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The future of crop production at DLG Feldtage 2026. (Image credit: DLG)

Event News

From 16 to 18 June 2026, Bernburg in Saxony-Anhalt will once again become the central hub for modern crop production as the DLG Feldtage returns to the fields of the International DLG Crop Production Centre.

Set on DLG’s expansive 600-hectare trial farm near Leipzig, the open-air event is gearing up to showcase practical farming innovations under the inspiring theme “Crop Production out of the Box”. With more than 150 exhibitors already registered, the organisers are still welcoming further participants via dlg-feldtage.de.

Recognised as the leading international field exhibition for crop professionals, DLG Feldtage brings together farmers, agronomists, machinery experts and researchers seeking hands-on insights into the future of crop production. This year’s programme spans everything from plant breeding and crop protection to fertilisation strategies and cutting-edge agricultural machinery. Visitors can look forward to a rich mix of demonstrations, expert knowledge and real-world trial plots, supported by popular formats including DLG Spotlights, Expert Stages and Pop-up Talks.

The thematic DLG Spotlights are set to be a major draw. The “Planting Green” Spotlight will delve into direct drilling into living cover crops, with live plots demonstrating soil-friendly techniques, nutrient efficiency and modern weed management approaches. Equally compelling is the “Value Chain for Quality Wheat” Spotlight, which traces how premium wheat quality is upheld from field to processing, illustrating the collaboration required across agriculture, trade and milling. Meanwhile, the “Organic Farming” Spotlight will highlight diverse rotations, robust crop choices and practical advice for organic growers looking to refine both production and marketing.

Across the site, visitors will find dedicated meeting zones for discussions on oil and protein crops, resilient cropping concepts and strategies for navigating weather-related risks. As always, machinery demonstrations are a core attraction. Across six themed areas from direct seeding and deep tillage to mechanical weed control 66 machine combinations will take to the field, each accompanied by expert commentary and presented once per day.

Following its successful debut in 2024, FarmRobotix returns with the latest robotics, automation tools and AI-driven innovations for crop production. A special demonstration area will spotlight autonomous field systems, offering a glimpse of how technology may redefine farming in the years ahead.

Beyond the plots and machines, the DLG Plaza will serve as the social and professional heart of the event, hosting expert talks, panel sessions, regional food and relaxed networking. Short and sharp Pop-up Talks will take place at exhibitor stands and Spotlight areas, covering timely topics such as fertilisation and crop protection. The popular DLG CropNight will also make its return, inviting attendees to unwind with live music, food and summer drinks. Camping facilities will be available for visitors wishing to stay on site.

For more information please visit www.dlg-feldtage.de

Quantum clear transforms airborne pathogen control. (Image credit: DDH)

Equipment

Due Diligence Horticulture (DDH) has unveiled Quantum Clear, a new range of cold plasma devices designed to combat the persistent problem of airborne pathogens in controlled environment agriculture.

Whether cultivating cannabis, ornamentals, or fresh produce, growers constantly contend with mould, bacteria and other threats particularly in humid rooms or tightly packed storage spaces. DDH’s latest innovation aims to change that balance.

Over the last two years, the company has worked closely with an industrial plasma specialist to adapt cold plasma systems specifically for horticultural and agricultural settings. The result is a suite of Quantum Clear (QC) units engineered for grow rooms, HVAC systems, cold storage, and shipping containers.

Travis Higginbotham of DDH explains that the technology already had a legacy in other industries, but needed refinement for plant environments. "We worked through two full years of design and testing so the equipment could function inside grow facilities, centralized HVAC systems, shipping trailers, and cold rooms," he says. That development period included USDA fruit trials, extensive third-party air-quality analysis on 50 pathogens, and pilot projects with large cannabis and ornamental producers.

A key advantage is that this plasma field does not generate ozone an issue that has hindered some older plasma approaches. The QC units carry both UL and CARB certifications, confirming that they are safe for plants and for staff working within indoor facilities.

The system is straightforward by design. Air is drawn through the device, passes through an energised plasma zone, and emerges treated. In that field, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species—such as hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide form naturally and break down airborne pathogens and volatile organic compounds. As Travis puts it, "The idea is to create a field in the environment that breaks down cell walls and alters the structure of certain compounds."

