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EIMA International promotes knowledge sharing and networking.(Image credit: eima.it)

Event News

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.

Fishmeal plant strengthens west coast fisheries.

Aquaculture

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 2027 Launches in Nairobi to Power Africa’s Global Food Trade.

Agriculture

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 )

Machinery & Equipment

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.