https://agrospectrumasia.com/rssfeed/country/uae%20%28united%20arab%20emirates%29 uae (united arab emirates) https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/4859/galy-launches-us-commercial-cocoa-operations-and-advances-uae-expansion.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/4859/galy-launches-us-commercial-cocoa-operations-and-advances-uae-expansion.html Thu, 22 Oct 2026 16:32:02 +0530 GALY has begun commercial cocoa operations in the United States and is advancing its entry into the United Arab Emirates, with early purchase orders supporting its route to professional kitchens. Through WunderHaus, its chocolate brand, the company is bringing chocolate made with cultured cocoa to U.S. chefs while preparing for expansion into the UAE in 2027. The rollout connects GALY's cultured technology with production, chef-led product development and customer orders. Its Massachusetts production footprint includes a facility in Essex. WunderHaus works directly with professional kitchens to develop couverture and baking chocolate, turning chef feedback into products built for everyday service. Troquet on South has placed one of WunderHaus's first purchase orders and will host a launch event in Q4, introducing guests to chocolate made with GALY's cultured cocoa. The Boston restaurant provides an early commercial setting for the ingredient and a starting point for a wider foodservice rollout. Additional restaurants, hotels and professional kitchens are testing WunderHaus chocolate and exploring its use in winter menus. "It's such a flavorful chocolate. It's floral, and you pick up on cherry and plum notes. Game birds can hold up to that, and the chocolate can also accent a dried cherry compote. You can mount a jus with the 70 per cent chocolate instead of butter. It gives you a richer mouthfeel without overpowering the flavors that are there, and you don't lose the nuances of the chocolate." — Chef Aaron Lhamon GALY's UAE market entry includes an initial purchase order from a  Dubai chocolatier and engagement with chefs from hotels and high-end restaurants. These early relationships support the company's commercial path as it works toward the regulatory and operational requirements for local availability. The planned UAE rollout follows the same chef-focused approach as the U.S. launch: developing products with culinary professionals, building customer relationships and expanding supply as the business grows. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/4856/adfd-strengthens-water-security-for-serbian-agriculture.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/4856/adfd-strengthens-water-security-for-serbian-agriculture.html Wed, 21 Oct 2026 16:14:33 +0530 Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) is strengthening water security and agricultural resilience in Serbia through a nearly $100 million concessional financing programme supporting irrigation infrastructure across five regions. The development of irrigated agriculture project covers 122,432 hectares of agricultural land, with more than 108,000 hectares already irrigated and a further 14,000 hectares under construction. Infrastructure upgrades include 17 irrigation canals extending over 500 kilometres and more than 60 pumping stations, improving water access, strengthening flood control and supporting more reliable agricultural production. Dragan Glamočić, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia, said: “Climate change and increasingly extreme weather conditions have made the importance of irrigation clear. With strong partners such as ADFD and the UAE, Serbia has been able to access highly favourable financing to develop irrigation infrastructure across tens of thousands of hectares. This is strengthening agricultural production, supporting new businesses and increasing revenues across Serbia. Most importantly, this partnership is helping to strengthen stability and food security for our citizens.” Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said: “Water security is fundamental to resilient agriculture, particularly as changing climate and rainfall patterns place greater pressure on farmers and agricultural systems. Our partnership with the Serbian Government reflects our commitment to strengthening the infrastructure needed in partner countries to secure water for agriculture, support more reliable production and enable farmers to plan and invest with greater confidence.” The programme reflects ADFD’s longstanding commitment to water security as a foundation for agricultural development and food security. This commitment is further advanced through the Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform, launched in January 2026, which aims to mobilise $2 billion in financing, including an initial US$1 billion commitment from ADFD between 2026 and 2030. With an additional $1 billion expected from partners, the platform targets approximately 10 million beneficiaries worldwide and supports progress towards UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/3833/uae-presidential-court-commits-1-5-mn-to-adb-agricultural-innovation-fund-to-strengthen-food-security-across-asia-pacific.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/3833/uae-presidential-court-commits-1-5-mn-to-adb-agricultural-innovation-fund-to-strengthen-food-security-across-asia-pacific.html Wed, 06 May 2026 15:15:07 +0530 Partnership to accelerate AI-driven and climate-smart farming technologies for farmers across the region The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Presidential Court has committed a $1.5 million grant to an innovative agricultural fund administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), reinforcing global efforts to accelerate technology-driven agricultural transformation and strengthen food security across Asia and the Pacific. The grant, provided through the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court, was formally announced during ADB’s 59th Annual Meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, as part of a broader cofinancing agreement aimed at scaling proven, high-impact agricultural technologies throughout the region. The initiative seeks to embed evidence-based agricultural innovations into national farming programmes, enabling governments and farmers to adopt smarter, more efficient, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. Qingfeng Zhang, Senior Director of ADB’s Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office, said the partnership comes at a critical time as farmers across the region continue to grapple with rising fertilizer prices and increasing volatility in global agricultural markets. He noted that the investment forms part of ADB’s wider efforts to reduce both fertilizer usage and input costs through precision agriculture technologies capable of identifying where and when agricultural inputs are most effectively needed. The technical assistance under the initiative will be guided by the Agricultural Innovation Mechanism for Scale (AIM for Scale), an international platform supported by the UAE and the Gates Foundation. The programme also forms part of Abu Dhabi’s AI Ecosystem for Global Agricultural Development, launched in 2025 to expand access to artificial intelligence-powered farming tools for agricultural communities worldwide. In addition, the initiative benefits from support provided through the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific since 2024. The agricultural innovation fund promotes the adoption of advanced farming solutions across Asia-Pacific, including satellite monitoring systems, AI-powered weather forecasting, and precision agriculture technologies designed to optimise the use of fertilizers and other farm inputs. ADB stated that these innovations will help farmers improve productivity while reducing input costs and enhancing resilience against global market disruptions and climate-related challenges. Alongside technology adoption, ADB continues to support regional food security through emergency financing programmes, coordinated fertilizer procurement initiatives ahead of planting seasons, and expanded access to credit, trade finance, and working capital for farmers and agribusinesses. The institution is also backing policy reforms aimed at reducing export restrictions and strengthening regional food security frameworks such as the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve. Khalfan Al Matrooshi, Advisor at the International Affairs Office of the UAE Presidential Court, said international cooperation remains essential to strengthening global food security and building resilient agricultural systems. He noted that Abu Dhabi’s AI Ecosystem for Global Agricultural Development is designed to convene strategic partners, financing, and expertise to accelerate innovation and deliver sustainable outcomes for farmers globally. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/3398/dubai-inaugurates-my-plant-garden-middle-east-2025-exhibition.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/3398/dubai-inaugurates-my-plant-garden-middle-east-2025-exhibition.html Mon, 17 Nov 2025 11:20:14 +0530 Significant milestone for the UAE and the region, as efforts accelerate towards building climate-resilient and nature-connected cities, in line with the UAE Vision 2031 The inaugural edition of "My Plant & Garden Middle East 2025" was launched at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City, Dubai, under the patronage of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The opening ceremony was led by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at the Ministry, and His Excellency Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, with the participation of government officials, international delegations, and prominent industry representatives. "My Plant & Garden Middle East 2025," the first and only B2B event in the Middle East dedicated to the horticulture supply chain, is taking place from November 15 to 17 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City. This essential international exhibition caters to businesses, professionals, institutions, and economic stakeholders in the live and designed green sectors. The opening marks a significant milestone for the UAE and the region, as efforts accelerate towards building climate-resilient and nature-connected cities, in line with the UAE Vision 2031 and the general frameworks for sustainability. The exhibition also reflects the growing strength of the green economy in the GCC countries, where interest in horticulture, innovative landscaping, and sustainable infrastructure is increasing. The opening round saw the participation of high-level representatives from government bodies, research institutions, and the global sector, including His Excellency Lorenzo Fanara, the Italian Ambassador to the UAE; Andreas Kibar, a member of the World Economic Forum's "Nature-Friendly Cities" team and President of GreenCity Italy; Francesco Santana, CEO of IEG Middle East; and Mirko Carloni, Chairman of the Agriculture Committee of the Italian Chamber of Deputies. This underscores the level of international cooperation supporting the transition towards sustainable urban environments. During his speech, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi emphasized that " My Plant & Garden Middle East 2025 " aligns with the core of the UAE's strategic vision and direction, stating, "We believe that horticulture and the green sector play a significant role in the urban planning of our sustainable cities and communities. Building smart, livable, and climate-resilient cities requires us to adopt innovative 'nature-based solutions.'" His Excellency added: “Our vision transcends the aesthetic concept, emphasizing the close relationship between green cities and food security. Through innovation in agricultural technologies and urban agriculture, we can transform our urban spaces into productive and sustainable ecosystems. This ambition can only be achieved through collaboration; international partnership is key to success, and we are delighted to see this strong momentum from our international partners to transfer expertise and the latest innovations to the region. This exhibition is a true platform for building partnerships and developing practical solutions for the cities of the future, right here in the UAE.” More than 100 exhibitors from around the world are participating in the exhibition, showcasing the latest solutions in arid horticulture, sustainable irrigation, the production of plants adapted to hot conditions, outdoor space design, and smart greenhouse technologies. These solutions directly address the environmental challenges facing the region, including water scarcity, rising temperatures, and the growing need to combat desertification through strategic planning of green spaces. Over its three days, the exhibition offers a diverse program of conferences, dialogues, and workshops addressing the region's environmental priorities, including nature-enabled urban planning, the production of resilient plants, water resource management, biodiversity restoration, climate-responsive space design, and the integration of biodynamic and circular design principles into the built environment. Experts will also explore the role of smart irrigation systems, native species cultivation, and green corridors in transforming cities into healthier, more temperate, and livable environments. The strong participation of government entities, research institutions, and international partners underscores the exhibition's importance as a platform for shaping future policies, fostering institutional collaboration, and encouraging investment in green infrastructure. The discussions also reflect the region's growing commitment to integrating biodiverse green spaces and public parks into real estate, tourism, and urban development projects. Valeria Randazzo, the exhibition director, stated that the discussions at the event will play a significant role in shaping the future of cities in the region, emphasizing that green spaces are a fundamental element of the cities of the future. She added that the exhibition combines global expertise with regional ambition, contributing to accelerating progress towards sustainable horticulture, advanced irrigation solutions, and climate-resilient outdoor spaces. The first day concluded by emphasizing the importance of creating more nature-positive urban environments that better support human health and well-being, highlighting the impact of outdoor spaces on enhancing property values, strengthening community bonds, and supporting long-term sustainability, alongside the growing demand for greener projects in the Gulf region. With significant international participation, a comprehensive technical program, and government support, My Plant & Garden Middle East 2025 stands out as a pivotal event for the horticulture and landscaping sector in the region, and a key initiative towards building more sustainable and resilient cities for future generations. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/3289/adq-to-acquire-strategic-stake-in-limagrain-vegetable-seeds.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/3289/adq-to-acquire-strategic-stake-in-limagrain-vegetable-seeds.html Mon, 01 Sep 2025 02:07:00 +0530 Launching a joint R&D partnership in UAE to develop desert-adapted seeds ADQ, an active sovereign investor with a focus on critical infrastructure and global supply chains, and Limagrain, an agricultural cooperative and international seed group, have entered into exclusive discussions for ADQ to acquire a 35 percent stake in Limagrain Vegetable Seeds (LVS), the vegetable seed division of Limagrain. Headquartered in France, LVS is the global leader in the vegetable seeds industry, with a strong legacy dating back to 1743. Renowned for its best-in-class R&D capabilities and consistent innovation, LVS operates 56 research centers across 20 countries and offers the most extensive product portfolio within the industry, covering 43 of the world’s 50 major vegetable crops. Its global manufacturing footprint includes eight facilities across six countries in Europe, North America, and Asia. LVS’s seed portfolio includes globally renowned brands such as Vilmorin, Mikado, Harris Moran, Clause, and Hazera, serving growers across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East and Africa. As part of the proposed collaboration, LVS and Silal, an ADQ portfolio company specializing in agri-food technology, plan to establish a research and development partnership, leading to the creation of a joint venture focused on desert-adapted vegetable genetics. The collaboration aims to develop innovative genetic solutions that enhance the resilience of vegetable crops to extreme environmental conditions such as extreme heat, drought, and salinity. Research and development would be conducted at Silal’s Innovation Oasis in Al Ain, a purpose-built agritech hub equipped with state-of-the-art greenhouses, growth chambers, and seed testing laboratories, with LVS contributing its global expertise in vegetable genetics. Together, the partners are committed to advancing solutions for sustainability and food security in arid and semi-arid regions, particularly across the Gulf. The envisaged transaction represents a strategic entry by ADQ into a vital segment of the food value chain. In parallel, the research and development partnership between Silal and LVS would accelerate local innovation in desert adapted seeds and contribute meaningfully to the UAE’s national food security agenda. Developing climate resilient seed varieties is essential for enhancing crop yields and ensuring reliable food supply, both of which are central to achieving the UAE’s long-term objectives, including increasing domestic food production to 50 percent of total consumption and reducing reliance on imports.‍ Mansour Al Mulla, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer of ADQ, said: “Over the past years, ADQ has focused on building and growing its Food & Agriculture cluster, anchored by fully integrated market leaders across key segments of the value chain. As part of our commitment to strengthening the UAE’s economic resilience, expanding into the seeds segment represents a natural next step. It enables us to deepen our exposure to one of the most critical components of the food value chain. By combining Silal’s world-class infrastructure and innovation capabilities with the scientific excellence of LVS, we are well positioned to deliver seed innovation solutions that create commercial value while supporting the UAE’s food security. We look forward to working with a likeminded partner to help secure a sustainable and resilient food system that delivers safe, nutritious food to a growing global population.”‍ Sébastien Chauffaut, Chief Executive Officer of Limagrain, said: “We chose ADQ as our potential partner because we not only have a shared vision and values, but are united in a strong commitment to long term sustainable investment and a clear focus on innovation. This potential partnership reflects our mutual dedication to advancing agricultural technologies that address global challenges. ADQ’s planned investment in our vegetable seeds business would provide important strategic support to strengthen our position as a global leader in the vegetable seed market and accelerate the development of climate resilient crop varieties. We are also excited about the potential to benefit from ADQ’s reach into attractive markets, including but not limited in the Middle East and North Africa, as part of our ongoing global expansion.” This transaction will need to undergo the consultation process of LVS employees' representative bodies, and its closing will be subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/3089/the-sandbelt-revolution-how-heat-struck-nations-are-growing-their-way-out.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/3089/the-sandbelt-revolution-how-heat-struck-nations-are-growing-their-way-out.html Tue, 08 Jul 2025 18:26:27 +0530 Image Source: Canva Once dismissed as fantasy, desert farming is fast becoming a frontier solution to food insecurity in a climate-stressed world. Across the UAE, Israel, and India, arid lands are being transformed by AI, desalination, and solar-powered greenhouses into hubs of high-yield, water-efficient agriculture. However beneath this promise lies a critical dilemma: Can these energy- and input-intensive systems remain sustainable under mounting climate and ecological pressures? The success of desert farming hinges not just on innovation, but on integrating traditional knowledge, conserving biodiversity, and balancing output with long-term resilience. As food geopolitics heat up, the desert may yet hold the key—if we learn to grow not just smarter, but wiser. Not long ago, the thought of harvesting tomatoes in the Negev or growing lettuce under the blazing skies of Rajasthan would’ve been dismissed as desert mirage. But that mirage is hardening into reality. From the sun-scorched dunes of the UAE to the saline plains of western India, agriculture is being reimagined without soil, without rain, and increasingly—without limits. Armed with solar panels, desalination plants, climate-controlled greenhouses, and AI-run irrigation grids, arid nations are flipping the script on food production. Deserts—once symbols of lifelessness—are now the proving grounds for the world’s most cutting-edge agricultural innovations. And behind the glistening greenhouses and vertical farms lies a deeper narrative: one of food sovereignty, climate resilience, and a reshuffling of global power in an era where who grows food, where, and how could decide the next geopolitical fault lines. The Israel-UAE-India Agri-Tech Axis At the heart of this transformation is a three-way collaboration that spans borders, ideologies, and ecosystems. Israel, long celebrated for turning its arid lands into citrus orchards and tomato farms through drip irrigation, now exports entire systems of desert-ready greenhouses. The UAE, seeking to reduce its 90 per cent dependence on imported food, has gone all-in on high-tech agronomy. India, with over 68 million hectares of arid and semi-arid land, is the newest and perhaps most consequential member of this axis. The pace of cooperation has been startling. In the past two years alone, Indo-Israeli Centres of Excellence for desert horticulture have expanded across Rajasthan and Gujarat. Israeli drip systems are now being paired with Indian solar panels in protected greenhouses spanning Bikaner to Bhuj. The UAE’s AgriTech Park in Al Ain, backed by sovereign wealth, is exporting vertical farm modules to Rajasthan, while India’s EXIM Bank facilitates tech financing under the trilateral I2U2 initiative. It’s a mutually reinforcing engine: Tech from Israel, capital from the Gulf, terrain and markets from India. Together, they’re building what the world lacks—scalable, sovereign, climate-resilient agriculture in water-stressed regions. The Thar Test: Can Desert Agriculture Future-Proof India’s Food Security? India’s deserts are often a geopolitical afterthought in discussions on food systems transformation. Yet, they may soon become the centrepiece of the country’s climate-adaptive agricultural strategy. With over 68 million hectares—or nearly 20 per cent of India’s total landmass—classified as arid and semi-arid, regions like western Rajasthan, northern Gujarat, southern Haryana, parts of Maharashtra, and the Deccan fringes represent a vast, untapped opportunity for resilient, high-tech farming. Adding another layer to India’s arid strategy is the introduction of date palm cultivation. Traditionally a Gulf crop, date palm plantations have expanded rapidly in Jaisalmer and Barmer, with the support of the Rajasthan Horticulture Development Mission and Israeli agronomists. The Department of Horticulture reports a fourfold increase in plantation area between 2017 and 2024, from 150 hectares to over 600 hectares. Preliminary harvests indicate an average yield of 8–10 tonnes per hectare, with premium Ajwa and Barhee varieties fetching Rs 250–300 per kg in urban and export markets. From Mirage to Market: The Real Economics of Farming in the Desert Make no mistake—desert farming doesn’t come cheap. Climate-controlled greenhouses, desalination units, and smart irrigation systems require substantial capital investment. However, like most frontier technologies—solar energy, electric vehicles, even early mobile telephony—the economics shift as scale and innovation converge. That convergence is happening fast. Solar energy now accounts for over 90 per cent of power in several Gulf-based agri-tech farms, slashing long-term operating costs. Meanwhile, the cost of desalinated water in the Gulf has dropped from $5.00 to below $1.20 per cubic metre over the past decade, driven by hybrid solar-thermal systems and energy recovery innovations. On the efficiency front, AI-based climate controls are cutting water and nutrient waste by up to 40 per cent, according to field trials by the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture. In response, Gulf nations are now establishing agricultural free zones as well as controlled-environment export hubs designed to grow high-value crops like cherry tomatoes, edible herbs, and leafy greens. These are already being air-freighted to premium markets in Europe and Asia, where they fetch higher prices due to freshness, low pesticide load, and guaranteed traceability. In short, desert farming is evolving from proof-of-concept to proof-of-profit. For countries that can align technology, policy, and export infrastructure, it offers not just food security—but also a competitive edge in the emerging climate economy. The Desert Farming Dilemma Desert farming is rapidly gaining traction as a symbol of agricultural innovation in a climate-stressed world. From hydroponic towers in the UAE to polyhouses in Rajasthan, barren landscapes are being transformed into productive food zones. But behind this promise lies a deeper concern: the sustainability of these systems. Heavy reliance on desalinated water, synthetic inputs, and energy-intensive infrastructure can degrade soil health, intensify pest resistance, and threaten long-term land productivity. As highlighted by the FAO's Investment Days and research from ICBA, the key to sustainable desert agriculture lies not in scaling inputs but in deploying smarter ones—through precision agriculture, AI-based systems, nanotechnology, and innovations like liquid natural clay that can retain moisture and nutrients in sandy soils. These advancements, while transformative, must also be balanced with traditional knowledge—from khettara water tunnels in Morocco to taanka systems in India—that have enabled desert communities to survive for centuries. Yet, desert farming faces its biggest challenge from climate change itself. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and creeping salinization threaten to make even engineered systems unsustainable. The UNCCD warns that by 2030, desertification could displace 135 million people, making the case for sustainable intensification—growing more with less—urgent. While projects like the Sahara Forest Project in Jordan showcase integrated solutions that combine food, freshwater, and reforestation, large-scale transformation of desert land poses risks to biodiversity and fragile ecosystems. Ultimately, desert agriculture must evolve from a narrow focus on yield to a broader ethic of ecological balance. Managed responsibly, it can enhance food security and restore degraded lands. Mismanaged, it risks becoming a high-tech mirage—promising abundance but accelerating collapse. The question is no longer whether we can grow food in deserts, but whether we can do so without compromising the resilience of the very systems we depend on. ---------------- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/2947/abu-dhabis-silal-and-chinas-svg-ink-strategic-partnerships-to-forge-vegetable-seed-breeding-and-counter-seasonal-production.