In The Spotlight
Global antimicrobial usage peaked dramatically at 118,600 tonnes in 2013 before dropping to 84,000 tonnes by 2020.
A groundbreaking UCL study reveals a paradox at the heart of global agriculture: whilst antimicrobial use in livestock has plummeted by nearly a third since 2013, wealthy nations are quietly shifting the burden overseas through strategic imports.
The research, published in Nature Sustainability, tracked antimicrobial consumption patterns across a decade, painting the most comprehensive picture yet of how these critical medicines flow through our interconnected food systems. The findings tell two contrasting stories about progress and persistent problems.
Global antimicrobial usage peaked dramatically at 118,600 tonnes in 2013 before dropping to 84,000 tonnes by 2020. This remarkable decline accelerated following the landmark 2016 UN meeting on antimicrobial resistance, which catalysed stricter regulations across numerous countries. Per capita consumption fell from 15.6 grams to 10.6 grams during this period.
China and the United States, commanding roughly 60% of worldwide usage, drove this positive shift with reductions of 29% and 28% respectively. These numbers represent genuine progress in combating a threat that currently claims 700,000 lives annually through drug resistant bacteria.
However, beneath these encouraging statistics lies a troubling pattern. Developed nations have effectively exported their antimicrobial footprint by importing products from emerging economies where livestock farming practices remain antimicrobial intensive. Between 2010 and 2020, internationally traded goods' share of antimicrobial use climbed from 16% to 20%.
Perhaps most surprising: half this footprint stems from non food products like clothing, chemicals, and electronics containing animal derived materials. Meanwhile, nations like India and Indonesia face rising antimicrobial consumption, partly fuelled by export demands. India's footprint expanded by 16% across the decade.
"The overuse of antimicrobials in livestock is a serious health concern, posing a potential global health threat. The decline in use in recent years is promising, and shows that government regulation and intervention can be effective. Our research can help inform future guidance for their usage," said Heran Zheng (UCL Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction).
This study underscores a critical reality: reducing antimicrobial resistance requires coordinated global action, not just shifting production to countries with looser regulations. True progress means addressing consumption patterns and supporting sustainable farming practices worldwide.
Bayer has officially entered the premium strawberry market with a breakthrough variety that promises to transform how European growers approach soft fruit production.
Baya Solara, launched through the company's renowned De Ruiter brand, represents years of scientific innovation following Bayer's strategic acquisition of NIAB's strawberry breeding programme in 2023.
This June bearing cultivar arrives at a crucial moment for the industry. Global strawberry demand continues outpacing supply throughout the year, whilst growers face mounting pressure from disease threats, labour shortages, and quality expectations from increasingly discerning consumers.
"Our new variety Baya Solara is an exciting June-bearing cultivar and delivers impressive productivity and strong resistance to diseases like Phytophthora cactorum without compromising fruit quality. With this launch, we are targeting Northern Europe's rapidly growing protected cropping sector and offer growers new opportunities," said Swanny Chouteau, Portfolio Lead for the Europe Middle East and Africa region at Bayer's Crop Science division.
The variety tackles one of soft fruit production's most persistent challenges: crown rot caused by Phytophthora cactorum. This fungal disease has devastated countless harvests across Europe, making genetic resistance a genuine breakthrough for sustainable cultivation practices.
Beyond disease protection, Baya Solara delivers remarkable consistency. The fruits maintain impressive uniformity in size whilst resisting post harvest darkening, a critical factor for retail presentation. The flavour profile balances natural sweetness with optimal acidity, creating an eating experience that resonates with modern consumer preferences.
"Baya Solara is a strawberry that offers many benefits. For growers, it means a more productive and reliable harvest. For retailers, it delivers consistent, large, firm fruits with excellent shelf life, reducing waste and ensuring dependable quality. For families, it offers delicious strawberries that stay fresh longer, helping them reduce waste and enjoy every berry," said VK Kishore, Head of Global Product Innovation for Vegetables at Bayer's Crop Science division.
Initial availability covers the UK, Germany, and Benelux markets, targeting the region's expanding protected cropping infrastructure. The variety joins Bayer's growing strawberry portfolio, which includes the popular Malling Ace everbearing variety and the premium Malling Centenary June bearer.
This launch signals Bayer's serious commitment to soft fruit innovation, backed by extensive breeding resources spanning over 20 vegetable crops and thousands of seed selections worldwide.
Sustainable Foods 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment, bringing together industry decision makers at the Business Design Centre on 28th and 29th January to tackle the biggest challenges facing our food system today.
