengthening its position in global aquaculture with the launch of its largest crayfish nursery—a flagship development designed to scale production of the high-value Australian Redclaw crayfish.

The project, built through the partnership of Farm Fresh Early Catch Inc., Taiwan’s Da Shin Biotech Ltd., and the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), marks a defining moment for the country’s fast-growing aquaculture sector.

The new nursery will focus on mass-producing Cherax quadricarinatus, a resilient and fast-growing species prized by both domestic and international markets. Government officials say the initiative supports national efforts to strengthen food security while boosting long-term livelihood opportunities in rural areas.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., in remarks delivered by Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa, highlighted the power of collaboration behind the facility. “Built through the partnership of Farm Fresh Early Catch Inc., Da Shin Biotech, and the DA-BFAR, this nursery shows that when government, private innovators, and fisherfolk come together, progress stops being a dream—it becomes our shared reality,” he said.

Tiu Laurel added that crayfish aquaculture “opens new doors for our fisherfolk—bringing in more income, more livelihood, and more food on our tables,” while underscoring the need for responsible production and adherence to BFAR’s ecological protection guidelines. Every pond, he said, must “nurture care, discipline, and respect for the balance of our ecosystems.”

Situated in Candaba - a wetlands area renowned for its freshwater abundance—the 1,280-square-metre facility features 16 tanks capable of producing up to 48,000 fry every two weeks. It also introduces advanced water-recycling systems that help reduce waste and conserve freshwater, addressing one of the most common environmental criticisms of aquaculture operations.

The nursery will supply Farm Fresh’s existing 3-hectare grow-out ponds, which already produce around 30 tonnes of market-ready crayfish each year. It will also support a broad network of partner growers as production expands nationwide.

From 2026, Farm Fresh plans to roll out large-scale grow-out operations covering 1,500 hectares in Luzon and 750 hectares each in the Visayas and Mindanao. When these sites reach full capacity, they are projected to deliver more than 1,200 tonnes of crayfish every six months—volumes that could position the Philippines as a competitive player in the regional and global aquaculture market.

Crayfish provide a nutrient-dense, low-impact protein source that requires minimal feed. The project is expected to generate over 3,000 direct jobs and stimulate additional enterprise in farming communities.

The launch marks the beginning of a world-class crayfish industry designed to place the Philippines firmly on the global aquaculture map.

SecureDX and Panacea Korea enhance animal health. (Image credit: EIN PRESSWIRE)

Avian flu viruses is raising concerns over poultry health, food security and regional egg supplies.

Equipment

Hydroponic Systems recommends the Agrifresh aluminium thermodiffuser mesh as a proven solution. (Image credit:Hydroponic Systems)

Equipment

Hydroponic Systems is helping greenhouse growers tackle the challenge of optimising microclimates without compromising light or productivity.

In warm regions, particularly for heat-sensitive crops like strawberries, tomatoes, and peppers, managing radiation, temperature, and heat stress is critical. Heat-diffusing mesh has become an essential tool in balancing light levels and reducing heat buildup inside greenhouses, proving to be one of the most effective solutions for these challenges.

The mesh works by partially blocking infrared radiation while allowing useful diffuse light to pass through. This reduces internal temperatures, alleviates heat stress, and sustains photosynthetic activity. According to Hydroponic Systems, this approach helps "improve fruit quality, reduce plant stress, and stabilise growing conditions," especially during periods of high radiation.

The mesh achieves this through a combination of light diffusion and thermal reflection. The diffusion process disperses light, preventing hot spots and ensuring even distribution of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) across the plant canopy. This enables middle and lower leaves to contribute more effectively to photosynthesis. Aluminium particles embedded in the polymer structure reflect infrared radiation, which helps control heat accumulation. The result is a more stable greenhouse environment with fewer temperature spikes.

Hydroponic Systems recommends the Agrifresh aluminium thermodiffuser mesh as a proven solution. This patented fabric creates an effective thermal barrier without compromising light quality. According to the company, it works best in professional greenhouses of around half a hectare or more, where managing temperature and radiation is crucial for maintaining high yield and quality.

In practice, reduced infrared radiation leads to lower heat accumulation and fewer temperature fluctuations, especially during critical growth stages. Increased diffuse light improves PAR distribution, supports stable photosynthesis, and reduces the risk of heat stress. As a result, growers experience "more uniform fruit, fewer deformities, and better colour and firmness."

Strawberries, in particular, show significant benefits, with improved uniformity, firmness, colour, and crop stability. Similar positive trends have been observed in tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and other crops.

For optimal performance, proper installation is key. Correct height, tension, and orientation affect the mesh's effectiveness. Hydroponic Systems advises careful integration with ventilation systems for best results.

Limex unveils Modular 8 washing system for crates. (Image credit: Limex)

The initiative is part of the PDTS call.(Image credit: INTA)

Technology

The latest generation of Braud harvesters demonstrates impressive versatility across a wide range of vineyard structures. (Image credit: New Holland)

Machinery & Equipment

New Holland Agriculture continues to set new standards in modern viticulture with its acclaimed Braud grape harvester range - a series celebrated globally for precision, productivity and long-lasting reliability.

Built on decades of specialist expertise, the Braud brand has become synonymous with exceptional grape-harvesting performance, and under the New Holland umbrella it remains a trusted partner for winemakers seeking both efficiency and gentle crop handling.

Each Braud harvester reflects a signature blend of engineering excellence and vineyard-friendly design. The machines are created to treat vines with care while delivering powerful harvesting capability, ensuring that grapes are collected cleanly and with minimal damage. This focus on protecting fruit integrity directly enhances vineyard productivity and supports the production of higher-quality wines.

The latest generation of Braud harvesters demonstrates impressive versatility across a wide range of vineyard structures. With both high-capacity and extra-high-capacity models, including the popular 9000 L and 9000 X series, the range adapts effortlessly to narrow boutique vineyards, expansive commercial estates, and even sloped terrain. Their advanced systems  such as the industry-proven Noria basket conveying system, optional destemmer technology, and innovative side-conveyor configurations  ensure consistently clean, gentle and efficient fruit handling.
This adaptability makes Braud harvesters an ideal choice for growers looking to streamline operations while maintaining strict quality standards. Backed by a global legacy and trusted by thousands of vineyard operators, these machines are built to deliver season after season, reducing labour needs, improving harvest speed, and preserving overall vine health.

Engineered for durability and operator comfort, the Braud range combines robust construction with intuitive controls, offering ease of use without compromising on precision. The result is a harvester that not only boosts productivity but also supports sustainable agricultural practices, helping vineyards reduce waste and optimise long-term output.

Choosing a Braud grape harvester means investing in a heritage of innovation, reliability and world-leading vineyard technology  giving growers confidence in every harvest and reinforcing New Holland’s reputation as a champion of next-generation viticulture solutions.

COMPASS accurately detects and removes a wide range of foreign materials, including dirt clods, rocks, sticks, insects and animal parts.(Image credit: Key Technology)

ROK aims to position itself at the forefront of green bio innovation.

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