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/2947/abu-dhabis-silal-and-chinas-svg-ink-strategic-partnerships-to-forge-vegetable-seed-breeding-and-counter-seasonal-production.html Fri, 23 May 2025 09:44:52 +0530 SVG to invest over AED 120 million into developing a 100,000m2 Agritech powerhouse in Al Ain Silal, a leading agri-food and technology company in Abu Dhabi and Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group (SVG), a prominent Chinese company specializing in vegetable seed breeding and counter-seasonal production ink strategic partnerships to breed vegetable seeds and produce them counter-seasonally. The signing ceremony was witnessed by His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment. The partnership enables SVG to invest over AED 120 million into developing a 100,000m2 Agritech powerhouse in Al Ain, marking a major milestone for the UAE and regional agriculture sectors. The facility will harness advanced technologies, including AI and robotics to drive precision, boost efficiency, and deliver sustainable, high-impact innovations across the agricultural value chain. The Agritech powerhouse will showcase SVG's advanced "Shouguang Model" of greenhouse technology, which will be adapted and optimized for the unique climate conditions of the UAE. It will feature a range of advanced greenhouse structures, such as intelligent photovoltaic glass greenhouses, thin film-connected greenhouses, and large-span solar greenhouses. The project encompasses a comprehensive ecosystem that includes seedling cultivation as well as post-harvest processing, storage and distribution centers. The entire smart greenhouse system will be powered by solar energy, minimizing the facility's carbon footprint and promoting environmentally responsible agricultural practices. Salmeen Alameri, CEO of Silal said, "Our partnership with Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group aims to revolutionize the UAE's Agritech sector. By combining SVG's world-leading expertise in greenhouse technology with Silal's commitment to innovation and sustainability, we are creating a cutting-edge model for innovative agriculture that can be replicated across the region and beyond." Ming Yang, Founder of Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group, said: "Abu Dhabi's forward-thinking approach and its willingness to embrace new technologies make it a vital hub for Agritech innovation. In addition, the region's unique climate conditions make it a crucial testing ground for new technologies and solutions. Therefore, our partnership with Silal provides an unparalleled opportunity to refine our advanced technologies." The facility will integrate AI and robotics to optimize every stage of cultivation, enabling precision planting, accelerated harvesting, and enhanced operational efficiency. Integrated technologies include intelligent climate control, automated irrigation, robotic harvesting, and advanced AI-driven research and development. Over a dozen crop varieties – including tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and strawberries—will be cultivated with enhanced traits for superior taste, resilience, and productivity. Smart resource management will reduce water and fertilizer usage by up to 30%, promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. The project will be supported by AI labs, technology testing zones, and a sensory experience center, alongside advanced water treatment systems, modular purification units, mushroom production areas, energy storage solutions, and dedicated employee accommodations. Complementing production, a fully equipped post-harvest complex will include cold storage, automated sorting lines, and export-ready logistics to maintain product integrity and ensure seamless distribution to domestic and international markets. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/2940/uaes-silal-and-chinas-svg-forge-strategic-partnership.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/2940/uaes-silal-and-chinas-svg-forge-strategic-partnership.html Thu, 22 May 2025 09:40:06 +0530 Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, attended the signing of a strategic partnership between Silal—Abu Dhabi’s leading agri-food and technology firm—and Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group (SVG), a well-established Chinese company known for its expertise in vegetable seed breeding and counter-seasonal crop production A landmark partnership between Silal and China’s Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group (SVG) is set to transform the agricultural landscape of the UAE, with SVG committing over AED 120 million to establish a 100,000 m² Agritech hub in Al Ain. This ambitious project signifies a major leap forward for both national and regional agri-innovation, blending cutting-edge technologies such as AI and robotics to enhance precision, efficiency, and sustainability throughout the agricultural value chain. The new facility will introduce SVG’s renowned “Shouguang Model” of greenhouse agriculture, tailored to meet the UAE’s unique climate challenges. It will feature a variety of advanced greenhouse systems, including intelligent photovoltaic glass structures, thin-film connected greenhouses, and large-span solar-powered units. All operations within the greenhouse ecosystem will be powered by solar energy, underscoring a commitment to low-impact, eco-conscious farming. The comprehensive Agritech complex will encompass the entire agricultural cycle—from seedling development to post-harvest processing, storage, and distribution. Smart technologies will drive all phases of production, with AI and robotics enabling precise planting, automated irrigation, robotic harvesting, and intelligent climate control. This technological integration aims to boost crop quality and operational efficiency while reducing resource consumption, including a projected 30 per cent decrease in water and fertilizer usage. Silal CEO Salmeen Alameri emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with SVG aims to revolutionize the UAE’s Agritech landscape. By merging SVG’s advanced greenhouse capabilities with Silal’s focus on sustainability and innovation, we are building a replicable model of future-ready agriculture.” SVG Founder Ming Yang praised the UAE’s forward-looking vision and its openness to adopting emerging technologies. He noted the region’s harsh climate as an ideal environment for refining and testing breakthrough agricultural solutions. The facility will support the cultivation of over a dozen high-performance crops—including tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and strawberries—engineered for improved flavor, resilience, and yield. It will also host AI research labs, tech test zones, sensory centers, advanced water treatment units, mushroom growing zones, energy storage systems, and on-site accommodation for staff. Complementing production efforts, a modern post-harvest center will include cold storage, automated sorting lines, and export-ready logistics infrastructure—ensuring product quality and smooth distribution both locally and globally. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/2881/uae-unveils-silals-innovation-oasis-io-facility-to-establish-agricultural-rd-technology-potentials.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/2881/uae-unveils-silals-innovation-oasis-io-facility-to-establish-agricultural-rd-technology-potentials.html Mon, 28 Apr 2025 12:56:49 +0530 State-of-the-art laboratories, growth chambers, and phenotyping and experimental facilities, including greenhouses, net-houses, and open-field research plots Aligning with the key objectives of Silal's National Food Security Strategy 2051, the UAE has launched "Silal's Innovation Oasis (iO)" facility specialising in agricultural R&D technologies as a national effort to advance sustainable farming practices and strengthen UAE food security. His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, witnessed the inauguration of Silal’s Innovation Oasis (iO). Spanning over 300,000 square metres, iO is a dynamic ecosystem designed to foster collaboration among researchers, industry leaders, startups and academics. The facility is an incubator for agritech innovations, focusing on climate-resilient farming, optimised controlled environment agriculture, and resource-efficient food production. Equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, growth chambers, and phenotyping and experimental facilities, including greenhouses, net-houses, and open-field research plots, iO will provide an advanced platform for developing and testing various agritech solutions. Key focus areas include climate-resilient farming techniques to address the extreme temperatures of the UAE, water-food-energy solutions integrating solar thermal desalination, IoT-enabled precision agriculture, and saltwater-resistant crops. Additionally, AI-driven food systems will also be explored at the facility, leveraging machine learning, robotics and data analytics to enhance farm management and post-harvest technologies, improving supply chain efficiency and minimising food waste. Launch of the Advance AgriTech Academy An "Advance AgriTech Academy" was also inaugurated to establish the UAE’s next generation of AgriTech leaders and offer specialised programmes in career guidance and practical training, in collaboration with global research institutions, to equip Emirati talent with the skills and capabilities required to drive innovation in food and agriculture. A cooperation agreement between Silal and the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) was signed at the event in order to strengthen collaboration in agricultural research and innovation. In addition, five scholarships were offered in support of academic excellence and national talent for students from the UAEU College of Agriculture in the field of agricultural sustainability and food security. His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirmed that investing in agritech research is a national strategic priority aimed at advancing sustainable local production, harnessing advanced technologies, supporting innovation and building a knowledge-driven economy. He stressed the importance of strengthening food supply chains and tackling regional and global food security challenges in the future. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Excellency Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU); His Excellency Professor Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi, Acting Vice Chancellor of the UAEU; Salmeen Obaid Al Ameri, CEO of Silal; Dr Mohammed Abdulmuhsen Salem Al Yafei, Acting Dean of UAEU’s College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine; Humaid Al Rumaithi, CEO of Food Security at Silal; and Dr Shamal Mohammed, CEO of Silal’s Innovation Oasis. Salmeen Obaid Alameri, CEO of Silal, said: “Innovation Oasis (iO) is redefining the future of agri-food in the UAE. By harnessing advanced technologies and fostering strategic partnerships, we strengthen the resilience and sustainability of our food system. With a strong focus on research, innovation, and knowledge transfer, we are driving progress and also positioning the UAE at the forefront of global agritech solutions. Additionally, the launch of the iO Advance AgriTech Academy further reinforces our commitment to developing local talent, ensuring that the UAE remains a global leader in agricultural innovation.”‍ ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/2873/icarda-launches-international-coalition-to-protect-date-palms.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/2873/icarda-launches-international-coalition-to-protect-date-palms.html Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:23:45 +0530 Strategic UAE-Gates Foundation partnership announced at COP28, which earmarked $200 million to support agricultural innovation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) At the 17th Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, in a bold step towards global pest control and sustainable agriculture, UAE, Gates Foundation and ICARDA have officially launched the International Consortium for Red Palm Weevil Control, a science-led partnership bringing together world-leading institutions, researchers, and policymakers to combat one of the most destructive pests affecting palm cultivation worldwide. The Consortium was inaugurated by H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Khalifa Award’s Board of Trustees.  Co-funded by the UAE and the Gates Foundation, the initiative is led by ICARDA, as the regional CGIAR Center, in partnership with the Khalifa Award’s General Secretariat, sister CGIAR Centers, and a global network of national and international collaborators. The Consortium builds on the momentum of the strategic UAE-Gates Foundation partnership announced at COP28, which earmarked $200 million to support agricultural innovation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), to support the implementation of the historic UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems. The UAE became the first donor country in the MENA region to join the CGIAR System Council.  “The Consortium represents an ambitious partnership driven by advancing science and bringing together leading research institutions, governments, and global experts, to confront one of the most devastating threats to palm cultivation,” stated H.E. Sheikh Nahayan. “We express our appreciation for the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, not only for hosting us this evening but for bringing us alongside champions of research, excellence, and innovation in date palm agriculture. We are also incredibly grateful to the Gates Foundation for their partnership and unwavering belief in the power of science to solve real world problems. To our scientific partner and project manager, ICARDA, thank you for your technical leadership and your dedication to transforming agriculture across dryland regions,” added Mr. Khalfan Al Matrooshi on behalf of H.E. Mariam Al-Meheiri, Chair of the International Affairs Office (IAO) at the Presidential Court, UAE. “The Red Palm Weevil is not just a pest — it’s a growing global challenge that demands a coordinated scientific response. Through this Consortium, we combine the best CGIAR science, regional knowledge, and local partnerships to deliver real-world solutions. ICARDA is proud to serve as a scientific and implementation lead in this effort, working closely with the UAE and our international partners to protect livelihoods, preserve ecosystems, and ensure the resilience of one of the world’s most iconic crops.” The Consortium’s five scientific workstreams, each led by a specialized institution, will use the UAE as a testing ground for innovations that can be scaled and transferred to affected LMICs: Bio-based Innovations (icipe, Kenya): Developing nature-based pest control methods using pheromones, fungi, and classical biocontrol agents. Biotechnological Innovations (IITA, Kenya): Applying genome editing, RNA interference, and microbiome disruption tools. Digital Innovations & AI (ICRISAT, India): Creating predictive tools, IoT sensors, and AI platforms for early pest detection. Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) (ICBA, UAE): Promoting scalable field-level practices for prevention and control. Policy, Institutions & Global Access (ICARDA, UAE Regional Hub): Ensuring innovations are embedded in policy frameworks and accessible across borders. Leveraging Science to Drive Global SolutionsThis Consortium cements ICARDA’s position at the forefront of global efforts to combat agricultural pests and diseases, reflecting our commitment to CGIAR’s science-driven partnerships that deliver real-world impact across dryland farming systems. “By mobilizing global expertise through CGIAR, local knowledge through ICARDA, and with the UAE as a testbed and a living laboratory, this program ensures that cutting-edge research translates into practical solutions for rural communities across the region,” said Zahira El Marzouki, Head of Middle East Relations at the Gates Foundation. “As a woman from the region, I cannot say how much inspiration I find in the three incredible women leaders who have been the architects of this partnership, H.E. Mariam Al-Meheiri at the UAE Presidential Court, Dr. Ismahane Elouafi at CGIAR, and Dr. Tarifa Al-Zaabi at ICBA.” Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Secretary General of the Khalifa Award, echoed this commitment: “The Khalifa Award has long championed excellence and innovation in agricultural research, particularly in the cultivation and protection of date palms — a crop that holds deep economic and cultural significance across the region. Through this Consortium, we are proud to bring that legacy forward, scaling scientific solutions that can be shared across borders. This initiative reflects the UAE’s deep commitment to supporting global food security through practical, science-based partnerships.” Through this Consortium, the UAE is reaffirming its position as a science-driven, impact-oriented partner to vulnerable agricultural communities, bringing innovation to where it is needed most. ICARDA is honored and privileged to be the UAE’s chosen scientific lead partner in this effort, working together to ensure that transformative agricultural research reaches all rural communities across the drylands. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/2272/japans-mitsui-begins-construction-of-clean-ammonia-production-facility-in-uae.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/2272/japans-mitsui-begins-construction-of-clean-ammonia-production-facility-in-uae.html Mon, 08 Jul 2024 10:58:38 +0530 Partners with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and South Korea's GS Energy Corporation to embark on the project in Al Ruwais, UAE starting from 2027 to produce 1 million tons per year of ammonia Mitsui & Co., Ltd., alongside TA'ZIZ (owned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)), Fertiglobe, and South Korea's GS Energy Corporation, has agreed to commence construction of an ammonia production facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In addition, Mitsui has signed a loan agreement with Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to finance the development of the project. The project involves the construction of an ammonia production facility in Al Ruwais, UAE. Starting from 2027, the plant is expected to produce 1 million tons per year of ammonia with lower CO2 emissions compared to conventional ammonia. To achieve CO2 emission reductions, additional facilities will be installed in the plant to capture and store CO2 emitted in the manufacturing process, with plans to begin production of clean ammonia by 2030. In addition to its participation in the project, Mitsui will offtake a certain volume of the clean ammonia produced at the plant for supplying Japan and other Asian markets, thereby contributing to the decarbonization of society as a whole, through its use in fuel applications, chemical and fertilizer feedstock applications, and other industries. Mitsui has been handling ammonia for about 50 years, and continues to be the largest importer to Japan for many years. Mitsui and ADNOC have been jointly developing and managing liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in the UAE since the 1970s. By combining cross-industry expertise and partnerships cultivated through our existing businesses, we will promote the establishment of a clean ammonia supply chain, and respond to the decarbonization needs of each country and region. In its Medium-term Management Plan 2026, Mitsui has designated Global Energy Transition as one of its Key Strategic Initiatives, and positioned clean ammonia, which does not emit CO2 during combustion, as one of the promising options for next-generation fuels, and will strive to contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society through this business initiative. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/1952/dubai-farms-programme-launched-to-support-emirati-farmers.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/1952/dubai-farms-programme-launched-to-support-emirati-farmers.html Wed, 13 Mar 2024 10:02:26 +0530 Offers services, workshops, incentives, partnerships, scientific analytic supports and more aimed at aiding Emirati farmers who own productive agricultural projects H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs, has launched the “Dubai Farms” programme, offering a host of services and incentives aimed at supporting Emirati farmers who own productive agricultural projects. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed stressed the vital importance of local agriculture in Dubai, and the need to develop and sustain it to reflect His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s visions and objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 to focus on building the capacity of strategic sectors and to contribution to the emirate’s economy,. “Today we launched the ‘Dubai Farms’ programme to support productive Emirati farmers, by offering them a full suite of incentives and services that support the development of the emirate’s agriculture sector and enhance the sustainability of crops, all leading to enhanced contribution to the emirate’s GDP. We will continue our efforts to make Dubai’s agriculture more productive and sustainable,” Sheikh Hamdan said. “People are the focus of Dubai’s future vision, while sustainability, leadership and competitiveness are its key pillars. Our strategic priorities include supporting Emirati farmers and promoting the culture of local agriculture, which helps solidify Dubai’s food security systems and ensure a sustainable future in which the next generations are self-sufficient. We have issued directives to establish a farmers’ association that brings together amateurs and professionals alike, to ensure continuity of jobs in agriculture. Agriculture is key to Dubai’s sustainable future, and it is our responsibility to ensure our citizens and the next generations enjoy the best life has to offer,” he concluded. Comprehensive package of services and incentives to Emirati farmers Dawoud Al Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said the ‘Dubai Farms’ programme, to be implemented by Dubai Municipality, aims to offer farmers a comprehensive package of services and incentives, including workshops, regular lab testing, partnerships, social support and other incentives that help their farms continue operating and become highly productive, all in support of Dubai’s Food Security Strategy. The programme’s objectives are strategic priorities to build sustainable food systems and enhance the sustainability of food sources, which ultimately raises Dubai’s prosperity and quality of life. A comprehensive programme aimed at supporting Emirati farmers and promoting local farming, ‘Dubai Farms’ offers, through Dubai Municipality, farming consultation services, subsidised farming supplies, required lab testing, pest control services as well directing farmers to meet local market needs, and contracting with a specialised distributor of crops. The programme will also launch several events including the “Best Home Garden” competition, the Gulfood Agrotech exhibition, as well as the “Local Dates Week” which will be organised next July to celebrate the popular fruit. During the recently held Gulfood exhibition, Dubai Municipality signed a cooperation agreement with GMG to market and sell farmers’ products. GMG will collect, package and market the crops across local outlets. Other incentives offered include offering competitive prices for farming supplies, machinery and irrigation systems. The “Dubai Farms” programme will also see the organisation of the “Plant Your Food” initiative, which aims to encourage house gardening, the Hatta Farming Festival and other seasonal farmers market events. In addition to launching the farmers’ association, the Smart Farming Platform, which supports Dubai Municipality’s digital transformation efforts, will help provide technical details, improve efficiency and raise awareness among farmers. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/1620/al-dahra-and-agreena-announce-carbon-farming-project-in-romania.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/1620/al-dahra-and-agreena-announce-carbon-farming-project-in-romania.html Fri, 15 Dec 2023 07:24:50 +0530 The 55,000-hectare project will take place on the largest consolidated arable farm in the European Union, operated by Al Dahra-owned Agricost A partnership between UAE agribusiness, Al Dahra, and Danish climate agtech company, Agreena, will see the largest consolidated arable farm in the European Union transition to regenerative agriculture. More than 55,000 hectares of arable land on the Al Dahra-owned Agricost farm on Great Braila Island in Romania will enter Agreena’s soil carbon programme. The two global players signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at COP28, signifying a pivotal partnership between Al Dahra and Agreena that will unite their strengths and expertise to collaborate globally.  The agricultural industry is in a unique position to play a critical role in sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. The agrifood system accounts for approximately one-third of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but the agricultural industry also provides a significant opportunity to be a part of the climate solution. By incentivising farmers to transition from conventional to regenerative farming practices, Agreena supports farmers in turning their soils into carbon sinks, removing and storing CO2 from the atmosphere. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/1618/uae-and-korean-consortium-to-pilot-ai-powered-smart-farming-solution.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/1618/uae-and-korean-consortium-to-pilot-ai-powered-smart-farming-solution.html Fri, 15 Dec 2023 07:02:48 +0530 Pure Harvest Smart Farms (UAE), Al Dahra Agriculture (UAE), and PlanTFarm (Korea) partner to forge an innovative, low-cost vertical farming solution to produce animal feed anywhere Pure Harvest Smart Farms (Pure Harvest), a leading sustainable technology-enabled agribusiness headquartered in the UAE, announced a new partnership with Al Dahra, a diversified global agribusiness that is a leader in the cultivation and production of animal feed, and PlanTFarm, a smart farming solutions provider, for a commercial-scale pilot scheme to bring the benefits of controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) to the animal feed industry, utilising a proprietary, fit-for-purpose, low-cost indoor farming solution. The innovative smart farm utilises PlanTFarm’s cutting-edge, AI-powered vertical farm technology, engineered to reduce the capital intensity and energy consumption of the growing system to farm fresh, nutritious animal feed. The facility will be co-located within livestock farms to localize animal feed in Al Ain, UAE, using 95 per cent less water per kilogram versus traditional farming means. The collaboration aims to reduce the UAE’s import dependency by offering an economic, sustainable, and scalable localized farming solution. The pilot solution and commercial partnership have been under development since early 2022, and preliminary results show promise. Sky Kurtz, CEO of Pure Harvest, commented: “Our region imports the lion’s share of its animal feed requirements to protect its endangered water resources – coming at a cost to food security, feed price volatility, and nutrition quality. Put simply, we don’t believe our region’s farmers should have to choose… and if we’re right, this solution is scalable to other water-scarce parts of the world.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/1441/saudi-arabias-neom-megaproject-carves-strategic-objectives-next-gen-food-security-solutions.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/1441/saudi-arabias-neom-megaproject-carves-strategic-objectives-next-gen-food-security-solutions.html Tue, 26 Sep 2023 09:27:00 +0530 Focus on five strategic areas: Climate-proof agriculture, regenerative aquaculture, novel foods, personalized nutrition and sustainable food supply" explains Juan Carlos Motamayor Executive Director of NEOM's Food sector and CEO of NEOM’s Food Company An ecosystem for igniting, socializing, integrating, and testing innovation at various levels of technology maturity is being created by the NEOM Food Innovation Ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. NEOM pioneers more efficient solutions to food production in water-scarce environments by using the desert as a testbed as climate change accelerates and arable land retreats. NEOM believes a flourishing food sector is dependent on high-quality infrastructure, service facilities, and a sustainable workforce, and is bringing together international experts and leaders to provide the support necessary to turn ground-breaking ideas into reality by establishing Water and Food Innovation Hubs, Aquaculture Innovation Centers, Agriculture and Aquaculture Consortia, and Food Accelerator Programs.  As climate change accelerates globally, NEOM innovation-led model aims to transform Saudi and global food ecosystems by developing, demonstrating, and implementing new sustainable food technologies and services. Global NEOM explorations are now continuing into Asia, and the 'Discover NEOM' tour arrived  in Singapore on 18 September 2023. As NEOM builds synergies with entrepreneurs, industry pioneers, and business partners in Singapore, it focuses on its core principles such as "Climate-Proof Agriculture", "Regenerative Aquaculture'', "Novel Foods", "Personalized Nutrition" and "Sustainable Food Supply & ESG" to promote resilience in a world where innovation and progress are of utmost importance. Juan Carlos Motamayor Executive Director of NEOM’s Food sector and CEO of NEOM’s Food Company discussed further insights on NEOM’s thriving potential and prospects with Agrospectrum Asia in Singapore. What are Saudi Arabia’s strategic objectives to establish a NEOM megaproject? What are the infrastructural marvels and entrepreneurial opportunities the project will entail in the sustainable agriculture sphere? At NEOM we are working to create The Land of the Future—and food rests at the heart of this. Civilization has historically been dependent first and foremost on Food Security. We need to ensure that we can provide food innovatively and efficiently to match sustainable food delivery with demand. This is why we have five focus areas in our strategy: climate-proof agriculture, regenerative aquaculture, novel foods, personalized nutrition and sustainable food supply. These are essential to address the demands not only of today, but of tomorrow as well. Our food production infrastructure focuses on innovation and sustainability, which includes building multiple pilots to validate the cost efficiency of the latest technologies of things including green houses, vertical farms, bioreactors and irrigation, among others. As an example, we’ve recently partnered with Van Der Hoeven to build greenhouses, and this will serve as a commercial scale pilot to optimize technological configurations. How will NEOM revolutionize agriculture and food security by using deserts as test beds? Radical innovation is at the cornerstone of our approach, and we’re committed to nurturing the world’s most exciting ideas and turning them into reality. We help companies and organizations worldwide to capture the many opportunities available in food and agriculture at NEOM, supported by business-friendly regulations, a talented team, health and environmentally conscious consumers and a thriving ecosystem built to support innovation at every level. What are the scalable models NEOM is developing to pioneer efficient solutions to encourage agriculture in water-scarce environments ? We’re applying different approaches to water, namely, employing water-efficient irrigation techniques, such as subsurface drip systems. Besides that, there's a push towards aquaponics and hydroponics systems. We're also focusing on soil amendments innovation to increase soil water retention and utilizing treated graywater for crop irrigation, a strategy that can dramatically reduce freshwater demand. Another critical aspect of water is related to seawater and our aquacultural strategy. However, there’s a perception that aquaculture, which is the most efficient strategy for producing animal protein in terms of the ratio of kilos of protein to liters of water used, negatively impacts on the environment. We’re working on multiple aquacultural approaches that aim to minimize any nutrient discharge into the sea. How is NEOM reconciling sustainability and innovation to establish-climate proof agriculture? New technologies are urgently needed to feed humanity today – and in the decades to come. We are developing and testing technology that can improve food quantity and quality, while reducing the impact of food production on the environment. One example of this is controlled-environment production systems, which can significantly reduce the water required to grow crops. Growing a kilo of tomatoes in an open field requires 60 liters of water, compared to 15 liters required if grown in a hydroponic greenhouse. In a truly controlled-environment production system like the ones we're designing at NEOM, only four liters are needed. We’re also beginning to use state-of-art biotechnology to promote responsible and sustainable aquafarming and, through gene editing, developing varieties adapted to drought. Could you please share your thoughts on climate-resilient breadbaskets? Most grain consumed in the world is produced by few countries such as the USA, Russia, India and Ukraine. However, the world's breadbaskets are failing, and arable land is shrinking worldwide, just as the population that depends on that land continues to soar. Therefore, we must rely on something other than those breadbaskets and traditional supply chains. They are being disrupted by pandemics and global conflicts. And, more importantly, by natural disasters caused by climate change. To hedge against the negative impact of multiple failing breadbaskets, we need to create more in other regions and decentralize food production in a way that’s less prone to extreme weather, while reducing carbon emissions. It is critical that we use less land and water, particularly in the Middle East. Despite the many challenges, we're optimistic about developing game-changing solutions to improve the quantity and quality of food, while protecting the planet. Thereby ensuring safe, nutritious and sustainable food for all via a climate-resilient food industry that could address the world's present and future resource deficits. What are the other sustainable food sources NEOM is exploring to stabilize the food value chain? What measure does NEOM focus on to monitor ESG in the supply chain? A core objective of NEOM Food is reimagining food supply chains to meet the standards of tomorrow through a number of sustainable solutions that will secure their food supply for generations to come – providing food with year-round availability affordable and both safe and healthy. We are looking to commercialize food grown locally, re-export premium goods, and source food products from qualified sustainable suppliers. However, we know that we cannot produce all the food we need, so we are focused on reducing food miles by importing the food we can’t produce locally from neighboring countries.Moreover, NEOM has no legacy infrastructure, which is a key advantage. In other words, NEOM is a greenfield opportunity to develop the technological backbone to fully digitize all operations and supply chains, enabling novel ways to conduct ESG reporting, performance, and risk management. Further, built around the core principles of responsibility and transparency, NEOM’s sustainability-and-assurance system will champion ESG criteria across all operations and the entire supply chain, assuring the highest quality standards and advancing progress towards the UN SDGs. How have been the investor relationships and collaborative endeavors so far? We have found the government-linked partners such as Enterprise Singapore and Temasek highly facilitative, given the complete alignment of our strategic interests. NEOM Food has also had very promising discussions with various organizations throughout our Discover NEOM engagement and will now look to potentially create partnerships to deploy technologies such as proven soil-amendment solutions in NEOM and also offer scale-up support in both Singapore and KSA.   How does NEOM perceive regenerative aquaculture producing high-value seafood while protecting the marine environment? Considering the growing demand for seafood while acknowledging the detrimental effects traditional aquacultural practices pose to the natural environment, NEOM’s trail-blazing philosophy is paving the way for a new paradigm in regenerative aquaculture to produce the highest quality and freshest seafood in the Kingdom. NEOM will be home to a high-tech aquaculture park, including a state-of-the-art hatchery & breeding center; land-based and sea-based production systems using the best technologies of today and tomorrow; novel and more sustainable feed-production infrastructure; and advanced seafood-processing facilities. This project will relieve pressure on our local marine native species environment and support regenerative food security for both NEOM and Saudi Arabia. It will combine marine preservation with a net-positive impact on the Red Sea ecosystem by focusing on native and economically viable local species, ensuring zero-liquid discharge, and increasing biomass and marine biodiversity. Could you share more about the NEOM’s recent collaboration with global agro-food giants in expanding Saudi Arabia’s aquaculture capacity? Collaboration with global partners is critical to resolving global challenges. Accordingly, we recently signed an agreement withThe Arabian Agricultural Services Company (ARASCO), the largest manufacturer of animal feed in the Middle East with three business segments that address food security. We are also partnering with Cargill, one of the world’s leading agribusiness companies, to explore how we can work together to support the sustainable expansion of the Saudi aquacultural sector and its aspiration to achieve self-sufficiency in aquaculture protein demand by 2030 in an environmentally friendly manner.We’ve also signed an MoU with Tabuk Fish Company aimed at expanding local aquaculture production and applying the new generation of aquaculture technologies in the NEOM region. How does NEOM Food approach Food differently from other regions when they look at Food as a sector? We approached the development of food production very pragmatically – and we are currently building modular commercial pilots for Agriculture, Aquaculture and Novel Foods so that the best-in-class technologies and solutions can be tested at scale, to find the best cost-efficiencies and quality. Then scale up the optimal ones within and outside the NEOM region to achieve our food security and export ambitions. Unlike most incubation efforts where tests are only done at lab level or at large commercial scale, we are ideally positioned to fill the gap in between. We are currently working with world-class organizations such as Van Der Hoven and Cargill to develop these assets and are actively identifying world-leading solution providers that can offer the right innovations that can be scaled. In this vein, we are actively looking for technology and solutions that are ready to be commercially tested at a scale that can help us achieve integration together to bring the best results. We have built NEOM Food via an ecosystem approach. We are actively connected to the key organizations in KSA such as other Public Investment Fund-related entities in the supply chain to benefit from the investment synergies; the key ministries and regulators to also co-develop national alignment and are also plugged into the research and innovation pipeline of KSA through many of the Kingdom’s established and prominent research organizations such as KAUST and Estidamah. In short, NEOM Food is intentionally designed to be a gateway into KSA for modern and sustainable food production. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/1327/orbias-precision-agriculture-business-netafim-partners-e20-investment-to-foster-advanced-agriculture-globally-and-in-uae.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/1327/orbias-precision-agriculture-business-netafim-partners-e20-investment-to-foster-advanced-agriculture-globally-and-in-uae.html Wed, 23 Aug 2023 10:50:07 +0530 Partnership aims to drive sustainable agriculture practices and advance precision irrigation solutions both in the UAE and globally that address food security challenges.     Netafim, an Orbia business and a global leader in precision agriculture solutions, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with UAE-based E20 Investment to pave the way for a future joint venture. This partnership aims to drive sustainable agriculture practices and advance precision irrigation solutions both in the UAE and globally that address food security challenges.     The future joint venture is intended to leverage the strengths and expertise of Orbia Netafim and E20 Investment through its subsidiary Agritek, a leading agricultural project developer. The venture will focus on mitigating intensifying global desertification through the efficient use of precision irrigation, the integration of digital tools in agriculture and landscaping projects and initiatives. Additionally, the businesses will explore opportunities across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia to address food security. Chief Executive Officer of E20 Investment Sultan Al Jaberi said, "We are excited to join forces with Orbia Netafim to embark on a journey with a joint venture to locally manufacture Netafim systems and solutions. The MOU represents a significant step towards empowering the local and regional growers developing more sustainable agricultural practices to optimize their crop yields and overall efficiency. It reflects our dedication to investing in innovative agricultural solutions on a global scale.” Chief Executive Officer of E20 Investment Sultan Al Jaberi said, "We are joining forces with Orbia Netafim to embark on a journey with a joint venture to locally manufacture Netafim systems and solutions. The MOU represents a significant step towards empowering the local and regional growers developing more sustainable agricultural practices to optimize their crop yields and overall efficiency. We are dedicated to investing in innovative agricultural solutions on a global scale.” Orbia Precision Agriculture Senior Vice President of APAC Elad Levi added, "Building on Netafim’s strong presence in the region, the partnership will also contribute to the advancement of sustainable agriculture practices across the Middle East and North Africa. By co-developing large-scale farming projects that address food security and mitigate desertification, our work together represents a significant step towards creating a more sustainable future, locally and globally."  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/1195/agthia-group-launches-54-mn-corporate-venture-capital-fund.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/1195/agthia-group-launches-54-mn-corporate-venture-capital-fund.html Tue, 18 Jul 2023 16:56:02 +0530 Agthia Ventures will build on experience, creating a program to help the best and brightest entrepreneurs in food and related industries Agthia Group PJSC, a diversified food and beverage company announced the launch of Agthia Ventures, a corporate venture capital fund (CVC) designed to expand Agthia’s innovation capabilities and create mutual value with startups as the company continues to drive profitable growth in both new and existing markets. Funded by Agthia and its parent company ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, Agthia Ventures will be managed together with Touchdown Ventures, a global leader in establishing and operating bespoke CVC programs for blue-chip corporates, with over 100 completed venture investments to date. Agthia Ventures will build on Agthia’s four decades of experience, creating a program to help the best and brightest entrepreneurs in food and related industries scale their operations and accelerate their product development and market adoption, through access to Agthia’s extensive industry knowledge, diverse distribution networks, technological infrastructure, research, development and marketing capabilities, and established customer relationships. Utilising Touchdown’s extensive network of startups, venture capital relationships, incubators, and accelerators, Agthia Ventures is well-placed to identify attractive early-stage, seed, and growth investment opportunities, within relevant and target geographies. The fund is stage-agnostic and will invest primarily in companies with clear product-market fit that are demonstrating revenue growth. Investments will focus on brands, categories, and solutions across Agthia’s portfolio that are both complementary and adjacent to its business model, for example in snacks and beverages, value chain technology, and ingredient technology. Target investment interests include premium and better-for-you snacks and beverages, functional water and hydration, alternative proteins, sustainability solutions in farming and packaging, e-commerce solutions for the food and beverage industry, and other capability enhancements relevant to Agthia’s value chain. Alan Smith, Chief Executive of Agthia Group, commented, “Innovation is the lifeblood of Agthia Group and plays a vital role in our strategic vision of being a leading food and beverage company in the MENA region and beyond by 2025. In conjunction with our internal R&D initiatives, our CVC will give us access to cutting-edge technologies and market insights from dynamic entrepreneurs, helping to future-proof our growth and strengthening our ability to meet the evolving needs of consumers across multiple territories. In turn, Agthia will offer our product, market, and distribution expertise to the entrepreneurs supported by the program to help them succeed.” Scott Lenet, Touchdown President and co-founder noted, “We believe entrepreneurs globally will be impressed by the collaborative, supportive culture of Agthia’s team and their capabilities to help a startup grow. Whether through providing expertise and distribution locally in the MENA region, or by working collaboratively in North American and European markets to leverage Agthia’s expertise, the team have a lot to offer to food and beverage innovators.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/1143/uae-initiates-national-survey-plan-to-count-animals.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/1143/uae-initiates-national-survey-plan-to-count-animals.html Wed, 05 Jul 2023 17:16:46 +0530 The primary aim of this initiative is to compile an accurate and comprehensive database of the nation's livestock UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has begun implementing a 2023 national survey plan, specifically designed to quantify animals and associated products in commercial animal farms. The primary aim of this initiative is to compile an accurate and comprehensive database on the nation's livestock, a critical step towards the sustainable enhancement of the country's food security system. The survey was launched in cooperation with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, the Dubai Municipality, and with the participation of other municipalities in the UAE and local statistics centres. The implementation of the survey plan began in various targeted large, medium, and small commercial farms in all the emirates at the beginning of June and will continue until 31st July 2023 with a team composed of all relevant entities of each emirate. The team's efforts are focused on developing policies to preserve the livestock sector and organise its sustainable commercial exploitation and transformation to enhance its contribution to narrowing the food gap, securing supply chains, and boosting the national economy, eventually leading to a sustainable food security system. This is achieved by developing and implementing an integrated management strategy to protect and grow livestock wealth, increasing biosecurity levels, and developing and implementing animal disease and epidemic prevention programs and monitoring them. The team also supports inspection and surveillance mechanisms and standards in local farms and across border points and develops and enhances information exchange mechanisms at regional and global levels. Mohammed Mousa Alameeri, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, stressed the importance of the national survey plan to count the number of animals and products in commercial animal production farms, given the interest and care that livestock wealth in the country enjoys, as it represents an essential element for both food security and the national economy. Mohammed Mousa Alameeri said, "Within the framework of the Year of Sustainability, and in preparation for the UAE's hosting of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) this year, the national survey plan aims to contribute to the development of a sustainable, data-driven food security system through providing accurate and comprehensive data about the animal wealth in commercial, small, and medium farms at the national level. Additionally, it involves determining the quantities and values of production from these farms to know their contribution percentage to enhance food security and the level of advancement in food security indicators." ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/1074/icba-fao-strengthen-partnership-to-drive-agrifood-systems-transformation.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/1074/icba-fao-strengthen-partnership-to-drive-agrifood-systems-transformation.html Fri, 16 Jun 2023 19:24:24 +0530 The visit adds further impetus to the long-running strategic partnership between ICBA and FAO The International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) have reaffirmed their joint efforts to accelerate the transition to more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. During a high-level FAO delegation visit to the centre’s head office in Dubai, the UAE, Dr Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, Dr QU Dongyu, Director-General of FAO, emphasised the importance of bolstering collaboration to support countries in their goals to transform agrifood systems, and mitigate and adapt to climate change. Dr Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, said: “We have a long-running strategic partnership with FAO and this visit symbolises our shared commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – in particular SDG 2 of Zero Hunger – through science and innovation. We have implemented a number of successful initiatives aimed at improving food security and livelihoods, enhancing natural resources management, and developing individual and institutional capacities in various countries. By combining our capabilities, we can create innovative and transformative solutions for the challenges facing agrifood systems and achieve greater synergy and impact.” “As the UAE marks the Year of Sustainability and prepares to host COP28, it is important to work together towards a more sustainable future at local and international levels. More than ever, we need solidarity and collective action to tackle global issues such as climate change,” Dr Tarifa Alzaabi added. Dr QU Dongyu, Director-General of FAO, recognised ICBA as an important research and development partner, highlighting the centre’s contributions to FAO projects in the Middle East, North Africa, and other regions. He expressed FAO's commitment to strengthening collaborations with partners like ICBA to achieve SDGs and create a food-secure future for all. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/1022/al-dahra-group-and-golden-fields-sign-strategic-partnership-and-supply-agreement.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/1022/al-dahra-group-and-golden-fields-sign-strategic-partnership-and-supply-agreement.html Tue, 06 Jun 2023 08:06:44 +0530 The agreement will enable the construction of a processing facility for the dry milling of peas and beans Al Dahra Group, an Abu Dhabi-based agribusiness and one of the largest forage providers worldwide, has signed an exclusive supply agreement with Golden Fields, an Estonian agriculture company specialising in the production of premium quality animal feed grown in the Baltic region. At an event in Riga attended by government officials, farmers, and businesses from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, Al Dahra Group and Golden Fields announced the details of a long-term strategic partnership and supply agreement and the opportunities it will provide for farmers in the Baltic region. The agreement provides Al Dahra Group with an exclusive offtake agreement for forage commodities, supplied by Golden Fields through contract farming agreements in Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Finland. Al Dahra Group has committed to supporting the construction of forage processing facilities, while also providing technical expertise on sourcing, production and sales.  The agreement will enable the construction of a processing facility for the dry milling of peas and beans which will supply Al Dahra Group with livestock pellets, high protein feed pellets, plant-based protein products and fibre products. Arnoud van den Berg, Group CEO of Al Dahra Group, said that the agreement allows the company to purchase forage commodities such as corn silage, grasses, alfalfa, perennial grass combinations, and grass silage from farms across the Baltic region, process them locally, and then export them to meet the demand of customers across Northern Europe, Asia, North Africa and the Middle East. "By partnering with Golden Fields, we are turning a promising new page for agriculture in the Baltic region. Golden Fields, through its network of respected farming cooperatives, ensures an undisrupted and long-term supply of forages for our customers around the world. Through these exports, the Baltic region's farmers will have a very broad geographical reach", Van den Berg said. Al Dahra Group’s partner Golden Fields has previously invested EUR 10 million in a roughage facility in Joniškis, Lithuania, and EUR 7 million in a comparable plant in Lääne County, Estonia. The business collaborates with the Lithuanian cooperative ‘Joniškio aruodas’ and the Estonian cooperative ‘Kevili.’ Up to 150,000 metric tons of feed can be produced and processed at these facilities each year for commercial use. "We collaborate with experienced farmers to produce high-quality feed from Estonian and Lithuanian fields. We also intend to construct comparable production lines in Finland, Western Estonia and Latvia with an additional capacity of 250,000 metric tons", says Mahmoud Ahmed, CEO of Golden Fields. According to Ahmed, the company will be able to speed up the expansion of its operations thanks to its partnership with Al Dahra Group, to achieve a production capacity of more than 400,000 metric tons in the next five years. “In addition, we are working on the construction of a plant-based protein facility with an output of more than 100,000 metric tons of feed pellets in Estonia, while also assessing the possibility of expanding with a second facility of this kind in Lithuania, in the future", notes the CEO of Golden Fields. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/923/uae-represents-at-aim-for-climate-summit-in-the-us.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/923/uae-represents-at-aim-for-climate-summit-in-the-us.html Thu, 11 May 2023 13:00:26 +0530 The UAE's participation in the initiative will bolster international cooperation, promoting the adoption of climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture for farmers worldwide Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment, officially announced the UAE’s participation in the UK-led Agriculture Breakthrough Initiative. The initiative's primary goal is to make climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture the most attractive and widely adopted option for farmers worldwide by 2030. The announcement came during the AIM for Climate Ministerial session of the AIM for Climate Summit (AIM4C) in Washington DC, United States, where Mariam Almheiri highlighted the importance of collaboration and progress in addressing climate change. Mariam Almheiri said, "The UAE is pleased to announce that it will join the Agriculture Breakthrough, recognising that its objectives align directly with AIM for Climate and vice versa. Both provide a forum for collective action and mutual progress, offering us an opportunity to modernise and decarbonise while safeguarding our future food production." The Agriculture Breakthrough Initiative, first launched at COP26 in Glasgow, aims to make climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture the most attractive and widely adopted option for farmers around the globe by 2030. The UAE's participation in the initiative will strengthen international collaboration, accelerate the deployment of clean technologies, and drive down costs in the agricultural sector. Almheiri is heading the MOCCAE delegation at the AIM4C Summit, co-led by the UAE and the US.  The summit, features a diverse agenda of sessions and meetings, effectively driving increased investment in agricultural R&D and innovation, which has a rich agenda of sessions and meetings, has successfully catalyzed greater investment in agricultural R&D and innovation, elevating global aspirations, and empowering policymakers to make informed decisions based on scientific data for the betterment of people worldwide. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/887/philippines-to-strengthen-agricultural-and-fisheries-trade-cooperation-with-uae.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/887/philippines-to-strengthen-agricultural-and-fisheries-trade-cooperation-with-uae.html Thu, 04 May 2023 08:30:05 +0530 Bilateral cooperation to enhance trade in agriculture and fishery products for commodities such as pineapples, mangoes, avocados, mangosteen, durian, buko juice, and tuna. Agnes Catherine Miranda, Undersecretary for Administration and Finance at the Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA) interacted in a formal discussion with United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Mohamed Alqataam Alzaabi at the UAE Embassy in Taguig City, Philippines. Coordination and collaboration between the two countries to strengthen agriculture and fisheries trade were discussed by the officials. UAE Ambassador and Undersecretary Miranda were joined by UAE First Secretary Obaid Alshehi, DA-International Affairs Division Assistant Chief Leah Samson, and DA-Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division Section Chief Jo Ann Grace Pera. Undersecretary Miranda expressed the Philippines' interest in expanding its exports of agriculture and fishery products, particularly high-value crops, which form part of the agri-fisheries sector's priority. The Department of Agriculture (DA) is ensuring that initiatives are implemented that will contribute to the development of the Philippine agriculture sector. Emphasizing the extensive UAE trade market and strategic location in the Middle East, the UAE Ambassador highlighted the importance of increasing bilateral trade in agriculture and fishery products, especially for commodities such as pineapples, mangoes, avocados, mangosteen, durian, buko juice, and tuna. The Ambassador offered to connect DA’s suppliers to big supermarket chains in the UAE such as Lulu and Carrefour. Furthermore, Dubai will host COP 28 in November-December 2023. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/886/ruler-of-sharjah-signs-mou-with-two-universities-in-uk-for-sustainable-agriculture.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/886/ruler-of-sharjah-signs-mou-with-two-universities-in-uk-for-sustainable-agriculture.html Wed, 03 May 2023 12:35:49 +0530 The MoU focuses on three educational fields, namely veterinary medicine, sustainable agriculture, and desert science Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of the University of Al Dhaid. The MoU was signed between the University of Al Dhaid, the University of Bristol, and the Royal Agricultural University in the United Kingdom at the Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre. The MoU was also signed by Dr Evelyn Welch from the University of Bristol and Dr Peter McCaffery from the Royal Agricultural University. Its primary aim is to enhance cooperation among the three universities to develop scientific and educational expertise. The MoU focuses on three educational fields, namely veterinary medicine, sustainable agriculture, and desert science. Additionally, the parties involved can discuss ways of cooperation in various research fields. According to the MoU, the University of Al Dhaid, the University of Bristol and the Royal Agricultural University will cooperate to offer four programmes: a Bachelor of Sustainable Agriculture, a Bachelor of Animal Science, a Bachelor of Desert Sciences, and a PhD programme in veterinary medicine. These programmes and majors will be offered at the University of Dhaid, which will be opened next year. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/869/uae-approves-71-economic-activities-to-promote-sustainable-farming.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/869/uae-approves-71-economic-activities-to-promote-sustainable-farming.html Mon, 01 May 2023 13:39:22 +0530 The activities were approved by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE United Arab Emirates government has approved 71 economic activities which can be carried out on agricultural lands and will promote sustainable farming development and diversify the sources of income of farm owners. The activities were approved by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE. It also includes recreational and tourism ventures, such as holiday homes to support the tourism sector and promote the UAE's ancient heritage. Sheikh Mansour is also the Minister of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA). The list of economic activities that can be carried out on farms is listed under four categories, with 21 economic activities that support the plant sector, 24 activities related to the animal sector, 18 activities related to the food sector, and eight recreational activities, in particular holiday homes, all of which aim to support the tourism sector and promote the cultural development of the agricultural sector in Abu Dhabi. "ADAFSA is working to diversify the economic activities that can be carried out on farms to consolidate the food security system and increase local plant and animal production, in addition to promoting agri-tourism to benefit from the recreational activities available at many of the crop and livestock farms in the emirate of Abu Dhabi," Saeed Al Bahri Al Ameri, Director-General of ADAFSA, said. ADAFSA has set the requirements and construction limit permissible for economic activities on agricultural lands to not exceed 30 per cent of the total farm area if there is a main licensed plant or animal activity on the farm. The economic activities practised are limited only to the farm owner, and the trade licence must be issued in the name of the farm owner. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/851/uaes-egft-expands-export-blueberries-to-asia-pacific.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/851/uaes-egft-expands-export-blueberries-to-asia-pacific.html Thu, 27 Apr 2023 11:02:47 +0530 EAG is the first and biggest producer in the UAE to grow blueberries Elite Global Fresh Trading (EGFT), a subsidiary of Yas Holding’s agriculture division Elite Agro Holding (EAG) and a leading UAE trader of fresh produce, has expanded its international footprint by exporting highly in-demand blueberries to the new destinations of Japan, Cambodia, Thailand and India, adding to its existing export markets of Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. EAG is the first and biggest producer in the UAE to grow blueberries, and the first Emirati company to export to markets like Japan that have a tough requirement for high-quality certifications is an important milestone for EAG and the UAE and a testament to its agricultural capabilities. Exports of the popular Elite Berry brand began in April and will continue until the end of May. Next year, the company plans to extend the export season from January to May and continue to add new export markets, backed by expanding production at EAG’s local farms that leverage sustainable farming capabilities.  “We’re proud to see the expansion of the international distribution network for our high-quality and popular blueberries. This is a strategic move that supports the UAE’s food security and its vision for economic diversification while placing the country among elite agricultural exporting countries,” said Dr Abdulmonem Almarzooqi, Elite Agro Holding Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board. Last year, EGFT debuted locally-grown blueberry exports to the international markets of Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. EGFT will be exporting the Mountain Blue Orchards (MBO) varieties of blueberries that have premium qualities, such as jumbo size, long shelf life, increased sweetness, great firmness and texture. The farm employs a two-hand picking technique and ensures less than 24 hours between picking and shipping to deliver maximum freshness. It implements special temperature control requirements in the post-production process at its packing facility to ensure its high-quality produce stays fresh for longer until it reaches its final international customers. All exports will be by air freight. EAG grows five exclusive MBO varieties of blueberries at its Al Foah Farm in Al Ain, where the company has doubled its blueberry production capacity by adding 14 hectares of greenhouses dedicated to growing an additional 72,000 plants for the 2023 harvest. Its output capacity has risen over the past two years, from 205 to 280 tons of blueberries in 2022, and from 280 to almost 400 tons in 2023. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/798/uaes-food-security-council-discusses-the-2023-action-plan.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/798/uaes-food-security-council-discusses-the-2023-action-plan.html Tue, 18 Apr 2023 12:42:56 +0530 Considering the latest global developments in the agricultural sector, the meeting discussed the necessary measures to strengthen the food system in the country During its first meeting for 2023, the Emirates Food Security Council (EFSC) discussed the action plan for 2023 and the latest developments in the agricultural sector globally, and harmonised local efforts to enhance national food security according to sustainable foundations. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment and Chair of EFSC, said, ‘’Food security is one of the most important strategic directions for the UAE, given the challenges the country faces regarding the scarcity of arable land and water scarcity. Additionally, economic and political changes taking place across the world increase pressures on the food systems in the country and make it necessary to continue working more quickly and more efficiently to enhance national food security.’’ ‘’As count down for the UAE hosting of COP28 has begun, we need to highlight the UAE’s model in enhancing its food security with the most sustainable technologies and methods that contribute to reducing climate changes and preserving the environment at the national and global levels,’’ she added, stressing that the UAE has a global innovation-enabled model of food security and operated innovative and unique agricultural projects. Considering the latest global developments in the agricultural sector, the meeting discussed the necessary measures to strengthen the food system in the country by securing the country's need for various strategic agricultural and food commodities and facilitating the movement of food trade. The Emirates Food Security Council operates through a mechanism that takes into account the common trends in managing the food security ecosystem in the country, which includes the elements of water security, energy security, emergencies and crises, strategic stocks, local agricultural production, food safety, foreign investment, diversification of import sources, and nutrition. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/774/cafu-unveils-first-of-its-kind-technology-for-planting-ghaf-seeds.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/774/cafu-unveils-first-of-its-kind-technology-for-planting-ghaf-seeds.html Thu, 13 Apr 2023 12:02:25 +0530 The development of the new autonomous and unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) technology will accelerate CAFU’s goal to plant one million Ghaf tree seeds CAFU, the Dubai-based leader in technology and car services, has announced the latest development in furthering its commitment to planting one million trees as a part of its Ghaf Tree Project. The development of the new autonomous and unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) technology will accelerate CAFU’s goal to plant one million Ghaf tree seeds in the UAE. Equipped with custom speedball planting technology and tracks designed specifically to operate in desert conditions, this first-of-its-kind planting technology will help CAFU’s ambitions to address the global challenge of climate change and support the UAE’s goal to become net-zero by 2050. In 2021, CAFU launched the ‘Ghaf Tree Project’ – a bold initiative to re-green barren ecosystems across the Emirates by planting one million Ghaf seeds. Through an extensive R&D phase that focused on seed optimisation and viability and with a goal to find the best solution to plant trees more quickly in arid conditions, CAFU pivoted its initial ariel tech to robotic solutions to solve this issue. The improved technology has the ability to penetrate deeper into the ground and distribute seeds more effectively, leading to more successful trees being planted. The innovative technology not only speeds up the planting process but also guarantees the survival of the Ghaf trees. The collaboration with United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) which focused on R&D for seed optimisation and viability and CAFU’s new UGV technology, marks a significant milestone in the project's development. Launched at CAFU’s labs in Sharjah, as the first-of-its-kind in the MENA region, the technology is expected to quadruple the number of seeds planted, strengthening the company's commitment to a greener future and supporting the UAE's ecosystem.   “We believe that technology is a force for good, not just for services, but for the community and the world in which we live,” said Nabra Al Busaidi, Community and Sustainability Manager at CAFU. “This is why we're proud to introduce and use our cutting-edge technology to support the UAE's commitment to building a cleaner and greener future. Over the past year, we have significantly re-engineered our processes.” With the remarkable ability to survive and prosper in some of the harshest environmental conditions, the Ghaf tree stands tall as a symbol of hope, inspiring ground-breaking work to revolutionize farming methods across the Emirates and can survive on very little water while also sustaining other plants and animal life. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/772/uaes-rumailah-farm-awarded-for-sustainable-dairy-production.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/772/uaes-rumailah-farm-awarded-for-sustainable-dairy-production.html Thu, 13 Apr 2023 11:40:22 +0530 The company prides itself on its sustainable farming practices, which have greatly contributed to the efficient use of resources and the reduction of its carbon footprint UAE’s leading manufacturer of dairy products, Rumailah Farm, has won its first Agricultural Excellence Award. The prestigious HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Award was granted in recognition of the firm’snotable contributions to sustainable farming and innovative dairy production. “We’re proud to receive the Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, which represents a notable milestone for the company,” Abdullah Taleb, Rumailah Farms General Manager states. “It’s a testament to our longstanding commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community involvement.” Rumailah Farm has made a name for itself in recent years with its chain of popular coffee shops on the UAE’s dynamic East Coast. All its products are derived from Jersey Cows, which are world-renowned for their creamy milk – often referred to as the ‘milk of royalty.’ The company prides itself on its sustainable farming practices, which have greatly contributed to the efficient use of resources and the reduction of its carbon footprint. For example, its adoption of innovative methods and technologies has allowed it to streamline water and energy consumption at its state-of-the-art facility. “Our commitment to delivering top-quality dairy products means we’re always exploring and implementing novel techniques,” Taleb explains. “Eco-friendly initiatives have not only raised our production capacity but have also set an example for the region’s other agricultural businesses.” Rumailah Farm works closely with qualified veterinarians and nutritionists to ensure that its cows receive the best possible care. According to Taleb, this ethical approach leads to happier, healthier cows – which means higher-quality products for customers. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/746/cargill-arasco-neom-join-forces-to-expand-saudi-arabias-aquaculture-capacity.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/746/cargill-arasco-neom-join-forces-to-expand-saudi-arabias-aquaculture-capacity.html Mon, 10 Apr 2023 11:15:28 +0530 Memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed focusing on expanding Saudi Arabia’s overall fish farming to support the country’s drive towards seafood self-sufficiency by 2030  Saudi Arabia’s efforts to increase its aquaculture production volume to 600,000 metric tons (MT) by 2030 received a major boost after two state-controlled institutions signed an agreement with American global food corporation Cargill to expand fish farming in the country. Cargill, the Arabian agricultural services company (ARASCO), a national food and closed joint stock firm, and the NEOM Company signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in early February 2023, covering aquaculture development in a region in northwest Saudi Arabia. The deal is focused on expanding Saudi Arabia’s overall fish farming to support the country’s drive towards seafood self-sufficiency by 2030 using environmentally friendly processes. “This agreement will ultimately lead to addressing the need to replace fishmeal by more sustainable fish feed. Additionally, it aligns with NEOM’s efforts to facilitate the production and supply of sustainable seafood while protecting the marine environment” said NEOM Food Head Juan Carlos Motamayor.  Partners are expected to work together to explore and scale up sustainable ways to meet rising domestic demand for aquaculture, including through research and development into more sustainable feed sources. The NEOM Company – which is also the developer of a proposed $500 billion (EUR 459 billion) commercial and residential development in Saudi Arabia – has made forays into aquaculture in the past. In 2021 the company signed a MoU with aquaculture technology firm Tabuk Fish Company to develop a fish hatchery on the northwest shores of the Red Sea. The farm, the region’s largest fish farm, will operate with a capacity of 70 million fingerlings. Saudi Arabia also made a deal with Dubai, United Arab Emirates-based Aqua Bridge Farms Co. for a hatchery project in Al-Lith, Makkah Province. That hatchery project will produce European sea bass and European sea bream hatchlings for aquaculture ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/739/adb-masdar-to-build-3-solar-power-plants-in-uzbekistan.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/739/adb-masdar-to-build-3-solar-power-plants-in-uzbekistan.html Fri, 07 Apr 2023 13:24:22 +0530 Power plants will be able to generate 897 MW, making them the region’s largest solar power development The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar) have signed three loans to build three solar power plants in Uzbekistan’s Surkhandarya (Sherabad), Samarkand, and Jizzakh regions. Together these power plants will be able to generate 897 MW, making them the region’s largest solar power development. The financing package is composed of three loans from ADB’s ordinary capital resources amounting to $36.7 million for Sherabad, $13.5 million for Samarkand, and $14.3 million for the Jizzakh power plant. Additionally, ADB mobilised much-needed private institutional capital for the three power plants. This was achieved through the arrangement of an aggregated B-loan syndication of $37.5 million. The B-loan participant is ILX Fund I, an Amsterdam-based SDG-focused emerging market private credit fund. ADB is joined in the financing of the three projects by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the European Investment Bank as parallel lenders. "Uzbekistan has tremendous potential to generate clean energy through its abundant solar and wind resources, and ADB’s financing plays a part in Uzbekistan’s journey towards a carbon-neutral economy. ADB strives to promote an enabling environment through these transformative projects,” said Suzanne Gaboury, ADB Private Sector Operations Department Director General. The Sherabad power plant project development, the largest of the three projects, was led by ADB through its public-private partnership transaction advisory services role to the Government of Uzbekistan which consisted of assisting in its preparation and structuring of the successful tender. ADB also provided a $9.1 million partial credit guarantee to support the tariff payment obligations of the National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan, the off-taker. The three power plants will offset more than 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions annually on average, and power over one million households. “Reaching this milestone for all three projects is a proud moment for Masdar and a key stage for Uzbekistan’s clean energy journey. Masdar is already playing a significant role in supporting the Government of Uzbekistan’s ambitious renewable energy objectives, and we look forward to continuing to grow our portfolio of projects in this key strategic market,” said Niall Hannigan, Masdar Chief Financial Officer. “This achievement would also not have been possible without the support of the Government of Uzbekistan as well as our financial partners, who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to driving sustainable economic growth for the people of Uzbekistan.” The solar power plants will improve the affordability and accessibility of reliable and clean energy for all the people of Uzbekistan, including households and businesses. Moreover, the borrower committed to implementing a gender action plan that will benefit women’s standing in the energy field, facilitate their access to jobs and economic opportunities in Uzbekistan’s clean energy transition, and encourage women’s overall participation in the renewable energy sector. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/674/uae-rumailah-farm-set-to-expand-into-agro-tourism-education.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/674/uae-rumailah-farm-set-to-expand-into-agro-tourism-education.html Mon, 27 Mar 2023 15:06:46 +0530 Leading dairy producer seeks to inspire upcoming generations while raising the international profile of UAE’s agricultural sector Rumailah Farm, the UAE’s leading producer of high-end dairy products, is tapping into the agro-tourism and education sectors by forging exciting new partnerships with local educational institutions. “We hope to educate – and inspire – the UAE’s upcoming generations, while also raising the international profile of the country’s agricultural sector,” Abdullah Taleb, General Manager of Rumailah Farm, states. In recent years, Rumailah Farm has made a name for itself with its flagship locations on the UAE’s dynamic East Coast. Drawing a wide base of loyal customers, its popular coffee shops have proven a hit with local residents and foreign visitors alike. For the past year, Rumailah Farm has provided in-depth tours of its state-of-the-art dairy facilities. Visitors also have the chance to interact with the farm’s famous Jersey Cows, which are world-renowned for their creamy milk – often referred to as the ‘milk of royalty.’ Along with creating fresh sources of revenue, Rumailah Farm tours have piqued the interest of the wider public. “Visitors, both local and foreign, are curious to see how our products achieve their unique and delicious taste,” Taleb explains. By opening its facilities’ doors to the public, Rumailah Farm has raised the quality and reputation of agricultural standards, throughout Fujairah and the UAE. According to Taleb, the tours aren’t only fun – they’re educational as well. “Our popular tours have helped raise the profile of the country’s agricultural market, both nationally and internationally,” he says. In line with its ongoing commitment to education, Rumailah Farm recently partnered with the GEMS Winchester School Fujairah. The agreement will allow 600 students to visit the farm’s facilities, where they can enjoy the hands-on experience of dairy production. Rumailah Farm plans to further expand its tours division by forging additional partnerships with other respected educational institutions, with the ultimate aim of passing its agricultural knowledge on to Emirati youth. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/655/adq-agtech-park-launches-vertical-farming-project-in-uae.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/655/adq-agtech-park-launches-vertical-farming-project-in-uae.html Thu, 23 Mar 2023 12:12:54 +0530 An indoor multi-purpose vertical farming platform for fresh produce in partnership with ZERO marks the operational phase of ADQ’s AgTech Park ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, announced the operational phase of its cutting-edge AgTech Park ecosystem with the launch of a vertical farming project in partnership with ZERO, a high-impact technology company headquartered in Italy. The ZERO project is the first of several controlled environment agricultural concepts that will be housed in the AgTech Park and will aim to enhance indoor farming locally, as well as explore and push the boundaries of desert-climate farming in the UAE.  The inaugural farming facility is situated in KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi Group), the UAE's largest operator and developer of fully integrated and specialised economic zones. KEZAD has a well-established ecosystem for food industries across the entire value chain, thereby creating a strong base for growth, both for local producers and the food industry as a whole. Additional sites exploring different technologies will be launched in Al Ain Industrial City within the coming year. Set to strengthen the local production of crops, fruits and vegetables for multiple applications including fresh food, nutraceuticals and biopharmaceuticals, the first joint project between ADQ and ZERO draws on the benefits of growing crops in vertical layers in a controlled environment, which includes higher yield, shorter growing times and lower water usage, in addition to bringing the production of a wider variety of fresh produce geographically closer to the UAE’s consumers. The ZERO project is retrofitted in a 1,000 sqm warehouse and will achieve an initial production volume of approximately 10 tons per year at the proof-of-concept stage. This pilot phase is expected to conclude in the summer of 2023, following which a 40,000 sqm commercial phase of the vertical farm is envisaged to be launched in Al Ain, alongside other projects featuring controlled-environment technologies. At full scale, the 200-hectare AgTech Park will target production volumes of over 40 kilotons of fresh fruits and vegetables annually, which would account for up to 6 per cent and 12 per cent, respectively, of the UAE’s total consumption and import of the produce grown within the park. Gil Adotevi, Executive Director of Food and Agriculture at ADQ, said: “As our vision of creating a state-of-the-art AgTech Park takes shape with the support of ZERO, one of our trusted partners, we are harnessing technology to create a controlled environment that advances the UAE’s ability to grow fresh, nutritious and tastier foods year-round. The breakthrough technology utilized in the park for the first time in the UAE explores new solutions to help tackle the challenge of sustainably farming in arid and desert climates, allowing us to contribute to not only shortening but also ‘greening’ the food value chain, which is top of the agenda for policymakers around the world as we progress on our net zero journeys.” Daniele Modesto, Chief Executive Officer, ZERO, said: “Vertical farms respond to the urgent need to rethink agriculture, making it more environmentally friendly and sustainable in a world prioritizing the responsible use of resources. We are exceptionally proud to partner with ADQ as a forward thinker in the local food and agriculture sector to bring our vertical farming capabilities to the UAE. The collaboration allows us to play a role in building one of the most diversified indoor farming facilities in the region that will contribute to realising the nation’s food security strategy.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/637/uaes-pure-harvest-achieves-product-of-the-year-endorsement.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/637/uaes-pure-harvest-achieves-product-of-the-year-endorsement.html Mon, 20 Mar 2023 14:17:16 +0530 Pure Harvest, known across the region for its fresh tomatoes, leafy greens and strawberries, is the first controlled-environment-agriculture (CEA) business to win the Gulf region’s Product of the Year award. UAE-based Pure Harvest Smart Farms (Pure Harvest), a world-leading, sustainable technology-enabled agribusiness announces receipt of the Gulf region’s ‘Product of the Year Award 2023’. The award is granted by the regional arm of the world’s most respected and comprehensive consumer research survey, conducted by researcher partner Nielsen IQ. Pure Harvest's award of ‘Product of the Year’ accreditation for the entire product range is unprecedented, recognising excellence in twenty-six (26) varieties of tomatoes, four (4) varieties of strawberries and over eight (8) varieties of leafy greens, with several new products soon to hit the market from its newest smart farms, including capsicums, melons, blackberries and raspberries.  Pure Harvest is the first-ever Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) company to receive the Gulf region’s award, and the only fruit and vegetable brand awarded the title in 2023.  Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “As the UAE continues to prioritise food security as a strategic goal, we recognise the vital role of innovative technologies and solutions to address the challenges posed by water scarcity and lack of arable land. We are committed to providing a business-friendly environment that facilitates the operations of food and ag tech companies' operations in the UAE to enhance local production and reduce import dependency. Our longstanding partnership with Pure Harvest Smart Farms is a testament to this commitment, and we applaud them for their achievement in winning the Gulf region's 'Product of the Year Award 2023'. Awards like this drive awareness that the UAE has some of the highest-quality products in the world”. Sky Kurtz, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pure Harvest, commented: “We are truly honoured to be awarded this globally recognised award from the Product of the Year organisation. As the first CEA business from the Middle East to receive this award, we also appreciate the huge milestone this represents for our industry’s collective efforts to champion sustainable production and reduced import dependency for the Gulf.” Almost 4,000 consumers across the region participated in this Nielsen IQ panel and voted based on perceived innovation, attractiveness and purchase intention. As a symbol of its achievement and to signal to consumers the uniqueness of its products, Pure Harvest will be permitted to utilize the Product of the Year accredited stamp to support marketing its products for the next twelve (12) months. Consumers can look forward to seeing Pure Harvest’s range of products in leading retailers, hotels and restaurants across the UAE and KSA. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/632/lnc-receives-approval-and-citification-for-organic-farming-in-uae.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/632/lnc-receives-approval-and-citification-for-organic-farming-in-uae.html Fri, 17 Mar 2023 14:39:30 +0530 The organic certification validates the effectiveness and safety of LNC as a solution for organic farming Desert Control's Liquid Natural Clay (LNC) receives official approval and certification for organic farming from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technologies (MoIAT), in consultation with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This recognition marks a significant milestone for the innovative solution that enables resilient and climate-smart agriculture and desert farming in a drying world. The organic certification validates the effectiveness and safety of LNC as a solution for organic farming. The certification ensures that LNC meets strict standards for the manufacturing process and raw materials, including the absence of synthetic chemicals and harmful substances. "We are honoured and proud to receive official recognition and certification from the UAE Ministry," said Ole Kristian Sivertsen, President and Group CEO of Desert Control. "This certification confirms that LNC also is a safe and effective solution to help farmers grow certified organic crops sustainably and to regenerate green ecosystems for the organic farming sector. Healthy soil leads to a healthy planet growing healthy food that fosters healthy and happy people." The certification of LNC for organic farming is a significant achievement for Desert Control, as it opens up new markets and opportunities for the company. With this certification, Desert Control and its strategic partner Mawarid Desert Control (MDC), can expand its reach to a wider range of farmers seeking sustainable and organic solutions for their farms and agribusinesses. LNC is a nature-based solution of natural minerals and clay that transforms desert sand into fertile soil. It coats each grain of sand with an electrical charge that holds onto water like a magnetic force, creating a soil structure that retains water and nutrients like a sponge. As a result, LNC enables plants to thrive in deserts and arid environments, reduces water consumption, and promotes soil health and biodiversity. LNC enables sustainable desert farming and saves up to 50 per cent on water and energy use while improving nutrient efficiency, crop yields, and food quality. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/624/uaes-al-ajban-poultry-wins-sheikh-mansour-bin-zayed-agricultural-excellence-award.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/624/uaes-al-ajban-poultry-wins-sheikh-mansour-bin-zayed-agricultural-excellence-award.html Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:35:53 +0530 The company is working on its strategies to develop a sustainable, efficient, and integrated food system by adopting innovations and investment techniques, promoting good practices UAE-based Al Ajban Poultry won first place for the ‘Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award’ at the Sheikh Zayed Festival, in the category of Commercial Animal Production Farms for adopting the highest standards in the poultry production chain. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment Award for Agricultural Excellence, presented the award to Dr Mohammed Ezzat El Agamy, General Manager of Al Ajban Poultry, during a ceremony held at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba. Dr El Agamy, General Manager of Al Ajban Poultry Company, expressed the company's pride in winning the prestigious Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award for Agricultural Excellence, the company is working on its strategies to develop a sustainable, efficient, and integrated food system by adopting innovations and investment techniques, promoting good practices, and enhancing the competitiveness of local products, which contribute to enhancing biosecurity, in addition to achieving the nation’s food security objectives. Al Ajban Poultry plays a significant role in supporting the security of the food supply chain, which supports the National Food Security Strategy 2051 of the United Arab Emirates, in addition to the training and development of the company’s human resources, including its veterinarians, engineers, and technical and administrative employees that contribute to the successes of the organisation. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/615/uae-launches-food-and-agriculture-entrepreneurs-programme.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/615/uae-launches-food-and-agriculture-entrepreneurs-programme.html Tue, 14 Mar 2023 12:07:14 +0530 This includes agricultural production and marketing, livestock production and marketing and creating sustainable projects by securing outlets for the sale of services and securing potential financing for projects. United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment launched the Food and Agriculture Entrepreneurs Programme, designed to help young participants hone their skills in managing agriculture and livestock projects. Set to be implemented from 2023 to 2025, the programme forms part of the ‘Transformational Projects’ initiative of the Council of Ministers and offers an integrated system that enables its target audience to establish their own companies in the UAE agriculture sector. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, said, “In line with the Year of Sustainability initiative and in an effort to achieve the objectives of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28), the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is working to empower and encourage youth to play an active role in advancing the agriculture and livestock sectors and to achieve national food security. The UAE will seek to encourage other countries to share experiences, lessons learned, and best practices to create new opportunities for transforming food systems, which can only be achieved through collaboration.” Almheiri indicated that the Ministry is working in collaboration with its strategic partners to empower young entrepreneurs in the fields of agriculture and food trade, develop their skills, and train them to market their products. This, in turn, helps support food security and ensures sustainability by diversifying national food production. Mohammed Al Ameeri, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Food Diversity Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, stated, “The programme will be a significant step towards employing the capabilities of entrepreneurs to support agriculture and livestock sectors in the UAE, by enabling them to access key information, expertise, and experiences, all the while encouraging them to launch businesses that can advance these industries at all levels,” Al Ameeri added. “The programme also offers a platform to communicate our experiences with various other countries, in an effort to achieve our common goals in enhancing global food security and finding solutions to all challenges in that regard.” The programme was launched on the sidelines of the third meeting of the Farmers’ Council, chaired by Mariam Almheiri at the headquarters of the Gracia Group in Abu Dhabi, which discussed developments in the Council’s activities. The Gracia Group is the strategic partner for training participants in the Food and Agriculture Entrepreneurs Programme, which is designed to train entrepreneurs and review agricultural projects that serve the local market and UAE farmers. This includes agricultural production and marketing; livestock production and marketing; creating sustainable projects by securing outlets for the sale of services; securing potential financing for projects; enlisting strategic partners from the private sector to support food and agriculture entrepreneurs; training 30 participants to ensure 50 shareholders in commercial and agricultural businesses in the UAE within three years; and achieving permanent sustainability for the startups that will be launched for a period of more than two years. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/596/saudi-startup-redsea-launches-first-desert-greenhouse-facility-in-uae.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/596/saudi-startup-redsea-launches-first-desert-greenhouse-facility-in-uae.html Thu, 09 Mar 2023 13:55:01 +0530 The move will help diversify food product sources and stimulate the region’s agri-food sectors Saudi Arabian agriculture technology startup RedSea has launched operations at its first greenhouse facility in Abu Dhabi. The move will help diversify food product sources and stimulate the region’s agri-food sectors. The one-hectare showcase facility will enable broader adoption of the technologies in the UAE to benefit local growers and significantly impact Abu Dhabi’s agricultural ecosystem.   With climate change and increasing global food shortages, the UAE and the Middle East are leading the way in addressing these huge issues ahead of COP 28. Ryan Lefers, CEO of RedSea, said, “Globally, food production is frequently unsustainable and very vulnerable to climate change. Our technology, which addresses these problems directly, is a solution already being delivered in hot climates worldwide.” RedSea’s technologies include iyris heat-blocking low-cost roofing, a climate-controlled recirculating deep water culture system for the growth of berries, and a saltwater evaporative cooling system functioning without desalination.  In addition, the greenhouse facility is powered by 2,000 square metres of elevated solar panels functioning as agrivoltaics, with protected crops grown under the boards and a heat-blocking net. The facility will showcase a saltwater irrigated fodder plot, a ground-breaking use of salty brine for irrigation of fodder for livestock feed. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/518/redsea-reinforces-strategy-with-new-appointments-as-tech-is-deployed-globally.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/518/redsea-reinforces-strategy-with-new-appointments-as-tech-is-deployed-globally.html Thu, 09 Feb 2023 16:06:59 +0530 Bruno de Oliveira joins as Chief Agricultural Officer and Branko Lovic as Chief Plant Science Officer Saudi Arabia-based RedSea, the sustainable AgTech business whose pioneering technology enables commercial farming in hot climates globally, announces the appointment of two new divisional heads - Chief Agricultural Officer and Chief Plant Science Officer - reinforcing the company’s strategy to develop world-leading technologies for sustainable agriculture. Bruno de Oliveira joins as Chief Agricultural Officer after most recently consulting with Silal in Abu Dhabi, an ADQ subsidiary with a broad portfolio of agri-food enterprises, where he held the role of Head of Farms Development. Prior to this, Bruno was Agricultural Director of Fresh Produce at Canal Sugar, an integrated Agro-industrial project and the world’s biggest sugar beet processing plant in Egypt. Bruno has vast experience in managing commercial crops – including a diverse host of fruits and vegetables – across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East - managing major private and government farming businesses as well as nurseries in each region. In his new role at RedSea, Bruno will be responsible for overseeing all global agriculture sites, operations, and expansion as well as ensuring alignment with ESG and sustainability goals in agriculture practices. Branko Lovic joins as Chief Plant Science Officer following six years at United Genetics USA and its affiliates in Spain. He held several executive roles in different functions across sales, product development and supply chain.  Branko has significant experience within agriculture and plant science, having previously held the role of Technology Development Lead at Monsanto – the US agricultural biotechnology company acquired by Bayer in 2016 - and Global Seed Production Manager at Syngenta – one of the world’s leading agriculture companies. Branko will oversee RedSea’s plant science division and further the development of plant genetics to enable salt, heat, and drought-tolerant crops. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/492/egypt-and-germany-to-cooperate-in-water-sector.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/492/egypt-and-germany-to-cooperate-in-water-sector.html Thu, 02 Feb 2023 13:44:00 +0530 Both officials agreed on joint coordination between the two sides to prepare technical studies on the use of modern irrigation systems in Egypt as an alternative to flood irrigation Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sweilam had a meeting with Frank Hartmann, the German ambassador to Egypt, to discuss mutual cooperation in the field of water and irrigation. During the meeting, developments in cooperation between Egypt and Germany were discussed according to the results of the meeting held between Sweilam and the German Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development during the activities of the COP27, and the subsequent signing of an agreement with the German side in November to rehabilitate canals in Beheira governorate using environmentally friendly techniques. Both officials agreed on joint coordination between the two sides to prepare technical studies on the use of modern irrigation systems in Egypt as an alternative to flood irrigation and to evaluate this transformation from all aspects related to water and environmental, economic, social and other dimensions. During the meeting, Sweilam and Hartmann discussed the role that the German side can play in supporting priority water projects, in a way that contributes to achieving optimal water management and achieving food security, especially in the areas most in need and most exposed to the risks of climate change. Moreover, the Irrigation Minister indicated that Egypt put forward an international initiative to adapt to climate changes in the water sector during the previous climate conference in cooperation with many international partners. He also affirmed Egypt’s readiness to be an African hub for training and capacity-building in the field of adaptation to climate change. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/491/pif-announces-vertical-farming-jv-with-us-based-aerofarms.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/491/pif-announces-vertical-farming-jv-with-us-based-aerofarms.html Thu, 02 Feb 2023 13:03:07 +0530 The first farm, based in Saudi Arabia, will have a capacity for up to 1.1 million kilograms of crops per year. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has signed an agreement with US-based Aero Farms to form a joint venture which will build and operate vertical farms across the MENA region. The first farm, based in Saudi Arabia, will have a capacity for up to 1.1 million kilograms of crops per year. The venture is the second Saudi-focused AgTech announcement this week, following the news that UAE-based Pure Harvest, which is also a vertical farming enterprise, is to enter into a partnership with the county’s National Agricultural Development Company (NADEC). Majed Al Assaf, head of consumer goods and retail, MENA investments division, PIF, said the venture will help increase regional reliance on locally produced crops.  “PIF is enabling the growth of the food and agriculture sector and localising technology that can benefit private sector industry participants,” he said. AeroFarms AgX, a wholly owned UAE-based subsidiary of Aero Farms, announced the construction of a 54,000 sq. ft indoor farm in Abu Dhabi in 2021. According to the United States Department of Agriculture report published last year, Saudi Arabia is reliant on imports for up to 75 per cent of its food consumption. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/478/after-east-coast-success-rumailah-farm-set-to-expand-across-uae.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/478/after-east-coast-success-rumailah-farm-set-to-expand-across-uae.html Mon, 30 Jan 2023 15:19:40 +0530 The new Rumailah Farm outlets are slated to be up and running within the first quarter of 2023. Rumailah Farm, the UAE’s top manufacturer of dairy products, is making the leap from a regional to a national brand. After the tremendous success of its East Coast locations, it’s now planning to open another two outlets – this time in Dubai and Qidfa.  “Our recent ventures to expand across the UAE are the result of years of hard work and dedication,” Abdullah Taleb Rumailah Farm General Manager says. “By maintaining the highest quality standards and sticking to our values, we’re quickly outstripping the competition.” Rumailah Farm made a name for itself with its flagship locations on the Fujairah corniche, at the Fujairah Umbrella Beach resort complex, and in Dibba. Along with offering top-quality dairy products, its chain of popular coffee shops proved a hit with local residents and visitors alike. Rumailah Farm is now expanding its presence across the entire UAE, with brand-new locations set to open in both scenic Qidfa and luxurious Dubai within the next two months. “Our brand is growing, and so is our physical presence across the country,” Taleb explains. “The undreamt-of success of our Fujairah locations prompted us to expand even further, with the ultimate aim of bringing farm-fresh dairy products to the UAE’s western coast.” The Qidfa location marks Rumailah Farm’s latest project on the dynamic East Coast, where it achieved its initial successes and already enjoys high brand recognition. The second location in Dubai’s upscale Jumeirah neighbourhood will be the company’s first venture on the UAE’s fast-paced western coast, where it hopes to tap into an entirely new – and potentially lucrative – market. Both of the new Rumailah Farm outlets are slated to be up and running within the first quarter of 2023. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/473/iref-wraps-up-successful-sixth-edition.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/473/iref-wraps-up-successful-sixth-edition.html Fri, 27 Jan 2023 15:25:22 +0530 The event draws the participation of 500 scientists, researchers and specialists in weather modification and rain enhancement science The International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF), which ran under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, wrapped up a highly successful sixth edition at Conrad Abu Dhabi at Etihad. Organised by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), through the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), the first-of-its-kind event to tackle pressing water and sustainability issues worldwide discussed the key scientific and technological breakthroughs in rain enhancement research and their applications. Over its three-day run, the Forum drew the participation of more than 500 scientists, researchers and specialists in weather modification and rain enhancement science, validating its status as a platform for eminent international and national experts, researchers and decision-makers in the fields of water security and water sustainability. Dr Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of and President of the Regional Association II (Asia) of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), said, “IREF’s latest edition coincided with the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s declaration of 2023 as the Year of Sustainability and the country’s preparations for the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28). In addition to offering an excellent opportunity to strengthen regional and international collaboration in rain enhancement research, the Forum allowed us to explore new approaches and technologies in cloud seeding operations where scientific research through UAEREP’s awarded projects is key to their success. Such efforts enable us to find innovative solutions and adopt sustainable practices to ensure global water security.” During the Forum, UAEREP announced the call for submissions for its 5th Cycle that offers winning research proposals a grant of up to $1.5 million. In its latest cycle, the program welcomes innovative research proposals with a focus on two high-priority areas: enhancing cloud formation and rain enhancement. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/469/pepsico-egypt-celebrates-third-potato-harvest-season-in-beni-suef.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/469/pepsico-egypt-celebrates-third-potato-harvest-season-in-beni-suef.html Wed, 25 Jan 2023 16:37:36 +0530 The program was launched by the company in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Solidarity, along with CARE International in Egypt, in hopes of empowering women in rural areas. As part of the ‘She Feeds the World’ programme, PepsiCo Egypt and CARE International in Egypt celebrated the third potato harvest season in Beni Suef Governorate. In fact, this praiseworthy program was launched by the company in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Solidarity, along with CARE International in Egypt, in hopes of empowering women in rural areas, integrating them into the agricultural value chain, improving their living conditions, and achieving self-sufficiency in light of PepsiCo's PEP+ strategy. The celebration took place in Beni Suef, and was attended by Dr Mohamed Hany Ghoneim, Governor of Beni Suef, Mohamed Shelbaya, CEO of PepsiCo North Africa, Eugene Willemsen, CEO of PepsiCo in Africa, Middle East and South Asia, and Dr Hazem Fahmy, CARE Egypt Executive Director, with the participation of actress Arwa Gouda, media representatives and program beneficiaries. The event encompassed the on-ground monitoring and following up on the results of the program to ensure the extension of its impact on the lives of rural women and their families. During the event, an inspiring discussion was held with the female farmers to listen to their experiences and influential success stories, in addition to discussing the development that touched them at both practical and personal levels. Accordingly, they were honoured during the ceremony and handed certificates of appreciation in recognition of their efforts. On that occasion, Mohamed Shelbaya, CEO of PepsiCo North Africa, said, “Over the past months, the program was capable of increasing the number of direct beneficiaries to more than 45,000 farmers, equivalent to 72 per cent of the target that was set at the beginning of the program, and more than 250,000 indirect beneficiaries. In addition, the program was able to enrol more than 11,000 women in the village savings and loan groups, and provide 989 male and female farmers with technical training in potato farming in Beheira and Beni Suef governorates. The aforementioned achievements luckily help the company achieve its bigger goal which is reaching 100 per cent of its direct supply of potatoes in Egypt from sustainable sources, in accordance with the International Guidelines for Sustainable Agriculture Practices (SFP). Dr Hazem Fahmy, CARE Egypt Executive Director, stated, ‘She Feeds the World program has achieved impressive results along the past period, either in increasing the income of female farmers, and the number of investment loans that reached more than 300 loans which enabled female farmers to start their own projects. By far, the program was able to enrol more than 11,000 women in the village savings and loan groups, at a rate of 111 per cent of the target, through which they were trained on the basics of proper nutrition for women and their families, water rationalisation, personal hygiene, and women empowerment. Through the Field Business Development methodology, 989 potato farmers were included in PepsiCo’s supply chain; contributing to linking male and female farmers with 10 marketing opportunities for small farmers, both women and men. Having said that, job opportunities were created for 360 women in the value chains of artichoke and okra crops, and 420 million litres of water were saved as a result of the training of more than 1,000 small farmers in Minya and the creation of 30 pilot irrigation fields for modern irrigation systems.” It is worth noting that the ‘She Feeds the World’ program achieved impressive results in increasing the income of female farmers, reaching more than 300 investment loans. This is in addition to providing training to more than 1000 farmers on water-efficient irrigation, which resulted in saving 420 million litres of water. On the other hand, 17 health units were activated and supported by medical equipment in Menya, Beni Suef, and Giza. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/459/united-arab-emirates-consumption-of-fruit-and-vegetables-grow.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/459/united-arab-emirates-consumption-of-fruit-and-vegetables-grow.html Tue, 24 Jan 2023 12:13:51 +0530 Fresh Up Your Life, support the promotion of high-quality, nutritious and healthy fresh products in the United Arab Emirates until 2025. In the first half of 2022, the UAE recorded an import rate of over 41,000 tonnes of food per day. The figure is forecasted to grow due to a number of factors, including population growth, the strong demand for imported products by foreigners living in the country and the significant expansion of the tourism sector with a high number of new hotels and resorts opened in recent years. Consumers in the UAE have begun to include more fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet. The government's commitment to addressing the alarming rates of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease among the population and the recent pandemic, have changed the local consumption scenarios; according to research commissioned by the Irish Food Board, 50 per cent of the consumers from the UAE declared that they increasingly choose foods that help strengthen their immune system; 52 per cent agree with the importance of the traceability factor in the products they consume and 56 per cent think that quality standards are even more critical today. Fresh Up Your Life, the CSO Italy project funded by the European Union, support the promotion of high-quality, nutritious and healthy new products in the United Arab Emirates until 2025, highlighting the themes of sustainability, clarity and traceability of the supply chain. Apofruit Italia, Cico-Mazzoni, Conserve Italia, Lagnasco Group, Oranfrizer, Origine, and Unacoa also participate in the programme. Kiwis, apples, pears, blood oranges, and pureed tomatoes are the products on which the project will focus. "The increasing demand for genuine products and the healthy lifestyle trend, represent an important driving force for the growth of Italian fruit and vegetable which are recognised and appreciated by the local consumers for their high quality," said Paolo Bruni, President of CSO Italy. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/454/dmcc-and-bsaf-collaborate-to-boost-agri-commodities-trade-with-south-asia.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/454/dmcc-and-bsaf-collaborate-to-boost-agri-commodities-trade-with-south-asia.html Mon, 23 Jan 2023 14:59:30 +0530 MoU to focus on FoodTech and AgriTech projects, business opportunities, and knowledge transfer through events. The world’s flagship free zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise – and the Bharat Subcontinent Agri Foundation (BSAF) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will see the two entities collaborate to advance the global agricultural (agri) commodities sector between the UAE and South Asia. The agreement was signed by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, and Sudhakar Tomar, Chairman of BSAF, at the inaugural South Asia Agri Summit in Kathmandu, Nepal. Targeting the growth of the global agri commodities sector and solidifying agri trade ties between the UAE and the South Asian subcontinent – which includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal – the MoU will see DMCC and BSAF partner in FoodTech and AgriTech projects, share prospective business opportunities and enhance knowledge transfer through exhibitions and conferences. On the signing, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, said, “DMCC has a longstanding and proud track record doing business with South Asia. Today, we are home to over 4,250 members from the region covering agri and many other sectors. The timing of this MOU with BSAF is strategically very important as trade has soared between the UAE and South Asia in recent years and will only grow further with the signing of new CEPA agreements and food trade corridors, including the recent UAE-India CEPA.” Sudhakar Tomar, Chairman of BSAF, said, “We are delighted to partner with DMCC in building the next chapter of agri-food trade between South Asia and the UAE. This is a vibrant new partnership which will provide crucial knowledge sharing in the wider efforts to grow South Asia’s connectivity and enhance food security at the regional and global levels.” DMCC has a longstanding history of driving agri trade between South Asia and the UAE. With growing awareness of global food security issues, agri goods occupy an increasingly strategic role in DMCC’s commodities mix, which encompasses tea, coffee, soya, sugar, spices and many other agri commodities. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/450/food-crowd-encourages-the-uae-community-to-support-local-farms.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/450/food-crowd-encourages-the-uae-community-to-support-local-farms.html Fri, 20 Jan 2023 14:40:21 +0530 In support of its sustainability goals, Food Crowd obtains a variety of fruits and vegetables from regional farms in the United Arab Emirates. Food Crowd, the UAE’s local online shopping platform, announced its dedication to assisting regional farmers and elevating the value of consuming locally farmed food. Along with its extensive supply of local products and golocal cashback reward program, Food Crowd is continually enhancing its platform to help and encourage the nation to support domestic farmers and take part in lowering carbon footprints in the New Year.  In support of its sustainability goals, Food Crowd obtains a variety of fruits and vegetables from regional farms in the United Arab Emirates and promotes the purchase of these products through its golocal loyalty program, which rewards users with cashback on locally purchased items. Guaranteeing consumers have access to the freshest and best-quality products available while also supporting the local farming community and reducing the customer and producer’s carbon emissions.  Soula Baroudi the Head of Food Crowd stated, "We think it's crucial to support local farmers and the local economy. In addition to giving our customers the freshest and tastiest fruits and vegetables possible, we support the survival of the regional farming sector by purchasing our products from nearby farms. Being more sustainable would hopefully be one of the many New Year's resolutions made each year, and we aim to support such resolutions with the user-friendly platform of Food Crowd.” Additionally, consuming locally farmed produce also lessens the environmental impact involved with importing fruits and vegetables from other nations. This is crucial in the UAE because of the country's limited water supplies and hot environment. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/436/global-foodtech-challenge-announces-winners-of-2-mn-prize.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/436/global-foodtech-challenge-announces-winners-of-2-mn-prize.html Wed, 18 Jan 2023 12:19:08 +0530 Aquagrain, Orbisk, Revoltech, and Sustainable Planet will receive a combined prize of up to US $2 million to scale up their business models in the UAE. The second edition of the global FoodTech Challenge, which seeks to find the next wave of technology innovations on the cusp of transforming traditional agriculture practices, efficiently and sustainably, announced the competition's four winners at an awards ceremony at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2023. The winners, Aquagrain, Orbisk, Revoltech, and Sustainable Planet, were selected from a pool of 12 finalists chosen from an initial 667 submissions from 79 countries. The finalists, who showcased their high-tech concepts at ADSW, represented a diverse demographic – with 33 per cent led by young CXOs between the ages of 22-35 years old, highlighting the role of the next generation in developing sustainable solutions to food security.  With a pooled prized of up to $2 million, the four winners will be invited to scale up their business models within the UAE and will be supported with a cash award plus R&D, start-up acceleration, commercial incentives, and mentorship from an extensive range of partners, including ASPIRE, Silal, ADQ, Emirates Foundation, Hub71, Ma'an, The Catalyst, ADGM, ADRO, the Competitive Office of Abu Dhabi, and Khalifa Fund. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/433/college-of-agriculture-and-veterinary-medicine-uae-a-new-breakthrough-in-2023.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/433/college-of-agriculture-and-veterinary-medicine-uae-a-new-breakthrough-in-2023.html Tue, 17 Jan 2023 13:32:02 +0530 The college has received AED 70 million for an external multidisciplinary research project in agriculture. UAE’s College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine seeks to provide advanced and accredited educational programs in the agriculture, veterinary and nutrition fields to prepare qualified competencies that meet the needs of the labour market and to provide applied research and distinguished advisory and training services to the local community. The college also contributes to agricultural development, food and environmental security applying the best standards and developing strategic partnerships with local and international companies and entities in line with the 2023 college's plan. The college has received AED 70 million for an external multidisciplinary research project in agriculture (Aspire Research Institute-Food Security) and internal grants of AED 2,474,000. College accomplished International accreditation of three bachelor's programs in the Department of Integrative Agriculture. Also establishing eight new advanced educational laboratories for the Department of Veterinary Medicine, and a three-dimensional scientific platform for students. The college is planning to establish a teaching hospital for the Department of Veterinary Medicine. Prof. Bhanu Choudhary, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, explained, “The year 2023 marks a qualitative and new start for the college in updating and developing modern academic and scientific programs. The College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine is also one of the unique and leading colleges in the United Arab Emirates, and it is one of the beacons of science and scientific knowledge regarding plant and animal health and production.  The college is transferring this knowledge to young people who aspire to be future leaders and experts in these disciplines. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/412/uae-launches-innovative-digital-system-for-environmental-inspection.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/412/uae-launches-innovative-digital-system-for-environmental-inspection.html Wed, 11 Jan 2023 14:31:30 +0530 The launch of ‘Eltezam’ is part of EAD’s ongoing efforts to execute its regulatory role by preserving environmental standards. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), has recently launched ‘Eltezam’ – a new digital system for environmental inspection and compliance evaluation which gives EAD’s inspectors the flexibility to evaluate facilities and projects based on actual on-site activities and operations. The new system allows inspectors to comprehensively review any aspect of an organisation’s activities regarding any potential environmental harm rather than being limited to activities listed on their environmental license. The launch of ‘Eltezam’ is part of EAD’s ongoing efforts to execute its regulatory role by preserving environmental standards in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. By establishing regulatory frameworks in the emirate, the Agency can reduce environmental harm and continuously update environmental conditions and standards in line with the pace of development witnessed by the industrial sector or construction and infrastructure sector, and the emirate’s economic growth. Faisal Al Hammadi, Acting Executive Director of the Environmental Quality Sector at EAD, said, “The Agency has developed modern technological tools and programmes that ensure compliance by industrial facilities and development projects with environmental laws and requirements. We evaluate and license development projects, infrastructure, industrial facilities, and commercial businesses in Abu Dhabi with the aim of reducing construction-related environmental impact. This is to ensure compliance with local laws and legislation aligned with best global environmental practices and the environmental, economic and social progress in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.’’ Al Hammadi added, “The environmental inspection team at EAD conducts periodic field visits to ensure that industrial facilities, development projects, infrastructure works, and all related activities and operations consider the applicable environmental laws and regulations, comply with the conditions of environmental licenses, and apply best global practices related to environmental protection.’’ Ahmed Al Waheebi, Unit Head, of Compliance and Enforcement, at EAD, said, ‘” We are very conscious of the nature of rapid economic growth, so we adopt the latest electronic and information systems to help keep pace with this acceleration and achieve sustainable growth. We do this while taking care to reduce the environmental impact of each stage of development – from planning to implementation. The next step is a focus on systems that will rely more on proactive evaluation of projects and facilities, and on self-monitoring, not only to facilitate but to achieve better environmental results’’. Al Waheebi said that by launching this new digital system, EAD seeks to build a strong and effective inspection system that covers all industrial sectors, infrastructure projects, and commercial activities under its authority, noting that the inspection system was built on algorithms that link industrial sectors with production processes and conditions. ‘Eltezam’ will also complement activity regarding environmental violations and administrative fines, and their legal basis. The Agency has held a series of training workshops for the Agency’s inspectors to familiarise them with the characteristics of the new system. It is noteworthy that the objectives of the on-site inspections are to assess the extent to which facilities and development projects comply with environmental conditions. The inspectors investigate reports of environmental accidents and complaints, identify operational violations that may lead to environmental issues and ensure that facilities and projects subject to licensing are aware of these violations and ways of correcting them. They also collect relevant field data for specific sectors, activities, areas, and facilities, enforce environmental compliance, apply administrative fines, and initiate legal enforcement actions. The elements of the environmental inspection and compliance system include 93 sectors licensed by EAD. It also assesses the environmental impacts of 38 operational processes by monitoring 277 potential environmental violations, with the aim of preventing harm from all environmental pollutants across each activity under the Agency’s jurisdiction. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/410/israel-presents-a-proposal-on-food-security-and-water-technologies.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/410/israel-presents-a-proposal-on-food-security-and-water-technologies.html Wed, 11 Jan 2023 12:29:30 +0530 The two days Negev Forum summit was held in Abu Dhabi and brought together Israel and Arab states. Kaufman Pess, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Israel has presented a proposal for four strategic core areas for the stability of food systems and water technologies in the region, on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Water Authority at the Negev Forum.  The two days Negev Forum summit was held in Abu Dhabi, and brought together Israel and Arab states, with the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Egypt and the United States.  Na’ama Kaufman Pess, Director General, in partnership with her Moroccan counterpart, has spearheaded the discussions on food security and water technologies.  The Israeli delegation has, for the first time, presented a series of proposals for cooperation and applied projects at the local and regional level, based upon the perception that the countries of the region share similar challenges and that Israel has broad knowledge that it can share with the other countries of the region. Solving common challenges will lead to the prosperity of all the members of the Forum, including overcoming diseases and pests that know no borders.  This summit is the professional meeting of the multi-country work teams and is a continuation of the Negev Forum held in March 2022 all the members of the forum participate in it, including Israel, the USA, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Egypt. The selected fields represent significant challenges to local and regional food security against the backdrop of the climate crisis and include concrete proposals with the aim of establishing a regional platform for optimal coordination of joint actions to deal with them. From the four proposals, two fields of action are expected to be chosen for which concrete and in-depth work plans will be formulated. The plans will be approved within a few months at the annual Ministerial Summit of the Negev Forum and, in the process, will become the first work products of the historic forum. The Negev Forum was established by former Foreign Minister Yair Lapid to deepen and expand regional cooperation under the Abraham Accords. It first met in Sde Boker, a small village and conference centre in the south of Israel where the country’s first Prime Minister David Ben Gurion lived his last years. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/404/emirates-national-aquaculture-plans-to-increase-seabream-production.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/404/emirates-national-aquaculture-plans-to-increase-seabream-production.html Tue, 10 Jan 2023 13:10:23 +0530 ENA is presently producing high-quality European sea bream, which is sold in the UAE market. Emirates National Aquaculture (ENA) based in UAE has announced plans to increase its seabream production to 2,400 tonnes a year, after successfully achieving its initial target of 600 tonnes. ENA has a cage farm at Dibba, Al Fujairah, in the Gulf of Oman. According to ENA, the farm is presently producing high-quality European sea bream, which is sold in the UAE market under the company’s own brand. By developing sustainable aquaculture to improve food security and close the supply-demand gap for seafood in the UAE, ENA says that it aims to support and advance the vision of the country's leaders. The UAE currently has one of the highest per capita intakes of seafood, equating to around 28 kg per person per year. ENA aims to provide the infrastructure and the knowledge needed to grow the country's aquaculture sector. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/400/adafsa-keen-to-achieve-sustainable-agriculture.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/400/adafsa-keen-to-achieve-sustainable-agriculture.html Mon, 09 Jan 2023 16:32:27 +0530 Sheikh Hamdan has hailed the efforts and initiatives of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, has stressed the keenness of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to support farmers and provide all forms of support to the agricultural sector.On this score, Sheikh Hamdan has hailed the efforts and initiatives of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) to achieve the sustainability of the agricultural sector and ensure the conservation of natural resources. He also commended ADAFSA’s services to farmers and livestock breeders and its efforts to motivate them to apply the best agricultural practices, in addition to its initiatives to empower farmers and augment economic returns.This came during a meeting at Al Nakheel Palace in Abu Dhabi with Saeed Al Bahri Al Ameri, ADAFSA Director General.The meeting was attended by Ahmed Matar Al Dhaheri, Director of the Office of the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafrah Region, Nasser Mohammed Al-Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Office of the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, Mohammed Ali Al-Sheddi Al-Mansouri, Director General of Al Dhafrah Region Municipality, and several local officials.During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan was briefed about ADAFSA's initiatives and projects implemented in the Al Dhafra Region, including the project to develop and modernise the agricultural sector in Delma Island and the establishment of a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital to serve livestock breeders in the Al Dhafrah Region.Sheikh Hamdan was also briefed on the Farmers' Souq (Market) initiative run by Silal Co. in the Al Wathba region, which he described as a model for initiatives that achieve economic and social development goals on account of its contribution to empowering farmers and creating local produce marketing outlets, in addition to reviving internal trade, developing agriculture, and supporting food security.Sheikh Hamdan was also informed about future trends to diversify agricultural production, strengthen efficient partnerships with the private sector to ensure food security and strengthen supply chain efficiency. He was also updated on the efficient partnership system established by ADAFSA with the UAE private sector, where ADAFSA strives to benefit from the global expertise available to the private sector and food and fodder producers in enhancing the supply chain and enabling sustainable food production. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/399/sharjah-ruler-inspects-mleiha-wheat-farm.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/399/sharjah-ruler-inspects-mleiha-wheat-farm.html Mon, 09 Jan 2023 15:22:00 +0530 Dr Sheikh Sultan inspected the wheat plant, cultivated on an area of 400 hectares, as a first stage for the farm along with all operations related to the follow-up of the cultivation. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah visited the wheat farm in the Mleiha area. Dr Sheikh Sultan inspected the wheat plant, cultivated last November on an area of 400 hectares, as a first stage for the farm along with all operations related to the follow-up of the cultivation of the wheat crop, including irrigation, cleaning, and other procedures. The Ruler of Sharjah listened to an explanation about the project's progress of the first phase, which several stages will follow in the coming years. Various projects for the benefit of the region and society within a series of ambitious development projects. Sheikh Sultan praised the work done in a short period, which complements the vision of Sharjah in enhancing food security and opening the doors to other projects that would benefit the region. Sheikh Sultan was also briefed on the project's blueprints and various proposals, as well as plans to expand wheat cultivation in the region and the ongoing experiments that are taking place within the framework of project development. Sheikh Sultan also inspected the farm's irrigation station, from its technical specifications to its working mechanism. The station provides water to the wheat farm through 6 large suction pumps with a capacity of up to 60,000 cubic metres of water throughout the day. Water is transported from Hamda station through a 13-kilometre conveyor line to the farm. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/390/adnoc-allocates-15bn-to-low-carbon-solutions-new-energies.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/390/adnoc-allocates-15bn-to-low-carbon-solutions-new-energies.html Fri, 06 Jan 2023 09:53:36 +0530 $15 billion earmarked for landmark decarbonisation projects by 2030 including carbon capture, electrification, and new CO2 absorption technology. ADNOC, a reliable and responsible provider of lower-carbon intensity energy, announced a bold new strategy to progress the world-scale decarbonisation of its operations. ADNOC has allocated $15 billion (AED55 billion) to advance an array of projects across its diversified value chain by 2030. These projects will include investments in clean power, carbon capture and storage (CCS), further electrification of its operations, energy efficiency and new measures to build on ADNOC's long-standing policy of zero routine gas flaring. ADNOC will apply a rigorous commercial and sustainability assessment to ensure that each project delivers lasting tangible impact. Throughout 2023, a suite of new projects and initiatives will be announced, including a first-of-its-kind CCS project, innovative carbon removal technologies, investment in new, cleaner energy solutions and strengthening of international partnerships. Together with the recent formation of the ADNOC’s new Low Carbon Solutions and International Growth Directorate, these represent tangible and concrete action as the company reduces its carbon intensity by 25 per cent by 2030 and moves towards its Net Zero by 2050 ambition. Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, said: “Under the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership and the ADNOC Board of Directors, ADNOC continues to take significant steps to make today’s energy cleaner while investing in the clean energies and new technologies of tomorrow. Now, more than ever, the world needs a practical and responsible approach to the energy transition that is both pro-growth and pro-climate, and ADNOC is delivering tangible actions in support of both these goals.  Building on ADNOC’s Al Reyadah facility, which has the capacity to capture up to 800,000 tons of CO2 per year, the company will announce plans to deploy technologies to capture, store and absorb CO2 by leveraging the UAE’s geological properties while preparing for its next major investment to capture emissions from its Habshan gas processing facility. Combined with ADNOC’s planned expansion of its carbon capture capacity to 5 million tons per annum (mtpa) by 2030, the UAE will be firmly established as a worldwide hub for carbon capture expertise and innovation. ADNOC’s expansion of CCS is planned to support the significant scale-up of hydrogen and lower-carbon ammonia production capabilities in Abu Dhabi as ADNOC advances a world-scale 1 million tons per annum (mtpa) blue ammonia production facility at TA’ZIZ, the industrial services and logistics ecosystem that is enabling the expansion of the Al Ruways Industrial City, as well as Abu Dhabi’s wider chemicals, manufacturing and industrial sectors. To date, ADNOC has already delivered test cargoes of low-carbon ammonia to Europe and Asia. ADNOC’s expansion of its new energy portfolio will largely be delivered through its stake in Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse with over 20 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy today and plans to increase its capacity to 100 GW by 2030. Masdar is also spearheading the UAE’s drive to develop a leading position in green hydrogen.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/389/xylem-opens-water-service-centre-in-dubai.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/389/xylem-opens-water-service-centre-in-dubai.html Thu, 05 Jan 2023 15:25:25 +0530 This centre will enable Xylem to respond to customer needs quickly and provide tailor-made solutions Xylem, the leading water technology company committed to solving the most challenging water problems around the world, announced the opening of its new $1.2 million service centre, state-of-the-art analytics lab and rental hub in the UAE—strengthening its position in the Middle East to better address the region's water-related challenges. Located in Jebel Ali Free Zone, the new facility will span over 10,000 square meters and will feature a wash bay, lifting and handling cranes and tooling, trimming and balancing machines, original spare parts, testing benches, a painting booth, programming and calibrating equipment and devices.  This move will enable Xylem to respond to any customer needs faster and provide tailor-made solutions such as real-time interventions by experts —24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The service hub currently employs more than 16 staff, including engineers and technicians and is set to create 300 employment opportunities. Speaking on the latest innovations from Xylem, Naji Skaf, Managing Director of Xylem Middle East and Turkey, said: “With this expansion, we seek to solidify our position in the Middle East region and provide a slew of benefits including quicker turnaround, greater convenience and access to our customers. Our new centre of excellence is poised to bring about a gamut of opportunities for us that will support and accelerate our growth.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/388/dubai-chamber-of-commerce-launches-solar-renewable-energy-business-group.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/388/dubai-chamber-of-commerce-launches-solar-renewable-energy-business-group.html Thu, 05 Jan 2023 14:28:47 +0530 The new Solar & Renewable Energy Business Group is a significant step in supporting the UAE as it prepares to host the COP28 Conference in 2023 Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, has launched the Solar & Renewable Energy Business Group. Gearing up for COP28, the business group will drive the uptake of renewable energy amongst businesses and the private sector in Dubai.  “As the world shifts to renewable energy and a decarbonised economy, the establishment of the Solar & Renewable Energy Business Group is timely and relevant. It comes at the heels of UAE’s COP28 presidency, highlighting the importance of the country’s Energy Strategy 2050 and Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy. The business group will foster a better understanding of these clean energy targets amongst local businesses while providing them insights to drive the shift to renewable energy. This will boost their efforts to support and accelerate Dubai’s energy transition and the ambition of making the emirate a hub for the green economy,” said Maha AlGargawi, Executive Director of Business Advocacy at Dubai Chambers. Over the last couple of decades, the share of oil in the UAE’s gross domestic product (GDP) has considerably decreased. From approximately 43 per cent in 2001, this share dropped a third of GDP to 33 per cent in 2011 and much lower to 27 per cent in 2021. The UAE is well on its way to achieving its clean energy targets as outlined in the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. Announced in 2017, the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 aims to reduce the carbon footprint on power generation by 70 per cent, improve energy efficiency by 40 per cent, increase the contribution of clean energy from 25 per cent to 50 per cent and save a total of AED700 billion. The UAE has since launched notable initiatives and taken significant steps towards realising these goals by 2050. The UAE Government will invest AED600 billion in renewable energy by 2050 to meet the country's growing energy demand from clean and sustainable resources.  Dubai launched its own Clean Energy Strategy in 2015, with the objective of producing 75 per cent of its energy demand from clean sources by 2050, making Dubai a hub for the green economy. One landmark project in solar energy is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai which is expected to have a production capacity of 5,000 MWh by 2030.  L K Verma, Managing Director at Power n sun and founding member of the business group said, “Creating organizations such as this is important for our sector. It will drive the discussions that are necessary to enhance the competitiveness of our business and enable the dialogue amongst peers and other stakeholders on speeding up the solarisation in the region.” Fellow founding member, Simon Brennan, General Manager at Al Shirawi Solar added, “It underlines the importance of environmental sustainability and I am certain with the establishment of this business group, our members will play a bigger role in supporting the UAE’s clean energy ambitions.” With renewable energy at the forefront of the government agenda, the chamber’s establishment of the new Solar & Renewable Energy Business Group is a significant step in supporting the UAE as it prepares to host the COP28 Conference in 2023. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/384/uae-university-cooperates-with-university-of-malaya-in-agri-research-projects.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/384/uae-university-cooperates-with-university-of-malaya-in-agri-research-projects.html Wed, 04 Jan 2023 16:09:47 +0530 The UAE University exerts efforts to support 11 joint research projects including 3 in the field of food and agriculture. The United Arab Emirates University builds bridges of positive and constructive cooperation to enhance the international reputation of the university. The UAE University has recently made several partnerships with educational institutions in Malaysia, especially with the University of Malaya, in areas of national priority. Prof. Ahmed Murad - Associate Provost for Research - said that this cooperation reinforces the quality of scientific research through distinguished contributions. He also added that the UAE University exerts efforts to support joint research projects between the two universities, and there are 11 research projects between the two universities in several fields, including 3 research projects in the field of food and agriculture, for example: a research entitled "Postharvest technologies to improve the nutritional quality and  Storage life of fig fruit (Ficus carica L.) produced under greenhouse and open field condition in UAE”, and another research entitled “Characterization, Antioxidant, Anticancer and Immunomodulatory Activities of Exopolysaccharides (EPS) Produced by New Probiotic Bacteria and Its Rheological Impact in Camel Milk Products (Fermented Milk and Cheese)”. In addition to 5 research projects in the field of water and energy, examples of which are research entitled "A Generalized Soft Computing Model for Groundwater Levels and Quality in Arid and Tropical Zones" and another research entitled "Development of a Saltwater Based Powered Generator System". In addition to 3 research projects in the field of information technology and engineering, entitled " Intelligent Clustered Body Language Analysis of Healthcare Patients ", and entitled " Two-Handed Static and Dynamic Arabic Sign Language Translation System Integration Using Spatiotemporal and Machine Translation Models ", and entitled " Investigation of Monostatic Radar Cross Section (RCS) for Military Communication System using a Composite Meta surface integrated with Antenna ". He also said that we have accomplished 4 research projects entitled " Cognitive Mirroring by Continual Lifelong Learning: Robot-Avatar Therapy to Access Autism Spectrum Disorder " in the field of information technology, and three research projects entitled " Mitigation of deposition on heat exchanger surfaces by nanoparticle additives and conductive polymeric coatings”, and entitled “Development and Testing of Novel Nonlinear Stochastic Wave Excitation Force Estimators – Simulation and Experimental Study” and entitled “Hierarchical Control Strategy for Coordinating the Operation of Point Absorber Wave Energy Converter Farm Equipped with Hybrid Energy Storage System: A Simulation and Experimental Studies " in the field of water and energy. He also added that during the period between 2017 and 2022, faculty members and researchers at the United Arab Emirates University published 105 research papers in cooperation with researchers from the University of Malaya, mainly in computer sciences, environmental sciences, medicine and engineering. Moreover, 5 new projects have been recently funded in cooperation with the University of Malaya in the fields of water, energy and mobility research, which will start in February 2023. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/378/agthia-group-and-ad-ports-group-sign-strategic-partnership-mou.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/378/agthia-group-and-ad-ports-group-sign-strategic-partnership-mou.html Tue, 03 Jan 2023 16:47:52 +0530 The two companies will work together to optimise Agthia’s logistics operations, leveraging AD Ports Group’s experience in providing integrated and fully customisable end-to-end logistics solutions. Agthia Group, one of the UAE’s leading food & beverage companies, announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AD Ports Group, the leading global facilitator of trade, logistics, and industry. Under the terms of the MoU, Agthia Group and AD Ports Group will collectively explore opportunities to enhance Agthia’s supply chain connectivity, improve logistics and operational efficiencies, and accelerate the implementation of digital-first initiatives. In particular, the two companies will work together to optimise Agthia’s logistics operations, leveraging AD Ports Group’s experience in providing integrated and fully customisable end-to-end logistics solutions and supply chain data analytics, along with the two organisations’ collective expertise in serving the food sector. Alan Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Agthia Group, said, “Investing in supply chain efficiencies and digital-first initiatives is key to creating long-term value across our organisation. This important MoU reflects a desire by both parties to share their knowledge and expertise to improve the end-consumer experience and help future-proof growth.” Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said, “AD Ports Group has prioritised the development of innovative technology and advanced logistics services for the food sector as part of our support for the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy, and we are pleased to work with Agthia Group to strengthen their supply chains and deliver new efficiencies by taking advantage of our world-class logistics infrastructure, capabilities and expertise.” The MoU was signed by Mubarak Almansoori, Chief Corporate Services Officer, Agthia Group, and Qusai Kankazar, Chief Operations Officer, Logistics Cluster, AD Ports Group, at the inaugural edition of the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/376/agthia-group-appoints-sherif-elfaham-as-chief-financial-officer.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/376/agthia-group-appoints-sherif-elfaham-as-chief-financial-officer.html Tue, 03 Jan 2023 15:56:21 +0530 Prior to this, Sherif held various key senior roles in financial planning and analysis, supply chain optimisation, and marketing transformation. Agthia Group, one of the UAE’s leading food & beverage companies have announced the appointment of Sherif Elfaham as Group Chief Financial Officer, effective 1 January 2023. Sherif brings strong strategic, commercial, and operational experience across a range of consumer-facing businesses, having spent over 20 years with Unilever in the UK, North Africa, Middle East, and Turkey, most recently as CFO of its multi-billion-dollar Global Fabric Care business and Home Care Business Group performance management, where he co-led the future formats acceleration strategy and stepped-up value creation of the business. He was also responsible for financial and strategic planning, multi-territory performance management, transformative innovations, global cost and asset base shaping and strategic M&A agenda. Prior to this, Sherif held various key senior roles in financial planning and analysis, supply chain optimisation, marketing transformation, and business unit regeneration across several of Unilever’s regional operations. He holds a Master’s degree in Financial Strategy from Oxford University and is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). Niraj Jain, who served as the Group’s Interim CFO from August 2022, will resume his responsibilities as Senior Director, Corporate Finance. Alan Smith, Group CEO of Agthia Group said, "I am pleased to welcome Sherif Elfaham as Chief Financial Officer of Agthia Group. His strong commercial and financial acumen, and deep sector expertise, will undoubtedly be of great value to Agthia, and I look forward to working with him as we execute our future growth strategy. On behalf of our Leadership Team, I would also like to thank Niraj Jain, who served as interim CFO from August 2022, and am pleased that he remains within the Group”. Sherif Elfaham added, “I am delighted to join Agthia as Group CFO. Agthia is a great business with strong brands, clear strategic priorities, ambitious leadership, deep values, and ample growth opportunities. I am looking forward to working with the Leadership Team and the Board as we continue our transformative growth journey into a leading food & beverage company in the MENAP region and beyond.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/370/saudi-arabia-approves-plan-to-increase-agricultural-production-in-greenhouses.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/370/saudi-arabia-approves-plan-to-increase-agricultural-production-in-greenhouses.html Mon, 02 Jan 2023 13:39:56 +0530 The approved plan from 2023 to 2025 will contribute to additional productivity estimated at 430,000 tons. Saudi Arabia’s Ministery of Environment, Water and Agriculture has approved the expansion plan in the plant resources sector and greenhouses with a new investment worth SR4 billion until 2025  Abdulrahman Bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Fadhli, Water and Agriculture Eng, who is also the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Agricultural Development Fund has approved the plan.According to the Saudi Gazette, this has been made in cooperation with the relevant authorities and private sector companies, which aim to increase production capacity by encouraging the usage of the latest technologies in the agriculture sector.Eng. Al-Fadhli confirmed that the approved plan from 2023 to 2025 will contribute to additional productivity estimated at 430,000 tons, bringing the total production capacity of the greenhouses to more than 1 million tons annually.About 613.590 thousand tons is the total current production capacity, and it is expected that the rate of increase will be about 70 per cent.This aims to achieve national food security, and increasing the contribution in the local content, and offer job opportunities in accordance with the goals of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, he said.The expansion plan comes as an extension of the unlimited support that the agriculture sector enjoys in the Kingdom from the wise leadership, Eng. Al-Fadhli said.He added that the value of the loan provided by the Agricultural Development Fund (ADF) to the productive sectors during 2022 has exceeded about SR5 billion.He said that the greenhouses project is considered one of the main sectors that are financed by ADF.The plan comes out of the ministry’s keenness in raising the efficiency of this vital sector and working towards its development, and sustainability, as it is an important pillar of food security in Saudi Arabia.It is noteworthy that preparations for the expansion plan in the greenhouses with the latest technologies have started earlier, as this type of cultivation in Saudi Arabia has been used for more than 30 years ago.The cultivation in greenhouses has witnessed significant development in all its technical, productive and protective fields, as it helps in producing crops during the off-season, as well as extending its availability.Greenhouses are also considered a key factor for the success of specialized agricultural production, such as organic farming, providing protection from different climatic conditions and their effects.The results of the studies and research conducted by the ministry have revealed that the usage of the latest technologies in the agriculture sector and greenhouses has contributed to saving irrigation water by up to 60 per cent.This is in addition to raising the production capacity, reducing costs, improving quality, and also increasing farmers’ profits.The study also showed that the percentage of investment profits in greenhouses ranged from 15 per cent to 60 per cent, noting that the number of greenhouses in Saudi Arabia reached 73.542 thousand. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/367/uae-invests-in-kurdistan-regions-agriculture-and-livestock-sectors.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/367/uae-invests-in-kurdistan-regions-agriculture-and-livestock-sectors.html Mon, 02 Jan 2023 11:55:07 +0530 Kurdistan Government will provide facilitation for all the companies and investors investing in the agriculture and food industry. The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Investment Board met with an Emirati Al Abrar Company delegation to discuss enhancing cooperation in Kurdistan Region’s agriculture and livestock sectors. “In the past, we have conducted more than 10 research projects in the Kurdistan Region for investment plans which are important for Kurdistan, Iraq, and the Emirates, significantly in the sectors of agriculture, animal welfare, and livestock with the aim of providing food security in the area,” Paul Wilm delegation Head, said. “We came to the conclusion that Kurdistan has fertile land suitable for investment in agriculture and planting, due to the location and climate of the region, UAE companies can invest in the agricultural sector,” Wilm added. Mohammed Shukri, Head of KRG’s Investment Board said “in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources within the framework of the applicable laws on investing in the Kurdistan Region, we will provide facilitation for all the companies and investors investing in agriculture and food industry, including the UAE.” Al Mawarid Group is one of the leading companies in the UAE in the fields of the food industry, agriculture, and dairy products, which could play a role in achieving the KRG’s goals of strengthening the Kurdistan Region’s economic infrastructure by reviving the agriculture sector, preserving food security, and meeting the needs of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and exporting products to foreign countries. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/366/dubai-international-chamber-supports-zimbabwean-agri-company-expand-in-dubai.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/366/dubai-international-chamber-supports-zimbabwean-agri-company-expand-in-dubai.html Fri, 30 Dec 2022 15:21:15 +0530 This is expected to create more than $150 million of exports to Dubai every year. Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, has facilitated the expansion of Nhimbe Fresh Exports, one of Zimbabwe’s largest vegetable and fruit exporters. Based in Zimbabwe, Nhimbe is one of Africa’s premier exporters of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and peas. The company predominantly exports to the US and Europe and has recently entered Dubai. It currently exports strawberries to the emirate and is scaling production with the support of the Dubai International Chamber to increase the visibility of its products in the market while also benefiting from Dubai’s strategic location to expand to the Far East market.  “In addition to helping local businesses expand to global markets, Dubai International Chamber also attracts and facilitates foreign direct investment from key markets of strategic importance to Dubai to the emirate. We support companies through every stage of the international expansion journey, connecting them with trusted stakeholders and potential partners that can help them access new markets and scale their operations. We are very pleased to have supported Nhimbe Fresh Exports with their international expansion plans into Dubai and beyond,” said Omar Khan, Executive Director, of International Offices, at Dubai International Chamber. Commenting on this endeavour, Dr Edwin Moyo, Chairman of Nhimbe Fresh Exports said, “We are aggressively talking to Dubai International Chamber to see how we can be present in that market. Our choice of Dubai is based on its popularity, both as a tourist and financial centre and in our view it was befitting to add it to our destination as our food distribution centre, not only for the region but other international destinations. Of particular importance has been the role played by the chamber. Dubai International Chamber has brought strategic partners who will make it easier for Nhimbe to implement this export programme.”  “We anticipate moving 500,000 tons of produce into the UAE market through Dubai, some of which will go into supermarkets, wholesale and others as exports from Dubai to neighbouring countries. This is expected to create more than $150 million of exports to Dubai every year and Dubai itself will earn about $200 million in exports to other international markets. This win-win situation is Nhimbe’s vision of Dubai as a gateway to international markets,” added Dr Moyo. Nhimbe’s business expansion into Dubai supports Dubai’s vision to increase foreign trade from AED1.4 trillion to AED2 trillion between 2021 and 2026. Dubai International Chamber plays an instrumental role in attracting international companies to Dubai and positioning the emirate as a leading business destination for global investors and multinational companies. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/365/iciec-signs-mou-with-raii-for-cooperation-in-agri-sector.