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Hong Kong Suspends Poultry Imports from Argentina and Japan Over Bird Flu Fears.

Poultry

Hong Kong's food safety authorities have moved swiftly to halt poultry imports from specific regions in Argentina and Japan following confirmed outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza.

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS), operating under the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, issued the suspension after receiving alerts from both the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The affected areas include Lobos Partido in Buenos Aires Province and Marcos Juarez Department in Córdoba Province in Argentina, alongside Hokkaido Prefecture in Japan.
The ban covers all poultry meat, related products, and poultry eggs arriving from these regions and came into force immediately.

Trade figures from the Census and Statistics Department paint a clear picture of just how significant these supply chains are. Hong Kong brought in roughly 2,080 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Argentina last year alone. From Japan, the figures were even more considerable, with approximately 2,390 tonnes of frozen poultry meat and nearly 298 million poultry eggs making their way into the city.

A CFS spokesman noted that "the CFS has contacted the Argentinian and Japanese authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation."

Consumers can expect authorities to keep a close watch as the situation develops.

Set to Unite the Animal Feed and Nutrition Industry in Bangkok. (Image Credit: VIV Health & Nutrition)

Event News

With the opening just around the corner, VICTAM Asia 2026 and Health & Nutrition Asia 2026 are preparing to welcome industry professionals from across the region to one of Asia’s most comprehensive platforms for the animal feed, grain and animal health sectors.

The co located exhibitions will take place from 10 to 12 March 2026 at BITEC in Bangkok, bringing together technology providers, nutrition specialists, feed producers and industry leaders under one roof.

The events arrive at an important moment for the sector as producers across Asia work to improve efficiency, strengthen biosecurity and adopt more sustainable production practices. By connecting innovation, expertise and business opportunities, the exhibitions create a strong meeting point for companies looking to explore new technologies and build lasting partnerships within the regional food production and supply chain.

VICTAM Asia is globally recognised for its focus on feed, flour and grain processing technologies. When combined with Health & Nutrition Asia’s expertise in animal nutrition and health solutions, the platform offers visitors the chance to explore the full value chain in a single visit. From feed ingredients and animal health products to advanced production technologies, the exhibitions present a complete overview of solutions supporting modern livestock production.

Health & Nutrition Asia 2026 returns to Bangkok as a leading gathering for innovation in animal nutrition and health. The exhibition is expected to host more than 300 international exhibitors and attract over 9,000 industry professionals from across Asia. Visitors will gain direct access to global suppliers, new technologies and practical solutions designed to improve productivity and performance across poultry, swine, aquaculture, cattle and dairy sectors.

Ms. Natasha Hall, Senior Project Manager, VIV Worldwide, said,“Health & Nutrition Asia is designed to create meaningful industry connections by bringing together experts, solution providers, and decision-makers in one focused environment. The event enables open dialogue, cross-border collaboration, and knowledge exchange that help businesses respond faster to market changes and unlock new opportunities across Asia’s rapidly evolving animal protein sector.”

VICTAM Asia 2026 will also feature strong participation from international suppliers and key markets across Southeast Asia. With more than 300 exhibitors expected, the event continues to serve as a dedicated platform for feed and grain processing technologies.

As Sebas van den Ende, General Manager of VICTAM added, "This year’s event once again brings the animal feed industry across Asia together. At Victam, our mission is not just to unite the industry, but to drive real progress. With 300 exhibitors, themed exhibition days, and targeted trade missions from across Asia, we connect visitors directly with the suppliers that truly matter. Quality remains at the heart of Victam. In content, connections, and sustainable business outcomes.”

Alongside VICTAM, GRAPAS Asia 2026 will focus on grain handling, rice milling and flour processing, strengthening the region’s grain value chain. As the grain and feed sectors become increasingly interconnected, the event offers a dedicated space for suppliers and decision makers to engage with the latest technologies and solutions.

As Yvonne Kaal, Event Manager of VICTAM & GRAPAS Asia, said, “GRAPAS Asia has become a strategic pillar within our international platform. As grain and rice processing continue to professionalise across Southeast Asia, the industry requires a clearly defined and specialised meeting place. With GRAPAS Asia 2026, we are reinforcing that position and providing focused visibility for suppliers and decision-makers shaping the region’s grain sector.”

