No slowing down for the spectacular boom in the world's agricultural commodity markets

Name an agricultural commodity - whether it be a grain, an oilseed, or soft commodity - and the likelihood is that its prices have hit a record high over the past year.

Moreover, futures prices have fluctuated wildly, a risky situation for physical traders and end users but a real attraction to the investors that have piled into the sector.

Expert speakers at Agra Informa's Global AgCommodities Forum Dubai will detail the global trends that have caused this boom - ranging from rising GDP per capita in populous countries like China or India and the explosion of the biofuels industry on the demand side, to weather catastrophes and the struggle for farm inputs on the supply side.

And with many of these factors remaining unresolved, speakers will also look at how long high and volatile agricultural commodity prices might last and their impact on food prices, especially in the light of rising freight and energy costs.

Amid this, the Middle East, and in particular Dubai where the forum will be held, has been of growing importance both on the demand side as oil wealth spurs food consumption and as a trading hub for commodities.

Welcoming this timely conference, Dr David Rutledge, Chief Executive Officer at the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, commented: "Global demand and supply of agricultural commodities has become a crucial issue in recent months, and there is increasing concern among regional governments in the Middle East about the future availability and prices of staple foodstuffs. This Forum, therefore, comes at an opportune time both regionally and globally. DMCC has recently expanded its portfolio to include a dedicated division focused on soft commodities, and we look forward to participating in the discussions on topical issues related to agricultural commodities."

With speeches dedicated to all the major grains, softs, oilseeds, meat and dairy sectors, Agra Informa's Global AgCommodities Forum Dubai will be as relevant to traders and end users as it will be to those interested in investing in agricultural commodities.