Government support boosts organic growth

The Emirates' Ministry of Health is backing the Middle East Natural & Organic Products Expo opening in Dubai on Sunday (December 10), reflecting official concern for personal and environmental well-being.

The ministry is a patron of the event along with the International Federation of Organic and Agricultural Movements. The show is also supported by the Organic Trade Association, ICEA, Chemexcil, and the Trade & Investment Facilitation department of the government of Madhya Pradesh in India.

"Such extensive regional and international support demonstrates the important role that natural and organic products have assumed in the global economy," said Mohammed Al Marrar, Chairman of organisers, Global Links.

"The UAE has always been a leader in this respect and we value the contribution that government departments are making to the global movement towards organic production.

"Tackling global warming and the greenhouse effect is a priority for governments everywhere, and promoting the adoption of natural and organic products is a vital response.

"For consumers, greater awareness of the health implications attached to chemically-dependent agriculture has spurred the surge in adopting the natural and the organic way as a much preferable alternative."

In value terms, the organic products market is fast catching up with the estimated $160 billion global status of natural products.

This soaring growth is underlined by the number exhibitors taking part in the fourth edition of Middle East Natural & Organic Products Expo - more than 300 from 30-plus countries - up 100 per cent in three years and now occupying more than 5,000 square metres of floor space at the Dubai International Trade Centre.

The upsurge in numbers is indicative of the popularity of organic products, and with national pavilions from Italy, Germany, France, USA, India, New Zealand, GCC, Australia, and Korea, the expected 10,000 visitors will see categories that include:

• Organic (food and beverages, agriculture, beauty and health products)
• Nature's vista (food and beverages, beauty and health, herbs and spices, dietary supplements)
• Alternative/herbal medicines and treatments
• Islamic products
• Natural spas and clinics
• Service providers
• Natural furniture and gifts
• Natural clothing and fabrics

The Italian Natural Village will feature cooking demonstrations while a fully organic café will be set up to provide tasting opportunities.

Daily conferences will present 20 speakers from around the world, covering subjects ranging from "The effects of Korean ginseng" to "Global trade in organic products" and "The application of Japanese nanotechnology in health & beauty industries".

The show is open to trade visitors and the public daily between 10.00 am and 7.00 pm