Higher-Quality and More Valuable Grains Through Moisture Control. (Image credit: Hydronix)

Agriculture

Knowing and controlling the moisture content of materials from the introduction of raw ingredients to the packaging of the final product is essential for maximising efficiency, optimising yield, and producing a high-quality, consistent feed product.

Variations in the moisture content of raw materials have historically presented a challenge for feed processors. The moisture levels of raw ingredients fluctuate depending on environmental conditions during harvest, transportation, and storage. Traditional offline testing methods are time-consuming, prone to error, and often fail to represent the material actually flowing through the production process.

The ideal solution is to continuously measure the moisture content of flowing materials and correct variations in real time. In the past, such systems were often complex to operate and required ongoing, costly maintenance. Today, modern, sophisticated, reliable, and affordable moisture sensors make it possible to control moisture levels across the entire process simply and economically.

Why Should You Measure Moisture?

1. Raw materials vary in moisture content, and these variations can lead to weighing discrepancies.
2. Accurate moisture control during the drying process helps prevent both under-drying and over-drying.

Choosing a moisture sensor with a precision of ±0.5% instead of ±1.0% may seem like only a small improvement. However, consider a drying process where the material is reduced from 20.0% moisture to a maximum of 14.0%. In this case, the increased precision of 0.5% can deliver a 7.15% energy saving, assuming the energy input is proportional to the amount of moisture removed.

Where Should Moisture Be Measured?

Moisture control throughout the production process enables the manufacture of higher-quality, more balanced, and more valuable feed. Key measurement points include:

1. Drying for storage – at the outlet of the dryer
2. Milling / tempering – at the inlet of the tempering stage
3. Pelleting / conditioning – during the conditioning process
4. Drying for packaging – at the outlet of the dryer

Key Benefits

By controlling moisture during the weighing of raw materials, producers can more accurately manage the protein content of the final pellet, ensuring superior and consistent product quality.

Additional benefits of effective moisture control include:

1. Increased yield from raw materials
2. Reduced spoilage and material loss
3. Optimised energy usage throughout the process
4. Consistent product quality and nutritional value
5. Improved shelf life and product reliability

Accurate moisture measurement ensures that feed producers can deliver consistent, homogenous products with reliable nutritional performance.

For more information on how advanced moisture measurement can improve your process efficiency and product quality, speak with a Hydronix expert.

African Farming

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Telematics enhances efficiency and uptime for seed research. (Image source: ALMACO)

ALMACO Telematics is a next-generation system delivering remote access to real-time machine data—boosting efficiency, performance, and uptime for seed research professionals

Available on both the R1 Single-Plot and R2 Twin-Plot Research Combines, it’s the only telematics offering integrated specifically for seed research, reinforcing ALMACO’s leadership in precision agtech.

With insights into numerous machine parameters, the platform provides deep visibility into settings, location, diagnostics, software, and performance. This empowers fleet managers and researchers to easily monitor and optimise machine use for peak operational output.

Maximising uptime through smart diagnostics

A key feature of ALMACO Telematics is its remote diagnostics and repair capability, protecting uptime and reducing disruptions. Over 30% of service issues can be resolved remotely, removing the need for a field technician and delivering cost-effective value.

Simplified software upgrades

The system enables remote software updates, ensuring machines stay up to date without site visits. This reduces downtime and maintenance costs while supporting continuous tech improvement.

Enhanced fleet oversight

From their desks, managers can track machine performance and advise operators to refine seed trial accuracy. Telematics interfaces can also be remotely customised to support the specific goals of different research operations, improving data precision and machine functionality.

A smart investment for research operations

By reducing field calls, improving uptime, and enhancing resale value, ALMACO Telematics offers a strong return on investment. With its real-time oversight and proactive maintenance tools, seed research professionals can operate with confidence and lower costs.

“The integration of ALMACO Telematics marks a significant step forward in precision seed research,” said Mat Titus, service director at ALMACO. “By offering real-time data access and remote diagnostics, we are enabling researchers to focus on what matters most—developing the next generation of seed innovations.”

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Crops

Vietnam’s meat imports exceed US$2bn as demand climbs.

Food & Commodity

Vietnam’s appetite for imported meat continued to grow in 2025, with total purchases surpassing US$2bn for the first time.

The country imported around 978,300 tonnes of meat and meat products during the year, reflecting strong consumer demand and expanding needs within the food processing sector.