Fruit storage and shipping have been an early proving ground. "The combination of darkness, low temperatures, humidity, and tightly packed produce creates ideal conditions for mold," he notes. USDA trials on bananas, tomatoes, apples, and strawberries found that cold-plasma-treated shipments retained firmness and showed virtually no visible mould.

Importantly, DDH focused on ensuring safety for both crops and growers. Even at double or triple application intensity, "we did not see negative effects," Travis says. Some trials even hinted at neutral or improved yields. For cannabis operators, the technology offers a potential solution to airborne contaminants linked to compliance failures, including aspergillus. A recent grower trial showed a 90% drop in aspergillus counts within just four days.

QC devices are standalone, easy to install, and available in multiple sizes and voltages. There are no subscription costs, and financing options are provided. Across all trials, DDH reports an average pathogen reduction of 87.2% within a week, rising to 95%+ during continuous month-long operation. As Travis explains, "The focus is getting the technology in growers hands through our trial program and building confidence that QC is the solution they have been waiting for."

EIMA Agrimach underscored how professional training could empower India’s rural workforce.(Image credit: Eimaagrimach)

Event News

India’s agricultural sector had been undergoing significant modernisation, with technological advancements reshaping the way farming operated.

However, the growing demand for highly skilled professionals exposed a training gap that threatened to limit the benefits of this transformation.

The third day of EIMA Agrimach, an exhibition showcasing machinery and agricultural technologies for India and Southeast Asia, focused on professional skills and training. The conference, titled “Skilling Rural Youth and Farmers for a Mechanized and Digital Agriculture Future”, addressed the urgent need to equip the workforce with the expertise required for mechanized and digital farming. The event was organised by the Italian Federation of Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers (FederUnacoma) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in New Delhi.

Moderated by Ruchira Saini, Head of Advocacy and Government Relations for India and South Asia at Corteva Agriscience, the panel included notable speakers such as V.N. Kale, Additional Commissioner for Machinery and Technologies at the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare; D.K. Singh, Senior Researcher at the AgriPV Centre of Excellence; Mukesh Jain, Director of the Northern Region Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institute (NR-FMTI); Satender Singh Arya, CEO of the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI); Varun Yadav, Manager at the Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture; and Shruti Aggarwal, Senior Manager at YARA International.

Mechanisation and digitalisation had emerged as the key drivers of agricultural transformation, with drones, AI-based tools, and digital platforms becoming increasingly integral. Yet, speakers emphasised that the workforce, largely rural, still struggled to adopt these technologies effectively. Training gaps persisted even among younger generations, who, despite being more open to innovation, often lacked access to structured skill development programmes.

The conference concluded that bridging this gap was critical not only to boost productivity but also to improve livelihoods in rural areas and support inclusive growth. Experts highlighted the importance of innovative training models developed through collaborations between industry, universities, and institutions, alongside a clear roadmap to enable farmers to participate more actively in India’s agricultural modernisation.

By addressing these challenges, EIMA Agrimach underscored how professional training could empower India’s rural workforce, ensuring that mechanisation and digitalisation truly translated into a more productive and sustainable agricultural sector.

African Farming
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LightWeeding enables farming innovation

The LightWeeder is an agri-robot that can kill weeds using a unique concentrated light method. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Earth Rover, a UK based agri-robotics company and Agri-EPI Centre member, has developed the LightWeeder to solve key challenges faced by laser-based weeding systems

The LightWeeder is said to be the world’s first eye-safe, herbicide-free, carbon-neutral, commercially viable weeding system. The LightWeeding technology uses semiconductor LEDs to solve key technical, safety and commercialisation challenges faced by laser-based weeding systems.

The LightWeeder is part of CLAWS (Concentrated Light Autonomous Weeding and Scouting), an agri-robot that can kill weeds using a unique concentrated light method, and can also scout fields to obtain a complete data map of all crops after planting, showing the crops exact location, size, and any early signs of disease.

