The attendees could discover the potential of seaweed and yeasts technologies to provide solutions to reinforce immune response and gut health. (Image source: Olmix)

Olmix on 15 October, organised the Immuno'Science forum dedicated to immunity and gut health in Porto

The forum which was enriched by the presence of representatives from 14 different countries brought together international keynote speakers covering various species such as poultry, swine, ruminants, and aquaculture. The attendees could discover the potential of seaweed and yeasts technologies to provide solutions to reinforce immune response and gut health. 

Poultry session

In his multidisciplinary research, Dr Rami Dalloul, the R. Harold Harrison distinguished professor of Poultry Science at the University of Georgia in Athens, focuses on areas investigating host-pathogen interactions during enteric challenges, particularly coccidiosis and clostridial diseases in chicken and turkey. 

In his talk, entitled 'Enteric defenses in poultry: dynamics and potential modulation,' Dr Dalloul gave a comprehensive overview of the birds’ immune system, and introduced the unique bacterial and parasitic co-infection model developed in his lab, to mimic a necrotic enteritis (NE) challenge. He also summarised the results that several nutritional strategies targeting immunity, gut integrity and microbiota obtained using this model, opening the floor to Olmix speaker, Maria Garcia, immunity product manager, to present the results obtained using this coinfection model with Algimun, a seaweed based solution. 

In this trial on broilers, Algimun not only improved performance but also significantly reduced the inflammatory response and enhanced gut integrity, thereby indicating Algimun's ability to improve broiler performance and combat the negative effects of NE. 

Swine session

In his presentation, Nicolas Bertho, a senior scientist at INRAE in France provided an overview of key swine immunology concepts. He revisited previous collaborative research with Olmix and shared findings from the ongoing immunity project ONIRIS which focuses on the effects of oral seaweed extracts (MSP) supplementation during the delivery of an attenuated PRRSV vaccine. The study highlights that this supplementation modulates systemic inflammatory cytokines and improves the anti-PRRSV humoral response. 

Following his presentation, Francisco Rocha Pinto, product manager for the Vet range at Olmix, discussed the positioning and application of Searup in swine. A number of experiments have been carried out on Searup. Two types of effects namely short-term pro-inflammatory response and long-term anti-inflammatory and antiviral benefits have been observed on two types of immune cells: monocytes and alveolar macrophages. A second experiment also noted an enhanced immune response that was observed when Searup was administered one day before and two days after vaccination. A third and final experiment is planned for 2025, where further promising results from oral seaweed supplementation are anticipated to address the significant challenges posed by PRRS. 

Ruminant session

During his presentation, Matteo Mezzetti, who holds a PhD from the Doctoral School in the Agro-Food System Agrisystem brought interesting and deep information on the inflammation during the transition period and all the consequences on early lactation, health and performing in dairy cows. Matteo presented several nutritional strategies that can be used as tools to promote proper immune functions of the cows.

After Matteo’s presentation, Elise Nacer-Khodja, product specialist at Olmix, presented field applications of Algimun in dairy cows in heat stress conditions, in which the benefits of using Algimun during the transition period of dairy cows were highlighted. This included lower inflammatory status and improved immune response around calving, resulting in a higher milk production during the 3 first months of lactation.

Aqua session

Professor and head of the Aquaculture and Fisheries group at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands, Dr Geert Wiegertjes in his presentation entitled 'Immunomodulation in aquaculture: managing expectations' provided deep insights into the challenges that affect fish health in aquaculture and an overview of the components of the immune system and mucosal barrier function. 

Following the presentation, Raquel Pereira, aqua specialist at Olmix, gave an overview of Algimun effects on fish and shrimp immune response and growth performance in both scientific and commercial conditions, highlighting how Algimun reinforces natural defenses in a complete approach, promoting systemic immunomodulation and mucosal barrier functions (gut, skin and gills).

By promoting overall health status and improving animal performance in different contexts, particularly in challenging conditions, Olmix has demonstrated to be a reliable partner and supplier of natural solutions to support the growth and sustainability of modern livestock farming stakeholders.  

For more than 25 years, ICBA has extended its reach to support communities in more than 50 countries. (Image source: ICBA)

The International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) reflects on a journey marked by resilience, innovation and commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture in some of the world’s most harsh environments

Headquartered in Dubai, UAE, ICBA was founded to address the urgent challenges of agriculture in saline and arid environments. Since its establishment in 1999, ICBA has grown from a regional initiative to a global leader in biosaline agriculture and climate-resilient farming solutions.

For more than 25 years, ICBA has extended its reach to support communities in more than 50 countries, addressing pressing global challenges such as food security, water scarcity, and adaptation to climate change. Through its revolutionary research and development, ICBA has helped equip these communities with solutions for sustainable agriculture.

Initially focused on identifying salt-tolerant crops and developing resource-efficient technologies to enable agriculture in water-scarce regions, ICBA today, leads pioneering projects that range from natural resource management and climate adaptation to agri-aquaculture. Moreover, the world’s largest collections of drought-, heat-, and salt-tolerant plants are contained within its genebank. 

ICBA has also taken part in groundbreaking initiatives including developments such as the Emirates Soil Museum and the Desert Life Sciences Laboratory, each contributing to a better understanding of soil and plant resources in arid climates. Additionally, ICBA has championed the use of climate-resilient crops, like quinoa and pearl millet, to strengthen food security and support sustainable production in arid regions.

With a strong focus on capacity development, ICBA has collaborated with organisations worldwide to empower farmers, scientists, and policymakers with expertise in sustainable agricultural practices. 

As it celebrates its 25th anniversary, ICBA aims to deepen its research, expand its partnerships, and continue building resilient food systems to benefit communities around the world.