Figures compiled by the Import and Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, together with the General Department of Customs, show that Vietnam spent more than US$2.004bn on meat imports in 2025. Compared with the previous year, import volumes rose by 11.6 per cent, while the overall value increased by 12.2 per cent. The rise points to a steady shift in consumption patterns, with more households and businesses turning to imported animal protein.

India remained Vietnam’s largest supplier. The country exported 188,700 tonnes of meat to Vietnam, valued at US$681.32mn, accounting for nearly one fifth of total import volume.

Frozen pork was one of the fastest growing segments. Imports reached 183,400 tonnes, worth US$418.54mn. This marked an increase of 18.75 per cent in volume and almost 21 per cent in value compared with 2024.

Vietnam relied heavily on Russia for frozen pork, which supplied 48.44 per cent of total imports in this category. Brazil followed with a 30.91 per cent share, underlining the importance of both countries in meeting Vietnam’s protein needs.

The average import price of frozen pork stood at roughly US$2,273 per tonne. This increase came at a time when domestic live hog prices in early 2026 fluctuated between USD 2.65 and 3.30 per kilogramme, creating additional pressure along the supply chain.

While imports surged, exports remained limited. In 2025, Vietnam exported only 22,300 tonnes of meat, generating US$116.49mn in revenue. Hong Kong remained the largest destination for Vietnamese meat, although shipments to the market declined by more than 21 per cent compared with the previous year.

The figures highlight a widening gap between Vietnam’s import demand and its export capacity, as domestic consumption continues to outpace overseas sales.

Higher-Quality and More Valuable Grains Through Moisture Control. (Image credit: Hydronix)

Australian Government Review of Horticulture Code of Conduct.

Livestock

Vitarich strengthens its foothold in the Philippines with Mindanao breeder farm deal. (Image credit: Vitarich corp.)

Poultry

Philippine poultry giant Vitarich Corporation has taken a significant step forward in its growth ambitions, completing the USD 4.8 million buyout of Broilers Club Inc. (BCI), a breeder farm operation nestled in Davao del Sur, Mindanao.

The Definitive Agreement was signed on February 23, 2026, drawing the curtain on a deal that hands Vitarich full ownership of BCI's farm assets.

At the heart of the acquisition sits a 4.6 hectare plot of land in Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur, together with fully operational breeder farm facilities and equipment. BCI, which also trades under the name Southern Sunrise Agriventures, was founded back in 2018 with a focused remit of producing hatching eggs for poultry aggregators across the region.

The numbers speak for themselves. With BCI now firmly under its wing, Vitarich anticipates an 8% boost in breeder output, translating into a steadier and more dependable flow of broiler chicks to markets nationwide. Going forward, BCI will channel 100% of its day old chick production exclusively to Vitarich, with all earnings folded into the parent company's financial books.

The move is very much part of a bigger picture. Vitarich has been quietly but deliberately building a more resilient supply chain in response to growing poultry demand across the Philippines and wider Southeast Asia. Bringing BCI's operations in house not only tightens the company's grip on its production pipeline but also shields it from the kind of supply disruptions and feed cost pressures that have rattled the industry in recent years. Vertical integration, in short, is proving to be a smart play.

The transaction received full backing from Vitarich's board of directors, acting on the recommendation of its Organisational and Business Development Committee, signalling strong internal confidence in the strategy.

On the financial side, the US$4.8mn consideration was spread across share acquisition, loan reimbursements, land payments, and converted shareholder advances. An initial US$0.17mn was paid upfront as option money, US$ 2.38mn was settled at closing, and the remaining US$2.22mn will follow once share and land title transfers are completed.

Notably, the deal sat comfortably below the US$59.6mn threshold requiring Philippine Competition Commission scrutiny, allowing it to proceed without regulatory intervention.

GEA takes AI dairy farming to the next level with New Belfast Software Lab.(Image credit: GEA)

EuroTier 2026 Addresses Feed Efficiency and Emission Challenges Across Livestock Sectors.(Image credit: DLG)

Equipment

FAO drone training for effective pest management for Locusts. (Image credit: FAO)

Equipment

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has taken a major step towards modernising desert locust management with the launch of its first regional drone pilot training programme.

Led through the Desert Locust Control Commission in the Central Region and the Desert Locust Control Commission in the Western Region, the initiative is being implemented in close cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources of the Sultanate of Oman.