This landmark gathering focuses on four transformative pillars: Health and Nutrition, Food Security, Net Zero targets, and Regenerative Agriculture. It represents a rare opportunity where both animal and plant based sectors collaborate to build solutions that benefit everyone.
Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee, said, "Rapid progress on reducing agricultural emissions and being thoughtful about how we use our land is needed for the UK to meet its climate targets. The good news is that the solutions are already in front of us, from supporting our farmers to making it easier and more affordable for people to access nutritious and tasty food."
The health crisis demands urgent action. With obesity rates climbing and diet related diseases on the rise, ultra processed foods now face unprecedented scrutiny. Major retailers recognise their responsibility in this transformation.
Ken Murphy, CEO of Tesco, said, "We recognise the vital role supermarkets can play in securing a sustainable food system. Our customers are telling us they want food that is affordable, healthier and better for the planet, and they expect us to lead the way."
Climate extremes, political tensions, and supply chain vulnerabilities dominate boardroom discussions. The event tackles these realities head on.
Henry Dimbleby, Co-founder of Bramble Partners, LEON, and author of the National Food Strategy added,"We are entering a decade of unprecedented disruption in the food system. Health, nature and climate are no longer abstract ESG concerns, they are hard commercial realities. Appetite suppressants are booming, ultra processed food is under fire, and climate change is straining supply chains. Money is moving, and leaders who don't act now will be left behind."
Over 700 delegates from 45 countries will converge, featuring 100 speakers and 50 exhibitors. BBC Radio 4's Dan Saladino will broadcast a special Food Programme episode on 6th February, capturing insights from this crucial gathering where commitment transforms into action.
EIMA International stands as the world’s premier International Exhibition of Agricultural and Gardening Machinery, a landmark biennial trade fair in Bologna, Italy, celebrated globally as the innovation factory for the agri-mechanical sector.
The 2026 edition is scheduled from 10–14 November and will take place across the sprawling Bologna Fairgrounds, covering a total area of 375,000 m, including 122,000 m of net exhibition space. Each edition draws approximately 1,750 exhibitors from over 50 countries, showcasing more than 60,000 models of agricultural, horticultural, and gardening machinery, creating an unparalleled global platform for business and innovation.
The exhibition is meticulously organised into fourteen merchandise sectors, encompassing everything from tractors, engines, and irrigation systems to harvesters, livestock equipment, soil preparation tools, and specialized machinery. This structure allows visitors from professional buyers to farm managers to efficiently navigate and explore the most relevant agri-tech innovations.
Adding depth to the main sectors, specialised thematic showcases highlight emerging trends and niche technologies: EIMA Components (parts and accessories), EIMA Green (garden machinery), EIMA Energy (renewable energy in agriculture), EIMA Idrotech (water management solutions), and EIMA Digital (precision agriculture and electronic systems). These zones provide a hub for collaboration, cross-sector insights, and technological discovery.
Beyond machinery displays, EIMA International promotes knowledge sharing and networking, attracting professionals during the first two days before opening to gardening enthusiasts and the public. Attendees enjoy press events, virtual tours, multimedia coverage, and the EIMA app for planning visits, accessing exhibitor data, and engaging with interactive content.
With its scale, innovation focus, and historical significance, EIMA International remains a must-attend global event, driving market trends, fostering industry connections, and showcasing sustainable solutions that shape the future of agriculture and gardening worldwide.
The South African government has welcomed a major R170 million investment by the African Pioneer Group into a new fishmeal plant at Sandy Point Harbour in St Helena Bay, Western Cape.
The facility is set to boost local and export supply chains by producing a range of fish products and strengthening the small pelagic sector’s value chain.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp,said, “This facility is so much more than an expansion of processing capacity. It is a strategic intervention in the small pelagic value chain that strengthens domestic beneficiation, enhances operational efficiency, and positions South Africa to extract greater economic value from each tonne of fish harvested,” he said. He added that the project “strengthens local opportunities without increasing pressure on the resource base” and represents investment in communities and the future of South Africa’s fishing industry.
Aucamp emphasised and added, “The more than R170 million investment represented by this facility contributes directly to sustainable industrial growth in a priority coastal node,” he said, highlighting the partnership between government, science and the fishing industry as central to sustainable marine resource management.
The small pelagic sector plays a crucial role in coastal employment, food security, animal feed supply chains, and export earnings, especially along the West Coast. However, it is also highly vulnerable to environmental variability and climate-driven shifts. The Minister pointed to recent scientific assessments showing major fluctuations in biomass and recruitment, particularly the record-low anchovy recruitment in 2025 and persistently low sardine populations.