J-AGRI became the stage for groundbreaking agritech demonstrations. (Image source: J-AGRI)

Organised by RX Japan, this year's edition of Asia's largest agriculture and livestock expo, J-AGRI was held from 9-11 October at Makuhari Messe in Tokyo, Japan

The event which attracted a total of 32,921 visitors from Europe, and North America took place alongside co-located shows GARDEX and TOOL JAPAN. Farmers, researchers, importers, wholesalers and government officials explored a curated showcase of the latest agritech, gardening tools, and safety equipment. The exhibitions’ strategic layout made navigating these innovations seamless, promoting targeted interactions and fruitful partnerships.

Visitors at GARDEX dove into eco-friendly gardening solutions, while TOOL JAPAN spotlighted precision tools and safety equipment. This cross-industry synergy created a vibrant atmosphere for knowledge exchange and networking.  Around 893 exhibitors were welcomed from several nations including China, South Korea, Taiwan,Germany, India, and the US, highlighting its role as a global hub for industry advancement.

At GARDEX, standout exhibitors such as Henan SteelArt Science and Technology Co., Ltd. showcased stylish steel furniture, while Metal Max Hardware Co. dazzled attendees with its wide selection of gardening tools. TOOL JAPAN also turned heads with SOLA’s Austrian-engineered measuring tools and QS SAFETY’s specialised safety gloves, proving the event’s versatility in catering to diverse industries.

From the Autonomous Robot 'Titan,' capable of patrol monitoring, insect trapping, and UV irradiation, to the HERMAI Robot for high-tech greenhouse operations, visitors experienced the future of farming firsthand. The FJD AT2 automatic steering system and AC101 Connect drone also showcased transformative technologies that are set to revolutionise farming operations’ efficiency.

As J-AGRI's 2024 edition comes to an end, RX Japan is already preparing for its next chapter which will include two editions in 2025 namely, J-AGRI (KYUSHU) which is due to be held from 28-30 May at Grandmesse Kumamoto followed by J-AGRI (TOKYO) which is scheduled to take place from 1-3 October at Makuhari Messe. 

Around 200 exhibitors and 8,000 trade visitors are expected to be present at the show. (Image source: ILDEX)

The third edition of the international livestock, dairy, meat processing and aquaculture exposition ILDEX Philippines prepares to kick off in co-location with the Philippines Poultry Show from 27-29 August 2025 

Organised by VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific, with MEREBO Messe International being in charge of European and Australian participants, the event will occupy 6,000 sq m at SMX Convention Centre in Manila and will include all groups of livestock management and meat processing.

The 2025 edition will focus not only on poultry but will also broaden its scope to attract professionals from the hog industry and feature the newly introduced Smart Aqua Solutions Pavilion, showcasing innovations in sustainable water systems. This expansion reinforces the event’s commitment to addressing the most critical aspects of the livestock and agri-business sectors. Around 200 exhibitors and 8,000 trade visitors are expected to be present at the show.

“Momentum for the 2025 edition is already building, with over 40 leading local and international suppliers confirming their participation,” said Mr. Kevin Zhao, project manager of ILDEX Philippines. “Notable global companies such as Arm & Hammer, Big Dutchman, Cargill, CEVA, Hipra, PhilChema Inc., Pilmico Foods Corporation, Pure Bio Science, Top Shelf, and Zoetis have already committed to joining us. These top players, alongside numerous other exhibitors, will present comprehensive solutions and cutting-edge innovations tailored to the unique needs of the Philippine livestock industry. We are excited to provide a robust platform for such influential industry leaders to connect and collaborate.”

The 2024 edition of the only international apple trade show stood out for its high-quality audience, exhibitors and contents. (Image source: fruitecom)

The 13th edition of Interpoma took place from 21-23 November in Bolzano, with figures confirming its runway success  

Being the only international apple trade show, the Interpoma attracts global stakeholders every two years to the Fiera Bolzano. Around 16,000 visitors and 400 exhibitors registered for three days of agricultural and technological excellence under one roof. 

The numerous participants at the events speak to the consolidation of a discerning and high-quality audience consisting of industry experts and visitors. These events were the two-day Congress as well as the nine Interpoma Tours – guided tours for industry stakeholders and the press wanting to discover South Tyrolean best practice. 

The 2024 Interpoma Award was presented by a jury that assessed 16 candidates and went on to reward the most promising technology aimed at reducing carbon footprint, fertiliser and phytosanitary products from being used in an orchard. SporeScout by BioScout emerged as the winner. The technology was recognised for its contribution to extraordinary progress when it came to sustainably managing phytosanitary products to protect the apple orchard.

The Visitors' Choice Award was introduced for this time at the 2024 edition and was presented to Agromanager, which also received an honorobale mention. With more than 700 visitors voting on the first day of the trade show, Agromanager, an efficient digital platform used for running an apple farm's daily business, was recognised for its irrigation and fertilisation system control that enabled information needed for numerous decision-making processes to be transfered to specific areas of the orchard. 

Another new tool called Trapview also received an honorable mention. By monitoring and forecasting which insects can damage orchards, the tool aids crop protection and stands out for its ease of use as well as its agile system that is far better than the longer times required by manual traps. This enables efficient and remote management of the monitoring system by apple-growers and consultancy services. Moreover, the product’s potential to reduce the use of phytosanitary products mirrors the  Award’s criteria, as it forecasts which insects to fight and, therefore, improves the sustainability of apple orchard management. 

“Interpoma is where we discover the trends of the future," said Interpoma Brand Manager, Giulia Montanaro. "The choice to focus on the orchards of the future and showcase unprecedented digital technologies and new growing strategies has paid off vis-a-vis Congress footfall – also thanks to the expertise of speakers and companies from all over the world.” 

The next edition of Interpoma   nis scheduled to be held in November 2026.