Hosted in Oman, the programme brings together technical specialists from countries most affected by desert locust infestations across the Central and Western Regions. Its aim is to strengthen national and regional capacity in using unmanned aerial systems for desert locust survey, monitoring and control. The initiative reflects a growing shift towards digital agriculture and precision technologies to protect crops, livelihoods and food security.

The training marks an important transition from limited pilot trials to a structured and institutional approach to drone use in locust operations. By focusing on standardised procedures and certified skills, FAO is ensuring that Member States are better prepared to respond quickly and safely to emerging locust threats. The five day programme combines classroom learning, simulator sessions and extensive hands on field exercises, offering participants a practical and immersive experience.

The programme is delivered in partnership with Micron, a leading provider of aerial spraying systems, and is supported by the FAO office in Muscat alongside strong logistical backing from Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources and local partner Ankaa Space Company.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Mamoon Al Sarai Al Alawi, Executive Secretary of the Desert Locust Control Commission in the Central Region, said, “This training marks a critical step in moving from pilot initiatives to full operational integration of drone technology in desert locust management. It will empower national teams with advanced technical skills, enhance operational safety, and ensure the effective and sustainable use of these tools in protecting crops, livelihoods, and food security.”

Beyond technical skills, the programme strengthens regional cooperation and encourages the sharing of experience and best practice. It also supports FAO’s wider strategy to modernise desert locust control through digital tools such as remote sensing, satellite monitoring, geographic information systems and eLocust platforms.

Through initiatives like this, FAO continues to support Member States in building resilient systems to manage transboundary pests, contributing directly to global food security, sustainable development and the organisation’s Four Betters agenda.

The redesigned New Holland T7 Standard Wheelbase tractor, now available in the new Dynamic Blue colour. (Image credit: New Holland)

Rainbow Colors pioneering hydrogen technology in agriculture. (Image credit: New Energy Coalition)

Technology

ROK aims to position itself at the forefront of green bio innovation.

Infrastructure

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) has designated seven provinces Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do, Chungcheongnam-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeollabuk-do, and Jeollanam-do as the first-ever “Green Bio Industry Promotion Zones” in accordance with Article 15 of the Act on the Promotion of the Green Bio Industry.

This milestone marks a significant step in the Republic of Korea’s strategy to strengthen its green bioeconomy and drive sustainable industrial growth.

Introduced for the first time this year, the Green Bio Industry Promotion Zone system is designed to establish a comprehensive, region-led framework for business support. The initiative is built around provincial hubs where green bio companies, universities, research institutes, and essential infrastructure for technology verification and certification are closely integrated. Through this clustered approach, local governments are expected to play a leading role in nurturing innovation, accelerating technology transfer, and supporting market-ready solutions.

The selected zones were evaluated and designated following a rigorous assessment process. Key criteria included industrial growth potential, implementation capacity, policy relevance, and overall feasibility. This ensures that each province is well positioned to contribute effectively to the national green bio strategy while leveraging its own regional strengths and resources.

The green-bio industry itself is regarded as a next-generation growth engine, encompassing six major sectors: microorganisms, natural products, food materials, insects, seeds, and veterinary medical products. With the designation of the Green Bio Industry Development Zones, collaboration networks among provinces are expected to deepen. In parallel, processes for verification, evaluation, certification, and commercialisation of green bio technologies and products are set to accelerate, helping to create a dynamic and competitive innovation ecosystem.

MAFRA plans to support the designated provinces by granting eligibility to participate in government-funded infrastructure development projects, including the Green Bio Venture Campus and advanced biofoundries. In addition, policy incentives will be provided to companies operating within the zones, further encouraging private-sector participation and investment in sustainable bio-based industries.

To ensure accountability and continuous improvement, MAFRA will receive quarterly performance reports from the local governments managing the designated zones. Annual performance evaluations will also be conducted to closely monitor implementation progress. Importantly, the results of these evaluations will be reflected in the formulation of policies for the following year, reinforcing a results-driven and adaptive governance approach.

Through these measures, the ROK aims to position itself at the forefront of green bio innovation, fostering regional development while advancing a resilient, sustainable bioeconomy aligned with global green growth trends.

Orbia Netafim and Amazon India Launch Water Saving Drip Irrigation Projects Across Bengaluru and Hyderabad. (Image credit: Netafirm)

COMPASS accurately detects and removes a wide range of foreign materials, including dirt clods, rocks, sticks, insects and animal parts.(Image credit: Key Technology)

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