The main features of CLAWS are:

  • Weeding – chemical-free and inherently safer than laser weeding. No till and no crop damage and can be used in any conditions without compacting the soil.
  • Scouting – In-depth analysis of crops to allow better harvest predictions and increased yields.

The complete system is ultra-lightweight at 300kg, meaning it requires low amounts of energy to run, and is also claimed to be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than many of its competitors. The system currently runs on batteries and in future, solar panels therefore uses no fossil fuels and help farmers meet their net-zero targets.

With increasing types of chemical-resistant weeds, a significant downturn in availability of hand labour plus a shift in society towards more organic options, now more than ever there is a need to change the way we farm. A recent report by Rothamsted Research shows weeds pose an unprecedented threat to our food security and highlights the need to diversify weed control as an urgent priority.

As explained by John Taylor, farm director at Pollybell Organic Farm, “The key element here is that the LightWeeder not only makes chemical-free farming more effective but it also solves the huge issue farmers are facing today in terms of the huge loss in the labour force. Being able to weed fields autonomously means that food production doesn’t just grind to a halt.”

According to Earth Rover, LighWeeder is energy-efficient and no-till and does not cause damage to drip irrigation or crops. It is also not dependent on soil conditions and does not enable weeds to develop resistance. 

 

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Crops

BKCC aims to transform this reality by rethinking the vertical farming structure from the ground up.

Agriculture

Farmers Lab Ltd. of Korea has unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in controlled-environment agriculture with the launch of its BK Conveyor Culture (BKCC) system — a horizontally revolving vertical farming technology designed to address one of agriculture’s most urgent challenges: labour shortages.

As farming communities age and younger generations increasingly avoid work that involves harsh weather, long hours or inconsistent income, both traditional and indoor farms are struggling to find workers. Even modern vertical farms continue to depend heavily on manual labour, with fixed-rack systems requiring operators to climb ladders, stretch to reach upper trays and move repeatedly between narrow aisles.

BKCC aims to transform this reality by rethinking the vertical farming structure from the ground up. Instead of having workers move around the farm, the BKCC system rotates the trays horizontally, bringing crops directly to the operator. Planting, irrigation, harvesting and cleaning can all be carried out comfortably from a standing or seated position, reducing physical strain and improving overall safety. This human-centred approach allows farmers of all ages to work more efficiently, more comfortably and with far less risk.

The system has demonstrated the potential to reduce labour requirements by up to 70%, while also achieving 80% water savings compared to traditional fixed-rack vertical farming operations. BKCC’s simplified workflow reduces fatigue, increases output stability and produces more uniform crops thanks to consistent environmental control.

Operating within a carefully managed indoor environment, the BKCC system uses hydroponic precise irrigation, energy-efficient LED lighting, fully clean and soilless production and an intuitive IT dashboard for monitoring. Optional AI-driven growth analysis provides further insight for farmers looking to optimise yield and resource efficiency. These features make BKCC suitable for a wide variety of crops, including microgreens, leafy vegetables, sprouts, animal fodder and virus-free nursery plants destined for greenhouses or open-field transplanting.

The system has already proven its performance through successful trials and commercial operation in both Korea and Singapore, carried out through collaborative research and development partnerships. With consistent output and reliability demonstrated in real-world settings, new installations are now underway in Australia and additional international markets, signalling BKCC’s growing global presence.

Created with a strong social mission in mind, BKCC reflects the company’s philosophy: “Pride for Farmers, Future for Youth.” The technology supports older farmers by making agricultural work physically manageable, while offering younger generations a compelling entry point into clean, high-tech, sustainable farming. As many fixed-rack vertical farms struggle with complexity and rising operational costs, BKCC provides a simpler, safer and more accessible solution tailored to practical farming realities.

Korea is reinforcing its commitment to building a more secure and sustainable farming environment.

PSAV, NAEC, PepsiCo and CARE launched Phase II. (Image credit: NhanDan)

Livestock

The future of marine resources.

Aquaculture

The Philippines is intensifying its efforts to ratify a landmark international treaty aimed at protecting marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ), reinforcing its commitment to ocean conservation and sustainable marine resource management

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has pledged full support to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in promoting the Senate’s concurrence to the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). Signed under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the BBNJ treaty addresses the conservation and equitable use of marine resources in high seas and other regions beyond exclusive national control.

