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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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Horti Asia will rebrand as Horti Agri Next Asia (HAN Asia) in 2025. (Image source: VNU)

After successfully concluding its eighth edition, Horti Asia—the international trade show for horticultural and floricultural production and processing technology in Asia—will rebrand as Horti Agri Next Asia (HAN Asia) and make a grand return from 12-14 March 2025 at the IMPACT exhibition centre in Bangkok, Thailand

At this year’s event which held in conjunction with AGRITECHNICA ASIA from 22-24 May 2024 at BITEC, Bangkok, the show spanned 14,000 sq m and featured cutting-edge agri-technology and horticultural solutions from 336 top global brands. Around 12,129 trade visitors from 73 countries attended the event. Moreover, the show also hosted intensive conference sessions with knowledge shared by 118 keynote speakers from nine countries across 42 sessions.

Next year, the event—under the VIV Worldwide direction—will rebrand as Horti Agri Next Asia and make a grand return in from 12-14 March 2025 at the IMPACT exhibition centre in Bangkok, Thailand. 

“At VIV Worldwide, our vision is to continually advance and develop our trade shows to meet the evolving needs of the agricultural and horticultural sectors. The rebranding of Horti Asia to Horti Agri Next Asia signifies our commitment to this vision,” said managing director of VIV Worldwide, Birgit Horn. “We have already seen great success with Horti Agri Next MEA, and we are excited to expand our reach with new editions in Vietnam and Indonesia, co-located with ILDEX exhibitions. These smaller, regional shows will build momentum leading up to the grand event in Bangkok where Horti Agri Next Asia will be co-located with VIV Asia.”

For more information on HAN Asia, visit: www.hortiagrinext.com 

Mr. Lukas Viebrock, product manager, digital solutions lead Asia of CLAAS Regional Centre South East Asia Ltd. at AGRITECHNICA ASIA 2024. (Image source: FEAG)

At this year’s AGRITECHNICA ASIA 2024, which took place at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) in Bangkok, Thailand, Mr. Lukas Viebrock, Product Manager of CLAAS Regional Centre South East Asia, in conversation with Far Eastern Agriculture, discussed the company’s latest baler upgrade as well as efforts to adapt to the Southeast Asian market, while also highlighting their goals to strengthen their after-sales service and distribution network

Can you tell me a bit about CLAAS and the type of products you manufacture?

Lukas Viebrock (LV): CLAAS is a family business from Germany, already over 100 years old. We manufacture a diverse portfolio of agricultural machines from harvesters like combine harvesters or forage harvesters, to implements like balers, and, of course, tractors.

What is the significance of your presence at AGRITECHNICA ASIA this year?

Lukas Viebrock (LV): CLAAS has been in South East Asia since more than 10 years and local strength in this region was so important to us, that we decided to open a Regional Centre here in Bangkok where we support the entirety of South East Asia and East Asia. Therefore, the presence at the AGRITECHNICA ASIA is a must for us, even more due to our close collaboration with DLG, not just in Germany, but around the globe.

How has your market presence been so far?

Lukas Viebrock (LV): For sure, CLAAS is more widely known in our home markets in Europe and North America than in South East Asia. Here, we have strong local competition and very different farming practices and applications for our machines. Therefore, we focus on our strengths in specific niches to find entries. Like, for example, the QUADRANT square baler, which is a machine that is used all over Europe, but also fits here to the specific application of sugarcane straw baling. Today, we are presenting our newest update, the QUADRANT EVOLUTION and behind us is one of the very first units of this series in Thailand. Next to new machines, the majority of QUADRANT in Thailand are used machines. Therefore, the farmers in Thailand know basically every CLAAS baler generation in the last 30 years. These machines that have been run in, for instance, Germany, France or the UK, for 5 years to 15 years, now get imported to Thailand, and start their second life.

Do these used machines go to smallholder farmers?

Lukas Viebrock (LV): The main user group of our machines are contractors. They are the link between the farmers and the sugar mills with power plants. Large machines are always an investment, and one of the biggest challenges we are facing locally is adequate financing. Especially for these big machines, it is quite challenging for farmers or contractors, and therefore they usually start off with older machines or smaller machines and then slowly upgrade to bigger, newer models.

What makes your product unique in comparison to your competitors?

Lukas Viebrock (LV): We started in Thailand already in 2015 with this special application in sugarcane trash. At that time, many other competitors also started. Now, we are the only ones with significant presence left in the big square baling segment. Still, it was a very tough start because we had to figure out how to work in these harsh conditions. Sugarcane trash is quite challenging. We applied our experiences to the machine design and operation, to finally have a reliable and easy-to-use square baler, for any condition.

What makes sugarcane so challenging?

Lukas Viebrock (LV): Two things. One, a lot of soil is picked up with the sugarcane straw from the ground which is abrasive to all parts directly in the crop flow, and contaminates the bearings with dust, if the maintenance is not done right. Two, the sugarcane leaves itself are also very abrasive, basically like sandpaper. Both of these cause extreme wear and load all components of the machine.

Is there any method to overcome these conditions?

Lukas Viebrock (LV): Yes, definitely. So, for example, all parts in direct contact with the crop flow has been changed to a higher material class or received additional coating, to reduce abrasive wear. Also, for example, we have added a perforated floor for the pre-chamber, to allow the soil to fall through, instead of going through the entire machine.

What are your short- and long-term goals?

Lukas Viebrock (LV): We want to strengthen after-sales support even more. We already set up a distribution network since a few years. All our dealers are specialists in square balers because this is what CLAAS is known for in Thailand. For the support of our dealers and our customers, we set up a central parts distributor to increase the spare parts stock level with a central warehouse in Bangkok. From there, they can reach any place in Thailand within 24 hours for the majority of parts. We want to make sure our customers keep on running during the season, and support used machines with original spare parts.