In response, the sector has been urged to diversify fishing efforts towards more abundant species such as round herring, which has shown strong biomass performance. “This species now plays a critical buffering role in maintaining throughput in the pelagic sector during periods when sardine and anchovy are constrained,” the Minister said. He explained that investments like the Sandy Point fishmeal plant support resilience by enabling efficient processing of a wider species mix, reducing waste, improving turnaround times, and stabilising supply to downstream industries.
Overall, the plant is seen as a strategic move towards sustainable industrialisation and strengthened marine beneficiation, aligning with the Oceans Economy Master Plan and the government’s industrial policy framework.
Gulfood360 Africa Kenya is set to make its debut in Nairobi from 4 to 6 May 2027, marking a major expansion of Gulfood, the world’s most influential food and beverage sourcing platform.
Announced in Dubai in January 2026, the launch confirms Kenya as the official African host of the Gulfood platform and positions the country as a leading gateway into Africa’s fast growing food, agribusiness, logistics and innovation economy.
Developed with the unified support of Kenya’s Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the Agriculture and Food Authority and the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology, Gulfood360 Africa Kenya reflects a strategic partnership between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates. Anchored in the Kenya UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the initiative is designed to boost trade flows, attract foreign direct investment, strengthen regional value chains and connect Africa more deeply with global food markets.
The platform aligns closely with President William Ruto’s Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which places agriculture, manufacturing, trade, logistics and technology at the centre of Kenya’s growth strategy. Gulfood360 Africa Kenya will act as a catalyst for value addition, agro industrial development, SME participation and export competitiveness, reinforcing Kenya’s role as Africa’s premier agrifood trade hub.
Kenya’s selection is supported by major investments in infrastructure and logistics, including airport expansion, port modernisation and the development of regional trade corridors. These efforts are complemented by the country’s leadership in clean energy, with more than 90 percent of electricity generated from renewable sources, offering sustainable and cost effective power for agribusiness and manufacturing.
As a gateway to the African Continental Free Trade Area and a key producer of tea, coffee, horticulture and processed foods, Kenya offers global firms access to a market projected to reach $567.31 billion by 2032. Its reputation as Africa’s Silicon Savannah further strengthens its appeal, showcasing innovation in agritech, artificial intelligence, digital trade and smart logistics.
Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI), said, “The launch of Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya signals a decisive step in Kenya’s trade and investment journey. Anchored by the Kenya–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and supported by structural reforms, this moment reflects a country mobilising its full value chain for global trade. Kenya is positioning itself as Africa’s gateway connecting farms, factories, and supply corridors to the world.”
Mutahi Kagwe, EGH-, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development added,“Agriculture sits at the heart of Kenya’s economy, contributing over a quarter of our GDP and supporting millions of livelihoods across the country. Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya reflects our commitment to converting this agricultural strength into global opportunity, connecting Kenyan and African producers with the rest of the world.”
Trixie LohMirmand, Global Organiser of Gulfood, said, “Kenya is built for global competitiveness, and Africa is at its inflection point. Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya positions the country as the conduit through which African produce and value flow into international markets. This expansion sends a clear signal that Africa’s food economy is entering a new phase of scale, execution, and competitiveness and Kenya is leading that charge.”
These wireless temperature and humidity sensors are ideal for a wide range of uses. (Image credit: MultiTech )
MultiTech Wireless Air Temperature and Humidity Sensors are advanced, long-range IoT devices designed for precision environmental monitoring using the LoRaWAN wireless standard.
These innovative sensors use airflow to accurately measure temperature and humidity levels, and they automatically send alerts over the network when readings rise above or fall below preset thresholds, ensuring timely action for critical applications.
Features & Durability:
Equipped with a fully integrated internal antenna and two types of tamper detection enclosure tamper (detects if the sensor housing is opened) and wall mount tamper (detects removal from mounting) these sensors provide robust security. They support over 200,000 transmissions on a single battery, with an expected lifespan of 5 to 10 years depending on usage. Over-the-air configuration allows flexible in-field setup, while automatic low battery reporting and supervisory messages keep users informed.
Applications:
These wireless temperature and humidity sensors are ideal for a wide range of uses, including industrial temperature monitoring, detecting freezing temperatures to protect plumbing, monitoring cooling system failures, ensuring restaurant food safety, and monitoring heat conditions in second homes or remote buildings. Their open architecture allows seamless integration into existing IoT platforms, making them a cost-effective and scalable solution for businesses, smart buildings, and industrial environments.
Key Benefits:
Long-range wireless connectivity, low maintenance, customisable design, and reliable performance make MultiTech sensors essential tools for proactive environmental management. They empower users to monitor conditions in real time, reduce operational risks, and ensure safety and efficiency across multiple settings.
