AGRA Middle East opens today

Recognising the economic benefits of an invigorated regional agriculture sector, event organiser IIR Middle East aims to not only encourage growth but more directly to help counterbalance the US$ 20 billion worth of food imports that industry analysts estimate the GCC will be paying by 2015 if local demands are not met domestically.

More than 100 leading international agribusiness-related producers and suppliers from over 25 different countries are on show at AGRA Middle East including leading technologists Cargill and Alltech from US and Singapore's Zagro. Four distinct, yet closely linked sectors have been drawn together to create one comprehensive industry platform.

The event will showcase the latest advances in Agriculture & Irrigation, Animal Husbandry & Poultry Farming, Floriculture & Horticulture plus Fisheries & Aquaculture.

The exhibition will also highlight the latest scientific developments in pest control, crop cultivation technologies & machinery, landscaping, irrigation systems, horticulture, fertilisers & agrochemicals. The 2007 edition of the AGRA Middle East Exhibition also features the latest scientific developments in laboratory processes and biotechnologies, during the free daily trade seminars, at which exhibitors from all sectors, will present their technological achievements at more than 20 interactive sessions covering all sectors during the three days of the show.

Michael Hanlon, Exhibition Manager for AGRA Middle East at IIR Middle East said,

'By fusing closely aligned industrial sectors, the exhibition facilitates the buying needs of a broad range of industry stakeholders. These groups and individuals represent the procurement muscle of one of the world's fastest growing consumer markets and to meet this rising demand exhibitors from over 25 different countries will be presenting their latest innovations and developments as well as potential investment opportunities.'

Established for over 10 years, AGRA Middle East is a proven networking platform that makes a significant contribution towards the region's economies by promoting and providing networking opportunities for the varied trade activities of the Pan Arab markets. The show presents a focus on crop cultivation technologies & machinery, farming technologies, landscaping, irrigation systems, greenhouses, horticulture, fertilisers & agrochemicals, agriculture & garden tools, fencing and other related agricultural activities.

The GCC in particular has set ambitious targets to substantially develop the agricultural sector over the next five years, with billions of dollars earmarked to meet projected increases in future demand. It is now building indigenous production capabilities to address the rising demands by acquiring modern technologies, equipment and expertise and thereby shifting the investment trends towards the development of the agricultural sector.

'These agri-initiatives are vital if the region is to become as self-sufficient as possible, especially in terms of a weaker US Dollar, the knock-on effects of higher inflation and the unpredictability of the macro economy in general,' added Hanlon.

AGRA Middle East has gained key support from local, regional and international organisations such as Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and development (AAAID), Malaysian Fisheries Department, UAE Ministry of Environment & Water, and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI).