In The Spotlight
EuroTier 2026 Addresses Feed Efficiency and Emission Challenges Across Livestock Sectors.(Image credit: DLG)
As pressure mounts on livestock producers to deliver strong animal performance while reducing environmental impact, EuroTier 2026 will present practical, evidence-based solutions across feeding management, emission reduction and alternative protein sourcing.
Scheduled for November 10-13, 2026, in Hanover, Germany, the event brings together global innovators in livestock nutrition under the guiding theme "Intelligence in Animal Farming."
The DLG Spotlight "Emission Reduction" at EuroTier 2026 will examine the practical role that feeding plays in reducing ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions in pig and poultry production - two sectors where nutritional strategies have demonstrated clear environmental benefits.
In pig production, reducing dietary crude protein concentration is among the most direct levers available. Research indicates that cutting crude protein by one percentage point typically lowers ammonia emissions by approximately 10 percent. Achieving this without compromising performance requires precise formulation based on digestible amino acids rather than total crude protein, a shift that is increasingly becoming standard practice among progressive producers.
In poultry operations, the same principles apply: precisely matching dietary nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations to actual animal requirements reduces nutrient surpluses entering soil, water and air. The Spotlight will connect visitors directly with exhibitors and technical experts offering practical solutions that align environmental compliance with productive, cost-efficient operations.
Alongside emission reduction, alternative protein sources are drawing growing attention in animal nutrition. EuroTier 2026 will provide a forum for examining how novel ingredients can meet the amino acid requirements of livestock, reduce dependence on conventional protein meals and support more resilient, diversified feed supply chains.
For ruminant producers, the connection between forage quality and feeding efficiency is direct. High-quality silage and conserved forage reduce the need for supplemental concentrates, lower feed costs and support both animal performance and reproductive efficiency. Consistent forage analysis, regular re-sampling of silage inventories and precise ration adjustment are among the practices that translate improved forage into measurable farm profitability.
Vitarich strengthens its foothold in the Philippines with Mindanao breeder farm deal. (Image credit: Vitarich corp.)
Philippine poultry giant Vitarich Corporation has taken a significant step forward in its growth ambitions, completing the USD 4.8 million buyout of Broilers Club Inc. (BCI), a breeder farm operation nestled in Davao del Sur, Mindanao.
The Definitive Agreement was signed on February 23, 2026, drawing the curtain on a deal that hands Vitarich full ownership of BCI's farm assets.
At the heart of the acquisition sits a 4.6 hectare plot of land in Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur, together with fully operational breeder farm facilities and equipment. BCI, which also trades under the name Southern Sunrise Agriventures, was founded back in 2018 with a focused remit of producing hatching eggs for poultry aggregators across the region.
The numbers speak for themselves. With BCI now firmly under its wing, Vitarich anticipates an 8% boost in breeder output, translating into a steadier and more dependable flow of broiler chicks to markets nationwide. Going forward, BCI will channel 100% of its day old chick production exclusively to Vitarich, with all earnings folded into the parent company's financial books.
The move is very much part of a bigger picture. Vitarich has been quietly but deliberately building a more resilient supply chain in response to growing poultry demand across the Philippines and wider Southeast Asia. Bringing BCI's operations in house not only tightens the company's grip on its production pipeline but also shields it from the kind of supply disruptions and feed cost pressures that have rattled the industry in recent years. Vertical integration, in short, is proving to be a smart play.
The transaction received full backing from Vitarich's board of directors, acting on the recommendation of its Organisational and Business Development Committee, signalling strong internal confidence in the strategy.
On the financial side, the US$4.8mn consideration was spread across share acquisition, loan reimbursements, land payments, and converted shareholder advances. An initial US$0.17mn was paid upfront as option money, US$ 2.38mn was settled at closing, and the remaining US$2.22mn will follow once share and land title transfers are completed.
Notably, the deal sat comfortably below the US$59.6mn threshold requiring Philippine Competition Commission scrutiny, allowing it to proceed without regulatory intervention.
Hong Kong's food safety authorities have moved swiftly to halt poultry imports from specific regions in Argentina and Japan following confirmed outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza.
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS), operating under the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, issued the suspension after receiving alerts from both the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The affected areas include Lobos Partido in Buenos Aires Province and Marcos Juarez Department in Córdoba Province in Argentina, alongside Hokkaido Prefecture in Japan.
The ban covers all poultry meat, related products, and poultry eggs arriving from these regions and came into force immediately.
Trade figures from the Census and Statistics Department paint a clear picture of just how significant these supply chains are. Hong Kong brought in roughly 2,080 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Argentina last year alone. From Japan, the figures were even more considerable, with approximately 2,390 tonnes of frozen poultry meat and nearly 298 million poultry eggs making their way into the city.
A CFS spokesman noted that "the CFS has contacted the Argentinian and Japanese authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation."
Consumers can expect authorities to keep a close watch as the situation develops.
-
HSW ECO MATIC® 6ml _ 10ml (for injection, oral and pour-on application)
HSW ECO MATIC
Vietnam’s appetite for imported meat continued to grow in 2025, with total purchases surpassing US$2bn for the first time.
The country imported around 978,300 tonnes of meat and meat products during the year, reflecting strong consumer demand and expanding needs within the food processing sector.
Figures compiled by the Import and Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, together with the General Department of Customs, show that Vietnam spent more than US$2.004bn on meat imports in 2025. Compared with the previous year, import volumes rose by 11.6 per cent, while the overall value increased by 12.2 per cent. The rise points to a steady shift in consumption patterns, with more households and businesses turning to imported animal protein.
India remained Vietnam’s largest supplier. The country exported 188,700 tonnes of meat to Vietnam, valued at US$681.32mn, accounting for nearly one fifth of total import volume.
Frozen pork was one of the fastest growing segments. Imports reached 183,400 tonnes, worth US$418.54mn. This marked an increase of 18.75 per cent in volume and almost 21 per cent in value compared with 2024.
Vietnam relied heavily on Russia for frozen pork, which supplied 48.44 per cent of total imports in this category. Brazil followed with a 30.91 per cent share, underlining the importance of both countries in meeting Vietnam’s protein needs.
The average import price of frozen pork stood at roughly US$2,273 per tonne. This increase came at a time when domestic live hog prices in early 2026 fluctuated between USD 2.65 and 3.30 per kilogramme, creating additional pressure along the supply chain.
While imports surged, exports remained limited. In 2025, Vietnam exported only 22,300 tonnes of meat, generating US$116.49mn in revenue. Hong Kong remained the largest destination for Vietnamese meat, although shipments to the market declined by more than 21 per cent compared with the previous year.
The figures highlight a widening gap between Vietnam’s import demand and its export capacity, as domestic consumption continues to outpace overseas sales.
EuroTier 2026 Addresses Feed Efficiency and Emission Challenges Across Livestock Sectors.(Image credit: DLG)
As pressure mounts on livestock producers to deliver strong animal performance while reducing environmental impact, EuroTier 2026 will present practical, evidence-based solutions across feeding management, emission reduction and alternative protein sourcing.
Scheduled for November 10-13, 2026, in Hanover, Germany, the event brings together global innovators in livestock nutrition under the guiding theme "Intelligence in Animal Farming."
The DLG Spotlight "Emission Reduction" at EuroTier 2026 will examine the practical role that feeding plays in reducing ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions in pig and poultry production - two sectors where nutritional strategies have demonstrated clear environmental benefits.
In pig production, reducing dietary crude protein concentration is among the most direct levers available. Research indicates that cutting crude protein by one percentage point typically lowers ammonia emissions by approximately 10 percent. Achieving this without compromising performance requires precise formulation based on digestible amino acids rather than total crude protein, a shift that is increasingly becoming standard practice among progressive producers.
In poultry operations, the same principles apply: precisely matching dietary nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations to actual animal requirements reduces nutrient surpluses entering soil, water and air. The Spotlight will connect visitors directly with exhibitors and technical experts offering practical solutions that align environmental compliance with productive, cost-efficient operations.
Alongside emission reduction, alternative protein sources are drawing growing attention in animal nutrition. EuroTier 2026 will provide a forum for examining how novel ingredients can meet the amino acid requirements of livestock, reduce dependence on conventional protein meals and support more resilient, diversified feed supply chains.
For ruminant producers, the connection between forage quality and feeding efficiency is direct. High-quality silage and conserved forage reduce the need for supplemental concentrates, lower feed costs and support both animal performance and reproductive efficiency. Consistent forage analysis, regular re-sampling of silage inventories and precise ration adjustment are among the practices that translate improved forage into measurable farm profitability.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has taken a major step towards modernising desert locust management with the launch of its first regional drone pilot training programme.
Led through the Desert Locust Control Commission in the Central Region and the Desert Locust Control Commission in the Western Region, the initiative is being implemented in close cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources of the Sultanate of Oman.
Hosted in Oman, the programme brings together technical specialists from countries most affected by desert locust infestations across the Central and Western Regions. Its aim is to strengthen national and regional capacity in using unmanned aerial systems for desert locust survey, monitoring and control. The initiative reflects a growing shift towards digital agriculture and precision technologies to protect crops, livelihoods and food security.
The training marks an important transition from limited pilot trials to a structured and institutional approach to drone use in locust operations. By focusing on standardised procedures and certified skills, FAO is ensuring that Member States are better prepared to respond quickly and safely to emerging locust threats. The five day programme combines classroom learning, simulator sessions and extensive hands on field exercises, offering participants a practical and immersive experience.
The programme is delivered in partnership with Micron, a leading provider of aerial spraying systems, and is supported by the FAO office in Muscat alongside strong logistical backing from Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources and local partner Ankaa Space Company.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Mamoon Al Sarai Al Alawi, Executive Secretary of the Desert Locust Control Commission in the Central Region, said, “This training marks a critical step in moving from pilot initiatives to full operational integration of drone technology in desert locust management. It will empower national teams with advanced technical skills, enhance operational safety, and ensure the effective and sustainable use of these tools in protecting crops, livelihoods, and food security.”
Beyond technical skills, the programme strengthens regional cooperation and encourages the sharing of experience and best practice. It also supports FAO’s wider strategy to modernise desert locust control through digital tools such as remote sensing, satellite monitoring, geographic information systems and eLocust platforms.
Through initiatives like this, FAO continues to support Member States in building resilient systems to manage transboundary pests, contributing directly to global food security, sustainable development and the organisation’s Four Betters agenda.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) has designated seven provinces Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do, Chungcheongnam-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeollabuk-do, and Jeollanam-do as the first-ever “Green Bio Industry Promotion Zones” in accordance with Article 15 of the Act on the Promotion of the Green Bio Industry.
This milestone marks a significant step in the Republic of Korea’s strategy to strengthen its green bioeconomy and drive sustainable industrial growth.
Introduced for the first time this year, the Green Bio Industry Promotion Zone system is designed to establish a comprehensive, region-led framework for business support. The initiative is built around provincial hubs where green bio companies, universities, research institutes, and essential infrastructure for technology verification and certification are closely integrated. Through this clustered approach, local governments are expected to play a leading role in nurturing innovation, accelerating technology transfer, and supporting market-ready solutions.
The selected zones were evaluated and designated following a rigorous assessment process. Key criteria included industrial growth potential, implementation capacity, policy relevance, and overall feasibility. This ensures that each province is well positioned to contribute effectively to the national green bio strategy while leveraging its own regional strengths and resources.
The green-bio industry itself is regarded as a next-generation growth engine, encompassing six major sectors: microorganisms, natural products, food materials, insects, seeds, and veterinary medical products. With the designation of the Green Bio Industry Development Zones, collaboration networks among provinces are expected to deepen. In parallel, processes for verification, evaluation, certification, and commercialisation of green bio technologies and products are set to accelerate, helping to create a dynamic and competitive innovation ecosystem.
MAFRA plans to support the designated provinces by granting eligibility to participate in government-funded infrastructure development projects, including the Green Bio Venture Campus and advanced biofoundries. In addition, policy incentives will be provided to companies operating within the zones, further encouraging private-sector participation and investment in sustainable bio-based industries.
To ensure accountability and continuous improvement, MAFRA will receive quarterly performance reports from the local governments managing the designated zones. Annual performance evaluations will also be conducted to closely monitor implementation progress. Importantly, the results of these evaluations will be reflected in the formulation of policies for the following year, reinforcing a results-driven and adaptive governance approach.
Through these measures, the ROK aims to position itself at the forefront of green bio innovation, fostering regional development while advancing a resilient, sustainable bioeconomy aligned with global green growth trends.
