AFTEA continues to serve as a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration and innovation to shape the future of the agri-food industry. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The third edition of the Agri-Food Tech Axpo Asia (AFTEA) was held from 19-21 November at Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore

As a focused exhibition platform, AFTEA offered a premier launchpad for agri-food tech companies to showcase cutting-edge technologies, products and solutions that future-proof the region's agri-food industries. With a living lab demo zone, knowledge sharing at content stages, and pitching competitions, AFTEA highlighted the latest advancements driving the agri-food sector forward.

This year the event showed a 40% exhibitor increase compared to last year by providing an expected 10,000 attendees direct access to 300 exhibitors, including over 100 start-ups and 17 international and industry groups, while also showcasing the latest innovations, practices, and strategies.  

AFTEA played a critical role in catalysing this transition by convening the industry's bellwethers, innovators, start-ups, investors, and key decision makers - including food manufacturers, processors, policymakers, farmers and growers – to discover the latest technologies and food solutions, and enable their applications towards driving sustainable food systems. 

"AFTEA is an essential and valuable platform that brings together global leaders, experts, and innovators to promote sustainable food systems. Showcasing advanced agri-tech solutions, novel foods, alternative proteins, and smart farming applications, AFTEA spotlights cutting-edge trends and technologies," said professor Matthew Tan, chair for Sustainable in Agriculture & Fishery Sectors, APEC Policy Partnership on Food Security. "The event emphasises the importance of Public-Private Partnerships which is very much aligned with the priorities of APEC Policy Partnership on Food Security, and the critical role of the Agri-Food Tech World Championship in addressing food security challenges. Amid rising food prices and supply-demand issues, AFTEA is pivotal in promoting public-private cooperation for food security in APEC economies."  

The event comprised multiple startup pavilions offering attendees the chance to explore groundbreaking, diverse solutions that are shaping the future of the agri-food sector. Two Sandbox stages offered a combined 30 hours of content across 100 sessions on Innovation, Sustainability and Food Safety. At one of these stages, the Climate-Smart Practices Forum featured senior executives of World Bank, Mars, RIZE, Mae Fah Luang Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Hosted by Sandbox was the Agri-Food Tech Demo Day which offered a stage for finalist teams pitching their innovative ideas to a judging panel, competing for cash and in-kind prizes worth over US$150,000.

In a rapidly evolving landscape where concerns with sustainability and food security, powered by technological advancements are transforming the agri-food sector in Asia, AFTEA continues to serve as a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration and innovation to shape the future of the agri-food industry.

This partnership will leverage the strengths and expertise of both event organisers. (Image source: Agri-food Tech Expo)

Constellar and MY Exhibition Co., Ltd have announced a strategic partnership to boost the agri-food tech and aquaculture sectors in Singapore and Taiwan

This collaboration will contribute to the broader goal of leveraging technology to advance Asia's agriculture industry, fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic growth. Known for having the largest agrifood tech ecosystem in Southeast Asia, with over 122 companies, and US$1.4bn worth of funds raised since 2013, Singapore leads innovation incubation, end-to-end testing and the adoption of agrifood and aquaculture technologies for the region. The country's robust shared infrastructure and innovation hubs also positions it as the ideal hub in Southeast Asia for regional and international companies to fundraise and seek lab-pilot scale assistance.

Taiwan on the other hand, is renowned for its high-tech industry and research and development capabilities. By integrating these strengths into the agricultural sector, Taiwan has established a unique position as a leader in the advancement and future of agribusiness. With its exceptional contributions in IT, high-tech industries, and biotechnology research, Taiwan has earned international acclaim and a distinctive leadership role. These technological advantages are widely applied in agriculture, not only enhancing food self-sufficiency but also addressing climate and environmental challenges through advanced techniques and management practices. This approach ensures the production of market-driven, safe, reliable, sustainable, and traceable agricultural products, allowing the world's ecosystem to breathe and recover.

This partnership will leverage the strengths and expertise of both event organisers to facilitate knowledge exchange, advance research and development, enable networking opportunities, as well as inspire transnational collaborations amongst their event participants. Constellar organises Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia (AFTEA), while MY Exhibition Co. Ltd organises Taiwan Smart Agriweek (TSA) and International Aquaculture and Fisheries Expo Taiwan (IAFET).

