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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

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Omex Agrifluids to exhibit at KISAN 2023 in Pune

First class cherry tomatoes – the fruits of foliar feeding using Omex soluble nutrient products. (Image source: Omex)

Omex Agrifluids will be exhibiting a full range of company products at Indias biggest agri show KISAN 2023, taking place from 13-17 December in Pune, Maharashtra

This particular trade fair is a vitally important information and communication stage for agriculture and horticulture, and offers companies which exhibit the opportunity to present themselves to a completely professional audience. Visitors to KISAN 2023 can catch up on the latest trends and developments whether in products or services within agricultural and horticultural sectors. 

While Omex will be exhibiting a full range of company products, pride of place must go to ‘Omex Albert Solution,’ a soluble powder product custom-designed for Indian farmers and growers and now entering its sixth year since introduction onto the Indian market in 2018.

Peter Prentis, managing director at Omex Agrifluids summed up the success of Omex Albert Solution in three words – complete, balanced and water-soluble:

- Complete in containing a full complement of essential plant nutrients:

o Macronutrients – nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium

o Mesonutrients – calcium, magnesium, sulphur

o Micronutrients – copper, zinc, iron, boron manganese, molybdenum 

- Balanced by containing a full range of nutrients working in unison

- Water-soluble nutrients are rapidly taken up by the foliage and moved and used with ease inside the crop plant.

That said, the company’s display at KISAN 2023 will be far wider than Omex Albert Solution, as important as the product is to Indian agriculture and horticulture. “It will encompass a wide range of our globally-used soluble liquid and soluble powder products which are marketed throughout India for use on widest range of commercial crops and farming systems,” said Prentis. 

He further gave more detailed information about other Omex products:

- Omex Bio20: Contains a full complement of essential plant nutrients and a biostimulatory seaweed extract to boost growth and ‘bust stress’ at any time in the crop cycle, and especially during the early stages including seed germination and seedling establishment.

- Omex Kingfol Zinc: A high soluble-zinc product (70% zinc w/v) sprayed on crops to overcome the widespread problem of soil zinc depletion and zinc lock-down and zinc lockup which can occur in a wide range of soil types, and especially phosphorous-rich soils where zinc reacts with phosphorous to form insoluble zinc phosphate.

- Omex Sequential 2: A broadly-based profile of nutrients ideal for a correspondingly wide range of crops and cropping systems. Omex Sequential 2 is especially high in potassium for the maintenance of good plant-water relations and has ample magnesium for those light sandy soils which are frequently deficient in this key component of the chlorophyll molecule and therefore the photosynthesis pathway.

- Omex Calcium Boron: Combining one of the best known mesonutrients (calcium) with perhaps the least well known and appreciated micronutrient (boron), but vital nevertheless. Boron has deep involvement and vitally important roles in many aspects of metabolism, from the transport of sugars across plant walls to sexual reproduction mechanisms including fertilisation and fruit formation.

- Omex Calmax Gold and Omex DP98: This duo of Omex products works in tandem to ensure farmers and growers get the very best from their inputs of calcium. Calcium is essentially the plant resilience and ‘fruit finish’ nutrient which strengthens plant cell walls and ensures excellent ‘fruit’ finish for a wide range of fruit crops including top fruit (apples and pears), stone fruit (plums, peaches, cherries), soft fruit (strawberries and raspberries), tomato, melons and grapes. Omex Calmax Gold contains soluble calcium at the very high concentration of 24% (w/v), but calcium is an inherently sluggish nutrient needing assistance to be taken up and to move within the plant to sites of usage. This assistance is provided by Omex DP98 with its 37.5% (w/v) phosphorous as the phosphite ion which enhances the uptake and movement of the inherently ‘lazy’ divalent calcium ion. Omex Calmax Gold and Omex DP98 are sprayed in tandem to the widest range of crops where the calcium content is crucial. 

Peter Prentis will be available to meet established and new clients (distributors, importers and end users) on the Omex Stand (No:102 Agri Inputs Pavilion), to discuss new and exciting opportunities for crop production in India and all other countries in the wider Asian arena.

For more information, visit: www.omex.com or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

To contact Peter Prentis, call: +44 1553 817500 or +44 1553 817501 (fax)

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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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