Although Ferdinand Marcos Jr., President ratified the agreement in 2024-a year after its global adoption - the treaty still requires Senate concurrence before the Philippines can officially participate.

Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., Agriculture Secretary emphasised the agreement's relevance for the Philippines, said, “The BBNJ Agreement is crucial for conserving and sustainably managing marine biodiversity in areas beyond the Philippines’ jurisdiction, allowing the country to safeguard its rich marine ecosystems while ensuring fair access to and equitable sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources.”

As a nation composed of over 7,000 islands and located near areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), the Philippines has a strong stake in the treaty’s success. It was an early signatory and active participant in the negotiation process, aligning with global conservation goals and the principles of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award.

Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther Bayate stressed the strategic timing of the ratification: once approved by the Senate, the Philippines will be eligible to participate in the first Conference of Parties (COP1). This milestone event is expected to take place shortly after 60 countries submit their ratification instruments to the United Nations. As of late August, 55 nations have completed the process, with momentum building towards reaching the required threshold during the UN General Assembly from September 23–26.

The BBNJ treaty represents a critical tool for archipelagic nations like the Philippines—not only to influence global marine governance but also to safeguard marine ecosystems, promote fair benefit-sharing, and support the livelihoods of coastal communities reliant on ocean resources.

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

Hamlet Protein manufactures high-quality soy-based protein ingredients designed for young piglets, poultry, and calves.(Image credit: Hamlet Protein)

Equipment

ReinCloud 3 integration can transform digital farm management. (Image credit: CloudX)

Equipment

Reinke Manufacturing, one of the world’s leading producers of centre pivot irrigation systems, has strengthened its strategic alliance with CropX Technologies through a major new integration designed to simplify and modernise digital farm management.

The two companies have unveiled a unified platform experience that connects the full suite of CropX agronomic data directly into Reinke’s ReinCloud 3 system, offering farmers a seamless, single-location interface for all essential operational insights.

This next phase of collaboration removes one of the biggest frustrations farmers face switching between multiple digital dashboards. With the integration in place, growers can now view all CropX data streams directly inside ReinCloud 3, meaning that soil moisture, weather conditions, agronomic analytics and pivot management controls can finally be accessed in one streamlined platform. The result is a more intuitive, efficient approach to farm monitoring and irrigation decisions.

The connectivity between CropX and ReinCloud 3 is fully secure and highly detailed. CropX sensors now appear directly on the ReinCloud 3 map with exact placement data, enabling farmers to navigate their fields digitally with complete clarity. The integration supports the entire CropX portfolio, including soil moisture probes, evapotranspiration (ET) data, rain gauges and localised weather station insights. By presenting this information in a single interface, growers gain a clearer understanding of field conditions, helping them make better-informed and timely decisions.

Importantly, the flow of information moves both ways. In addition to bringing CropX insights into ReinCloud, the system allows Reinke’s as-applied irrigation data to feed automatically into the CropX platform. This supports agronomic service providers with accurate data for crop modelling, record-keeping, compliance, nutrient planning and broader farm reporting tasks. The exchange significantly improves data accuracy for irrigation scheduling and agronomy recommendations.

To mark the launch of this enhanced integration, Reinke is currently offering a free CropX sensor with every new irrigation system, ensuring that customers immediately benefit from high-quality soil and crop intelligence from their first day in the field. This initiative reinforces the companies’ shared goal of connecting machine performance with agronomic insights to create more responsive and efficient farming operations.

“We’re building technology that works together seamlessly because that’s what modern farming demands,” says Chris Roth, President of Reinke Manufacturing. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to making growers’ lives easier through smart innovation.”

“CropX brings together soil sensing, satellite imagery, irrigation management, disease prediction, nutrient management, and yield forecasting, all powered by AI and machine learning,” says Tomer Tzach, CEO of CropX Technologies. “Now, farmers can access this complete agronomic intelligence directly where they’re already working, making better decisions faster.”