"We are excited to embark on this journey with MY Exhibition," said Paul Lee, Chief Executive (Markets), Constellar. "This partnership not only reinforces Constellar’s vision of convening industry stakeholders but also underscores our shared commitment to advancing the agrifood tech and aquaculture sectors. By leveraging the combined strengths of both organisations, AFTEA, TSA and IAFET will serve as vital platforms enabling industry leaders to network, innovate, and accelerate the pathway towards secure, sustainable and climate-friendly agri-food systems. We welcome like-minded organisers from other markets to join us and forge a strong network of events to grow the industry and form a strong ecosystem of emerging agri-food tech players.”

The event shaped up to be extraordinary and surpassed previous editions with an extensive 15,000 sq m exhibition area. (Image source: Vietstock)

Vietnam’s premier international feed, livestock, aquaculture & meat industry show, Vietstock Expo & Forum 2024 took place from 9-11 October, marking a special edition celebrating 20 years of supporting the Vietnamese livestock sector

Hosted by the Department of Livestock Production (the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), this year's edition of Vietstock was organised by Informa Markets with the theme 'Livestock transformation for better production, nutrition, environment and life'. 

With over 400 exhibitors and 13,000 attendees from 50 countries and regions, this event shaped up to be extraordinary and surpassed previous editions with an extensive 15,000 sq m exhibition area.

Vietstock 2024 worked closely with the Animal Husbandry Association of Vietnam, Vietnam Ruminant Husbandry Association, Vietnam Poultry Association, Vietnam Fisheries Society, and over 50 associations, governments and media partners across Vietnam. 

Featuring a range of programmes and activities, the event was designed to promote sustainable development in the livestock and aquaculture industries, including: Technologies, products & solutions showcase; Information Classification: General Conferences & Technical Seminars; Match & Meet Programme; Bus-in programme; Eggcellent Theatre; Sustainability Square and the series of livestock & aquaculture roadshows.

A new highlight, the Biosecurity Asia Forum, focused on orientations, methods and implementation strategies for biosecurity, which is a core value for sustainable development in the livestock industry. International experts presented on building a strong biosecurity culture in livestock farming, covering best practices and implementation methods.

The 12th prestigious livestock award, Vietstock Awards 2024 also took place at the event, highlighting progress and innovation in green and sustainable development.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the journey of innovation and development, Informa Markets and the Department of Livestock Production (MARD) supported up to 30%/booth cost for Vietnamese SMEs participating in Vietstock for the first time. SMEs participating in the New Business Pavilion were arranged in a concentrated area and adjacent to the booth of the Department of Livestock Production (MARD). 

Vietstock 2024 took place concurrently with Vietnam’s International Aquaculture Industry Event - Aquaculture Vietnam 2024. This comprehensive event connected the entire value chain of the livestock and aquaculture industries.

The focus is on special achievements for the development of local, national and international agriculture. (Image source: DLG)

Chosen from 107 candidates from 34 countries, the DLG (German Agricultural Society) and Women in Ag Magazine recently announced the winners of this year's 'Women in Ag Award'

The award honors candidates in four categories namely, 'Agriculture', 'Agribusiness', 'Education' and 'Technology and Research' each with first, second and third place. Focussed on recognising the work of women in the agricultural sector, the award ceremony will be held on 13 November at EuroTier 2024.  

The award winners were selected from 107 candidates from 34 countries by an international jury of representatives from agricultural practice, science, organisations and the media. The focus is on special achievements for the development of local, national and international agriculture.  

The award winners by category include:

Category: Agribusiness

• 1st Place: Doreen Jean Nsasiirwe - An experienced agriculture professional dedicated to improving health and conserving the environment by offering natural, nutritious, and sustainable health products.
• 2nd Place: Susan Waithira Kuria - Seasoned entrepreneur who is also the co-founder and managing director of Essential Drugs Ltd, who has a great passion for advancing the livestock sector through innovation and modern technology.
• 3rd Place:  Neamat ElTazi - Co-founder and COO of PoultrySync, Egypt, along with her co-founders developed a technical solution for the poultry industry that enhances flock performance and efficiency, resulting in notable improvements in operations and profitability. 

Category: Agriculture

• 1st Place: Jana Gäbert - A farmer and scientist in leadership roles who promotes unconventional conventional agriculture, bridging science and practice to address climate change while focusing on biodiversity, sustainability, and innovation.
• 2nd Place: Caroline Jaspart - Owner of a farm in Belgium who was appointed president of the Union des Agricultrices Wallonnes. She represent the voice of women farmers in various places and carries out projects on the status of women and well-being in the workplace. Her quest is to show that the female farmer is an entrepreneur just like any other. 
• 3rd Place: Judith Bakirya - Managing director of Busaino Herbs and Fruits (BusHFruit), Busoga, an AgroEcology farm who works with small garden owners who are the neighbours, and are both in-growers of nuts, beans, soya and vegetables in the fruit farm and out-growers of avocado and jackfruit. 

Category: Education

• 1st Place: Rosinah Mbenya - A professional environmentalist who serves as the country coordinator for PELUM Kenya. She has accumulated expertise in development projects, particularly in agroecology, climate change, market development, advocacy, capacity building, and networking.
• 2nd Place: Christine Jodloman - A dedicated agriculture advocate from a family of farmers in the Philippines who has co-created and reached more than 40,000 farmers in the Philippines and in ASEAN region.
• 3rd Place: Helen Louton - A leading academic in animal welfare with a particular focus on poultry husbandry and management who is also a professor of Animal Health and Welfare at the University of Rostock, Germany. She has positively contributed to the training of individuals in agriculture, scientific research and agricultural practice in addition to setting new standards in poultry welfare.

Category: Technology and Research

• 1st Place: Annika Behler - An agricultural scientist at the Institute of Agricultural and Urban Ecological Projects (IASP), Germany, who aims to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact in farming.
• 1st Place: Katharina Berse - A project manager for strategic agricultural research at Evonik Creavis, Germany with she and her team developing a solution to stabilise Gram-negative bacteria in liquid formulations, promoting more sustainable agriculture. In addition to her work, Katharina Berse also runs a farm with her husband, focusing on both crops and livestock.
• 2nd Place: Lisbeth Henricksen - As a visionary thinker and the director of Innovation at SEGES Innovation, she is responsible for developing and innovating new knowledge, tools, and products for farmers across all primary production sectors, including dairy, pigs, arable farming, climate and sustainability, economics, and management. 
• 3rd Place: LaKisha Odom - She works at the intersection of sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in agriculture, focusing on innovative solutions for sustainable food production and economic viability for producers. At the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), she leads DEI efforts and research programmes that support regenerative farming, healthier food access, and diverse farmer adoption of sustainable practices.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and COP28 co-hosted an event entitled ‘Advancing Climate Action through Sustainable Agriculture and Resilient Food Systems’ during the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on 22 September 2024. (Image source: MOCCAE))

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and COP28 co-hosted an event entitled ‘Advancing Climate Action through Sustainable Agriculture and Resilient Food Systems’ during the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on 22 September 2024

During the opening of the event, the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak began with a keynote speech highlighting the importance of sustainable food systems in the global climate agenda and how the COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems and Climate Action, which was launched last year at COP28, has raised global ambition on this.

This event provided a platform for United Nations Member States and other stakeholders to share actions they have taken in their own national contexts to enhance their agriculture and food systems in light of climate change. It also offered an opportunity to share their perspectives on potential deliverables at COP29 and related fora. Stakeholders highlighted key agriculture, food, and climate milestones that are crucial for maintaining momentum from COP28 to COP29 and COP30. 

Moreover, the event placed special emphasis on Member States’ thinking around the role of agriculture and food systems in the next round of NDCs, NAPs, and NBSAPs, and how to accelerate all forms of finance to support this critical part of our climate transition. 

“The UAE is committed to championing food systems innovations that are good for both people and planet, and the partnership on agricultural innovation that we co-launched with the Gates Foundation at COP28 is focused precisely on this objective," said Head of International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, CEO of 2PointZero, Mariam Almheiri. "We are proud to be the first donor country from the MENA region to join the CGIAR's System Council, and in the coming years, we plan to work closely with the CGIAR and all of our global partners to develop and scale promising innovations that can help smallholder farmers improve their livelihoods in the face of climate change."