Do you provide any training programmes?

Lukas Viebrock (LV): Most training programmes are provided to key customers and our CLAAS dealers who are then providing this knowledge to their customer base. For the operator training, we focus on safe and effective operation but also specifically on maintenance. In these very tough conditions, it is extremely important to maintain the machine correctly, to achieve high reliability. There are also a lot of used machines imported by independent dealers, which do not always receive adequate support. However, in the end, it is a CLAAS machine, and we must support them, especially with after-sales.

QR4200

The event featured an array of agricultural innovations focused on addressing critical issues affecting millions.

This year, AGRITECHNICA ASIA and HORTI ASIA 2024 opens its doors to more than 353 exhibitors from 28 countries, featuring an array of agricultural innovations focused on addressing critical issues affecting millions

Day 1 of the show kicked off with a conference programme highlighting the latest and innovative technologies fostering sustainability in smallholder farming. Experts from organisations like the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Mekong Institute discussed results from collaborative studies, bringing to light, scalable alternate wetting and drying (AWD) technologies as well as innovative low emissions cultivation technologies and their significance in the South and South East Asian rice sector. 

On the AGRITECHNICA side, exhibitors from top agriculture technology and machinery companies displayed their latest innovations aimed at revolutionising Asia's agriculture sector. Notable examples include companies like AGMA TOYAR, that displayed its state-of-the-art conveyer fruit and vegetable sorting system. Equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), the system bolsters productivity, while at the same time maintaining both internal and external quality of produce.

Another remarkable innovation includes sustainable bale processors from agri machinery company Teagle, that utilise plant wastes to produce biofuels. Being a first time exhibitor in Thailand, the company displayed its machine alongside sugarcane waste supplied by Thai exporters.

Moreover, standing with a firm focus on quality and primarily focusing on the hydroponics segment, Tamil Nadu-based company, Agriplast, known to be India's largest greenhouse manufacturers, highlighted their aim to help growers grow more.

Drones and vision systems were also among the highlights of the show. Global Affairs manager of agri drone manufacturing company, XAG, Olivia Zhou spoke about their upgraded XAG P100 drone, which is due to be released in about a year. In addition, a conversation with Stonkam Co Ltd's regional account manager, Angeli Li, also threw off sparks of insight regarding their AI-equipped vision systems that are used both in agriculture and other sectors such as construction. 

On the Horti Asia front, companies like NETZERO CARBON, shed light on their unique approach to utilising silica extracted from rice plants as fertiliser for numerous crops including rice plants. This is because rice being a silica loving plant, has very good adaptation to silica. Regarding net zero, the company collects carbon credits through a number of renewable energy projects involving installations. 

Day 1 finally concluded with a networking night where exhibitors, visitors and members of the media gathered, raising their glasses to celebrate a day well accomplished.

 

 

 

On till 24 May, the three-day event at BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand is showcasing innovations from more than 353 exhibitors. (Image source: AGRITECHNICA ASIA and HORTI ASIA)

The opening day of AGRITECHNICA ASIA and HORTI ASIA 2024, organised by the German Agricultural Society, DLG International, VNU Asia Pacific, and officially co-hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives of Thailand witnessed an urgent call to address the crisis facing the agriculture industry and the world at large. 

Besides showcasing advancements in agriculture globally and uniting farm professionals from Asia, the event fosters a collaborative effort to drive sustainable practices and solutions.

On till 24 May, the three-day event at BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand is showcasing innovations from more than 350 exhibitors, including global leaders like Netafim, Klasmann-Deilmann, Dummen Orange, John Deere, Mahindra & Mahindra, AGCO, CNH - New Holland, and CLAAS.

There will be a special focus on facilitating business between manufacturers and importers. Targeted sessions will help international manufacturers and technology providers to navigate market entry in countries like the Philippines and Thailand, fostering new opportunities and collaborations.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, AGRITECHNICA ASIA and HORTI ASIA will provide Thai farmers with insights from global agricultural experts through guided tours of the fair. This initiative aims to share valuable knowledge and innovative practices to enhance local farming techniques.

Katharina Riehn, vice president and chairwoman, DLG - German Agricultural Society, said, “Collaboration is key to finding solutions, which is why our theme for this event is 'Co-creation and sustainable networks.' This edition is breaking records: the exhibition space has doubled since our last edition, featuring innovations from over 353 companies and organisations. By bringing together experts and innovators, we aim to address the pressing challenges of climate change and food security while increasing efficiency in farming practices.”

Panadda Kongma, vice president of VNU Asia Pacific, said, “AGRITECHNICA ASIA and HORTI ASIA 2024 are advancing sustainable agriculture in Asia, showcasing over 353 global brands from 28 countries and hosting more than 50 conference sessions. Our aim is to position Bangkok as a hub for Agri/Horti business in Asia. The agricultural market in Asia is experiencing robust growth, particularly in the greenhouse segment, which is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.12% from 2022 to 2027.”

Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand, said, “Thailand is proud to host this significant event. It is through collaborative efforts that we can shape the future of agriculture, ensuring it meets the demands of today while preserving resources for tomorrow. Our focus on smart technologies and mechanization is key to tackling the challenges posed by climate change and food security. We are committed to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable farming practices and innovations.”

Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, president of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), said, “AGRITECHNICA ASIA & HORTI ASIA 2024 is providing us with windows of opportunity. Bringing together the latest in agricultural and horticultural innovation and technology from Thailand and around Asia. It serves as an important platform for knowledge exchange, technological know-how, networking to co-create and expand business connections. They attract international and local experts who are eager to share best practices and forge partnerships that will drive future growth.”

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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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