Since forming their partnership in 2021, Reinke and CropX have remained focused on delivering integrated, farmer-friendly solutions. Both companies plan to expand platform integration even further, continuing their mission to remove complexity from digital agriculture and deliver smarter, data-driven farm management.

PATS’ data-driven approach is also helping reveal regional and national pest patterns. (Image credit: PATS)

Quantum clear transforms airborne pathogen control. (Image credit: DDH)

Technology

Malaysian agri-tech innovator Agroz Inc. has launched a groundbreaking AI-driven farming strategy designed to transform modern agriculture into a scalable and profitable asset class. Through its new Agroz OS platform, built on Microsoft Azure’s AI infrastructure, the company is redefining how crops are grown, managed, and distributed — offering a smarter, greener path for farmers and investors alike. The Agroz OS platform merges artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics to support vertical farming systems that use less land and water while producing clean, pesticide-free crops. This approach is particularly valuable for regions like Africa, where efficient resource use and reliable yields are key to long-term food security. Agroz’s model treats food production as distributed infrastructure — modular, measurable, and investable. Its first commercial venture, developed with Harvest Today, LLC, uses patented Harvest Wall™ technology to demonstrate how vertical farming can bring fresh produce closer to urban centres while reducing environmental impact. “We are building agriculture into the next great infrastructure class. With strong government incentives and the rapid adoption of agri-tech, this is the right time to show how technology, sustainability, and capital can work together to generate lasting economic and environmental returns,” said Gerard Lim, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Agroz. Beyond its cutting-edge vertical farms, Agroz is introducing Agroz Copilot, an intelligent AI assistant that helps farmers make better real-time decisions — from predicting crop health to managing energy use. The system’s integration of automation and analytics means farmers can increase productivity while keeping costs low. Agroz’s sustainable farming approach aligns with 10 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), earning recognition from UNDP Malaysia, ESG Malaysia, and several national innovation awards. With Malaysia’s 10-year income tax exemption for agricultural ventures under Budget 2026, the company is positioned to expand rapidly across Asia and, potentially, emerging African markets. As Agroz continues to grow, it aims to make AI-driven, sustainable agriculture accessible for farmers everywhere — empowering them to achieve higher yields, improve soil health, and build a resilient food system for the future.(Image credit: Agroz)

Infrastructure

Malaysian agri-tech innovator Agroz Inc. has launched a groundbreaking AI-driven farming strategy designed to transform modern agriculture into a scalable and profitable asset class

Through its new Agroz OS platform, built on Microsoft Azure’s AI infrastructure, the company is redefining how crops are grown, managed, and distributed offering a smarter, greener path for farmers and investors alike.

The Agroz OS platform merges artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics to support vertical farming systems that use less land and water while producing clean, pesticide-free crops. This approach is particularly valuable for regions like Africa, where efficient resource use and reliable yields are key to long-term food security.

Agroz’s model treats food production as distributed infrastructure  modular, measurable, and investable. Its first commercial venture, developed with Harvest Today, LLC, uses patented Harvest Wall technology to demonstrate how vertical farming can bring fresh produce closer to urban centres while reducing environmental impact.

“We are building agriculture into the next great infrastructure class. With strong government incentives and the rapid adoption of agri-tech, this is the right time to show how technology, sustainability, and capital can work together to generate lasting economic and environmental returns,” said Gerard Lim, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Agroz.

Beyond its cutting-edge vertical farms, Agroz is introducing Agroz Copilot, an intelligent AI assistant that helps farmers make better real-time decisions - from predicting crop health to managing energy use. The system’s integration of automation and analytics means farmers can increase productivity while keeping costs low.

Agroz’s sustainable farming approach aligns with 10 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), earning recognition from UNDP Malaysia, ESG Malaysia, and several national innovation awards. With Malaysia’s 10-year income tax exemption for agricultural ventures under Budget 2026, the company is positioned to expand rapidly across Asia and, potentially, emerging African markets.

As Agroz continues to grow, it aims to make AI-driven, sustainable agriculture accessible for farmers everywhere - empowering them to achieve higher yields, improve soil health, and build a resilient food system for the future.

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

Feeding Management offers significant cost savings, improved transparency of feeding programs.(Image credit: SILOKING)

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