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/365/iciec-signs-mou-with-raii-for-cooperation-in-agri-sector.html Fri, 30 Dec 2022 14:59:25 +0530 The MoU aims at contributing to achieving food self-sufficiency in Saudi Arabia and ICIEC Member States. The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al-Rajhi International Investment Company (RAII) of Saudi Arabia whereby the two parties would cooperate in synergizing coordination, business development and efficient implementation of projects in the vital agricultural and food security sectors in ICIEC’s Member States. RAII is a subsidiary of Sulaiman Abdulaziz Al-Rajhi Awqaf Holding, which is one of the largest business groups in Saudi Arabia, whose core activities include investments in the agricultural and food security sectors and related fields globally. The MoU was signed by Oussama A. KAISSI, Chief Executive Officer of ICIEC, and Ahmed Ali Aldakheel, Chief Executive Officer of RAII. The MoU aims at contributing to achieving food self-sufficiency in Saudi Arabia and ICIEC Member States in which RAII is already engaged,  through jointly exploring new agri-business opportunities, investments in agricultural and food security projects, enhancing and developing agricultural infrastructure at the advanced SME and rural farming levels, and co-financing and technical consultancy opportunities with ICIEC clients and partners using the Corporation’s risk mitigation and credit enhancement solutions. The MoU also aims to help boost agricultural production by focusing on developing agriculture Technologies and farm management services to maximize productivity. RAII owns the most extensive organic agriculture project in the Kingdom, one of the largest poultry projects in Saudi Arabia and an integrated poultry project in Egypt. Its products are exported to neighbouring GCC markets, Yemen, China, and Vietnam. ICIEC and IsDB Group have a focused approach to the agricultural and food industry in the Member States, 36 of which are net food importers. Total IsDB Group’s financing support for agriculture and food security currently stands at $20.6 billion. Earlier in 2022, the IsDB Group launched a $10.54 billion comprehensive Food Security Response Programme (FSRP) aimed at supporting Member States in addressing the ongoing food crisis and scaling up the Group’s continued efforts to contribute to strengthening its members’ resilience to food security shocks in the future. ICIEC supports this ‘One Group-One Goal’ initiative with an allocation of $500 million in PRI and credit insurance. Oussama KAISSI, CEO of ICIEC, commented: “Agriculture, food sustainability and security are critical sectors for ICIEC. Our mandate includes supporting intra-OIC trade and investment by providing our unique Shariah-compliant credit enhancement tools against commercial and non-commercial risks. ICIEC Member States and significant parts of the world are facing an unprecedented food crisis. Food prices, particularly for cereal grains, have been climbing steadily in the past few years and soared recently in the wake of the Russo-Ukrainian crisis. Climate change is also one of the main factors exacerbating food insecurity through low productivity and crop failures. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/347/right-farm-taps-the-waste-lab-to-drive-uae-sustainability-forward.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/347/right-farm-taps-the-waste-lab-to-drive-uae-sustainability-forward.html Mon, 26 Dec 2022 17:47:23 +0530 The partnership will effectively contribute towards realizing key UAE initiatives like the National Food Security Strategy 2051, UAE Net Zero 2050 and Ne’ma Pledge. Right Farm, a disruptive UAE-based Business-to-Business (B2B) digital platform for the food service sector, announced its partnership with The Waste Lab, an impact-driven startup that helps divert food and organic waste from landfills and uses them to create healthy compost and other byproducts that benefit the UAE’s soil, farms, food, and creates jobs. At a total cost of AED 13 billion, 3.27 million tons of food go to UAE landfills each year; it is estimated that each resident contributes, on average, a resounding 197kg of waste. Right Farm and The Waste Lab will collaboratively work towards minimizing and repurposing food wastage while simultaneously enhancing the UAE’s circular economy so that it can tackle pressing challenges like food security, climate change, biodiversity loss, and waste. The partnership will effectively contribute towards realizing key UAE initiatives like the National Food Security Strategy 2051, UAE Net Zero 2050 and Ne’ma Pledge. Furthermore, it will also align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) to help achieve zero hunger, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and life on land. Right Farm aims to continuously optimize its efficient management of generated food scraps from fruits, vegetables, and trimmings in a sustainable and regenerative manner that gives back to the soil and creates local resources. The Waste Lab will accordingly deploy an allocated treatment of compostables whilst advising on segregation guidelines and streamlined collection procedures and processes that are carried out through composting and various repurposing channels. The partnership also aims to build awareness around the importance of repurposing food waste and composting, and the impact of diverting these resources from landfills can have on reducing GHG Emissions and giving back to the soil. With UAE food trade exceeding AED 100 billion every year, companies and people are increasingly seeking out solutions to combat any negative impacts that are associated with a growing population and rising demand for natural resources. Right Farm has been consistently looking to leverage partnerships in its pursuit of a brighter future for our region’s food systems and the planet’s environment.  Elie Skaf, Co-Founder & CEO of Right Farm, said, “Reducing food waste, which accounts for 8 per cent of global GHGs, can improve air quality, save lives, and gets us one step closer to fully realizing a seamless circular economy. This is just one of the many reasons that working towards a zero-waste future is essential. The global food tech market is projected to reach $342 billion by 2027 because it is becoming a proven method of enhancing food security and sustainability. We look forward to contributing to this growth, through a prosperous partnership with The Waste Lab, to achieve a more sustainable food system that is spurred forward through innovation and technology.” Lara Hussein, Co-Founder & CEO of The Waste Lab, added, “Consumption of food in the country is anticipated to surpass 52.4 million tonnes by 2025, and with this increase, there are more chances for wastage. That is why we are working with communities and businesses to bring awareness and to build practices around proper segregation at the source, repurposing and nature-based composting, building soil and reducing GHG emissions.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/346/uae-ministry-of-climate-change-organises-first-meeting-of-farmers-council.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/346/uae-ministry-of-climate-change-organises-first-meeting-of-farmers-council.html Mon, 26 Dec 2022 16:50:22 +0530 The Council explored the finance solutions offered by Emirates Development Bank to modern agricultural SMEs and start-ups and highlighted the next steps in developing targeted extension services for farmers. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) hosted the first meeting of the Farmers’ Council, presided over by Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment. The meeting highlighted the government’s directions to promote sustainable modern farming systems across the UAE to increase the agricultural sector’s productivity and commercial value and enhance food security. The Minister said: “Food security is a strategic priority of the UAE that we seek to achieve through strengthening our agricultural sector and mainstreaming advanced agricultural practices with the support of concerned stakeholders in the country.” She added: “Establishing the Farmers’ Council will drive this priority, as it will highlight the challenges faced by the sector and the best approaches to overcoming them. Through its membership, representing all regions of the country, the Council aims to ensure that farmers’ voices are heard, and raise awareness about relevant government plans and ways to support them among the farming community.” She applauded local farmers for the important role they play in developing the sector through their compliance with related laws and regulations and their shift to modern agriculture that reduces the sector’s impacts on the environment and climate. The meeting agenda featured an overview of the Council’s mandates. These include promoting the adoption of state-of-the-art cultivation practices, developing an annual agricultural plan, identifying applicable agricultural systems, authorising applied agricultural research programmes to be executed at selected farms, organising capacity-building and experience-sharing activities for farmers, and approving annual agricultural production programs and produce marketing plans. Members outlined the Council’s work processes for identifying priority challenges and projects, developing action plans, and assigning tasks and timeframes. They also discussed the pledge signed by government entities at the UAE Annual Government Meeting on November 22, 2023, where they commit to securing 50 per cent of their food-related purchases from local farms by 2023 by boosting local farms' production capacities and encouraging and increasing investment in food sectors to 100 per cent by 2030. Moreover, the Council explored the finance solutions offered by Emirates Development Bank to modern agricultural SMEs and start-ups and highlighted the next steps in developing targeted extension services for farmers. In this context, MOCCAE will update farmers’ databases over the next few weeks. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/344/dana-global-announces-partnership-with-ahc-to-establish-an-innovation-hub.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/344/dana-global-announces-partnership-with-ahc-to-establish-an-innovation-hub.html Mon, 26 Dec 2022 13:43:51 +0530 The new hub’s strategic goal is to boost agrifood and smart water solutions R&D, addressing the technological needs of Agadir’s farmers to improve food security, food quality, and sustainability. DANA Global, the Abu Dhabi-based desert tech venture builder and investment platform, announces its partnership with Agadir Horticultural Complex (CHA) to jointly establish an innovation hub for resilient and eco-efficient agriculture in the Agadir region. The new project’s official opening and partnership signing ceremony in Agadir, Morocco was attended by over 700 participants. Prominent attendees included Mohamed Sadiki, Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Piet Adema, Dutch Minister of Agriculture, and Dr Farid Lekjaa, Director of the Agadir Horticultural Complex. DANA was accompanied by a delegation of investors, academics, consultants, and startup founders from the UAE and Israel. The Agadir region forms the heart of Morocco’s agricultural industry and provides 9 per cent of the national GDP while processing 90 per cent of the country’s fresh produce market - and is perfectly suited to scale up DANA’s solutions. The region is also crucial to the government of Morocco’s ‘Génération Green’ strategy to increase the country’s food output. Shirley Shahar, Co-Founder of DANA Global, said, “Our partnership with the Agadir Horticultural Centre aims to bring a new innovation hub and centre of excellence to Morocco, and is a huge step for DANA. Two years ago, we decided to establish our base in Abu Dhabi - which has led the way in progressive food security and sustainability policy and acted as a hub for scaling solutions to the entire MENA region. Complementing our recent partnership with Silal, ADQ’s agrifood arm, we want to contribute to a new R&D hub for agrifood solutions hosted by our partners from CHA and the Institute Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II. Morocco and the UAE share a long heritage of trust and shared values, which provide a solid foundation to cooperate on the pressing issue of food security. The UAE has invested more than $20 billion in Moroccan growth sectors over the past four decades. The new hub’s strategic goal is to boost agrifood and smart water solutions R&D, addressing the technological needs of Agadir’s farmers to improve food security, food quality, and sustainability. Although Morocco is situated between two large bodies of water, the country’s water production infrastructure only produces 20 per cent of its water, missing out on huge potential. To meet growing domestic demand, this capacity will have to increase fast. From an economic perspective, DANA and CHA will contribute directly to a resilient and eco-efficient agrifood infrastructure in MENA, establishing Agadir as a major export market to supply Gulf states with import needs - like the UAE.  DANA will operate an incubation and acceleration program, bringing technological know-how from the region’s leading agritech ecosystems. The venture builder partners with Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, a university based in Agadir specialising in agricultural research. The project’s solutions will benefit the residents of Agadir and help build a desert tech ecosystem in Morocco, bringing high skilled employment opportunities to the rapidly developing economy, led by the values of sustainability, women's empowerment, and regional collaboration. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/334/uae-university-establishes-research-collaboration-with-university-of-singapore.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/334/uae-university-establishes-research-collaboration-with-university-of-singapore.html Wed, 21 Dec 2022 13:56:13 +0530 This is in line with the university's vision of becoming a research-intensive university that contributes to achieving sustainability in all fields and provides creative and innovative solutions that would be reflected positively on the UAE’s development and prosperity. The United Arab Emirates University has established a research collaboration with the National University of Singapore in the field of agriculture, veterinary medicine, information technology, engineering, business, economics and other subjects. According to the press release, UAE University has established many research partnerships with various international educational institutions to boost its research productivity and quality. This is in line with the university's vision of becoming a research-intensive university that contributes to achieving sustainability in all fields and provides creative and innovative solutions that would be reflected positively on the UAE’s development and prosperity. Dr Ahmed Ali Murad, Associate Provost for Research at UAE University, said that the university is working to strengthen its international partnership with the Republic of Singapore. It gives priority to establishing a strategic partnership with the National University of Singapore in a number of key vital sectors, in order to support the university's research strategy and enhance its research reputation. Dr Ahmed Murad said that the UAE University is adopting many initiatives aiming at consolidating strategic cooperation frameworks and supporting research projects between the two countries. He pointed out that the number of research projects funded by the UAE University and in cooperation with the National University of Singapore during the period between 2018 and 2022 is seventeen research projects in different fields related to medicine, health sciences, science, agriculture, veterinary medicine, information technology, engineering, business and economics. Agriculture and veterinary medicine research projects included “Toward health risk assessment of Campylobacter in chicken meat at retail in the United Arab Emirates: Baseline surveillance and genomic insight into resistance to critically important antimicrobials” and “Gluten free plant-based meat analogues formulated using anisotropic hydrogenation and extrusion." In the area of medicine and health sciences, nine research projects were supported including "Elucidating the Molecular and Cellular Basis of Mendelian and Cardiovascular Disease in UAE ", and "Deciphering the Genetic Causes of Familial Cardiovascular Diseases ". Under Engineering, research entitled "Development of Renewable Thermal Insulation Material Based on Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and Date Palm Wood " was funded. Also, in science, a research project titled " Unveiling hidden potential of hypersaline soil (sabkha): halophilic microbiome, their functionality and extremozyme potential (SalMicro)” and another project titled "Detection and determination of Endocrine disruptors, Mycotoxins and related metabolites in camel milk products of UAE” were funded. Dr Ahmed Murad also added that during the period between 2017 and 2022, faculty members and researchers at the UAE University published 154 research papers in collaboration with researchers from various universities and institutions in the Republic of Singapore. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/331/sheikh-mansour-bin-zayed-award-for-agricultural-excellence-launches-in-uae.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/331/sheikh-mansour-bin-zayed-award-for-agricultural-excellence-launches-in-uae.html Tue, 20 Dec 2022 17:55:21 +0530 The award’s total value is AED6.7 million, and it will be presented across three main categories, namely Outstanding Farmer and Breeder, Agricultural Innovation, and Commercial Farms. The Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Award for Agricultural Excellence has been launched by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) to recognise outstanding farmers and livestock breeders in the UAE. The annual award promotes agricultural innovation and encourages farm owners to adopt best practices and modern farming systems, thus achieving sustainable agriculture development. The award’s total value is AED6.7 million, and it will be presented across three main categories, namely Outstanding Farmer and Breeder, Agricultural Innovation, and Commercial Farms. Some 56 shortlisted nominees, including beekeepers and owners of productive, aquatic and commercial farms, will compete for recognition. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of ADAFSA, said the award supports the implementation of the vision of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and promotes the UAE's position in the agricultural sector. He added that the award encourages farmers, breeders and commercial farm owners to adopt global practices, to improve and instil innovation in the agricultural sector. It will contribute to increasing agricultural production and enhancing food security. To promote the award objectives, various accompanying events will be organised in conjunction with the activities of the Sheikh Zayed Festival, including competitions for date producers and productive families, a weekly livestock auction, and competitions to motivate livestock breeders to acquire the best breeds. This supports the directions of the Abu Dhabi Government and ADAFSA to develop food security systems and achieve agricultural sustainability. The award features three main categories. The Outstanding Farmer and Breeder Category covers eight sub-categories. Four awards will be given to crop production-related sub-categories, including the Best Farm in Open Field Cultivation, the Best Farm in Greenhouse Cultivation, the Best Farm in Fruit Production, and the Best Organic Farm. The other four awards will be given to animal production-related sub-categories, including Productive Farms, Small-Scale Producers (broiler breeding), Beekeepers, and Aquatic Farms. The Agricultural Innovation Category features two awards, the first for crop production and the other for animal production. Meanwhile, the Commercial Farms Category features two awards, one for commercial animal production and the other for commercial crop production. Applications for the award are invited and can be made through the award official website. The application process will close on 31st December 2022, when the technical and field evaluation process will begin based on the criteria set by the award technical committee. This is followed by the process of approving the evaluation results and announcing shortlisted nominees for the final stage. The award winners will be recognised in a prestigious closing ceremony attended by several high-profile persons and all participants. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/307/icba-launches-ai-powered-mobile-app-for-crop-disorders-detection.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/307/icba-launches-ai-powered-mobile-app-for-crop-disorders-detection.html Thu, 15 Dec 2022 12:11:32 +0530 The application is designed to aid smallholder farmers and extension specialists in spotting crop disorders at early stages. A new AI-powered mobile application for crop disorders detection was launched by Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE. The application is a result of collaboration between the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) and the University of Barcelona, Spain, under a project titled ‘Developing a user-friendly mobile application for smallholder farmers to detect plant disorders’. The application has been created with the support of local partners in Egypt, Tunisia, and the UAE, the application is designed to aid smallholder farmers and extension specialists in spotting crop disorders at early stages and thus minimizing yield losses and improving incomes. It can identify 18 different common disorders affecting tomatoes, capsicum, and cucumber. These cash crops are considered important for smallholder farmers who practice protected agriculture. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE, said, “This app is a prime example of how we can harness the power of technology to address pressing concerns. In the face of ever-rising challenges, with climate change at the forefront, we believe that technological interventions will optimize agricultural practices, enhance harvest quality and quantity, and notably improve the lives of farmers. We are confident the app will prove to be a game changer for smallholder farmers, providing them with early diagnosis at the click of a button and helping them save their crops.” Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, said: “Smallholder farmers are on the frontlines of food security. They are the backbone of many agricultural economies, yet they often lack access to information about pests and diseases. We have developed this mobile application to help bridge this gap and put knowledge in their hands.” As part of the project, ICBA collected raw data from the three countries for training the AI model which was developed by the University of Barcelona. The application was field-tested, and 414 smallholder farmers and extension specialists were trained and provided their feedback on the beta version from 2020 to 2022. Currently, the application is customized for Egypt, Tunisia, and the UAE. But there are plans to upgrade and roll out the application in other countries in the future. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/297/mowreq-and-yeshealth-to-build-largest-indoor-vertical-farm-in-riyadh.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/297/mowreq-and-yeshealth-to-build-largest-indoor-vertical-farm-in-riyadh.html Tue, 13 Dec 2022 16:18:00 +0530 Total investment in the Mowreq and YesHealth Group JV, Vertical Farms Company, is valued at more than 100 million Saudi Arabian Riyals, or approximately $28 million. Agtech companies, Mowreq (Mowreq Specialized Agriculture Co.) and YesHealth Group (YesHealth Agri-Biotechnology Co., Ltd.) have initiated a joint venture to develop a network of indoor vertical farms throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The JV, Vertical Farms Company, will begin by building the Kingdom's largest indoor vertical farm in Riyadh. This first farm is slated to be fully operational by Q4 2023, providing jobs and healthy, sustainable produce to the local community. Mowreq already supplies vertically farmed produce to consumers in Jeddah, under the brand name Janafarm. It employs 15 people, producing healthy and fresh leafy vegetables around the year. In order to deliver on this next step in the Kingdom's agricultural development, Mowreq aims to leverage its experience and know-how in the Saudi Market, combined with the technology and know-how of YesHealth Group. YesHealth Group currently operates a profitable, large-scale indoor vertical farm in Taiwan, and cooperates across several indoor vertical farms in Europe. Its combined operations employ more than 150 people worldwide and produce over 2,500 tons of leafy vegetables, annually. The Riyadh farm will be operated jointly by Mowreq and YesHealth Group during a 3-year technology transfer phase, training local talent to take over the long-term operations. Total investment in the Mowreq and YesHealth Group JV, Vertical Farms Company, is valued at more than 100 million Saudi Arabian Riyals, or approximately $28 million at the current exchange rate. The project is backed by Saudi venture capital and funds. In line with the Saudi 2030 Vision, the partners will create 50 full-time jobs at the Riyadh farm, and they aim to create more jobs over the next five to ten years, leading the development of the controlled environment agriculture industry. Education will be provided to advance talent, giving the youth the skills they need for jobs of the future. Continued development of the industry's infrastructure will further diversify the economy, helping to ensure food security, and promote healthy lifestyles. "We built the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's first indoor vertical farm and now we're building the Kingdom's largest indoor vertical farm," says Modar Hisham Nazer, Co-Founder of Mowreq and Chairman of Vertical Farms Company. "This massive, new farm that we're building in Riyadh, will enable more of our compatriots to benefit from locally-produced Janafarm products, which are always clean, fresh, and free of pesticides." "YesHealth Group has overcome the operational challenges of indoor vertical farming in Subtropical Asia," says Jesper Hansen, CCO of YesHealth Group. "The Middle East is our next challenge. We will guide the Riyadh farm through its initial phase of operation, with the aim of maximizing output and efficiency at the high level we achieve in our Taiwan farm." ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/268/oranges-from-arunachal-pradesh-launch-in-dubai.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/268/oranges-from-arunachal-pradesh-launch-in-dubai.html Tue, 06 Dec 2022 14:28:10 +0530 The oranges from Arunachal have been produced by the Dambuk Organic Orange Producer Company Limited, formed under the MOVCD-NER. Organic oranges from Dambuk in Arunachal Pradesh were launched at the Lulu Group’s hypermarkets in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The oranges were launched in the presence of Bidol Tayeng, Secretary, Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Department, Okit Palling CEO, of Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB), Tadu Game, Director, Agriculture Marketing, Karbom Riram, Agriculture Joint Director and a team of officials from Lulu hypermarket during a programme organised in Dubai by the APAMB, in collaboration with the Lulu Group International. Applauding the efforts of the APAMB and the APEDA, the Lulu Group’s regional manager termed the event “a milestone which will open up the market for various other organic products from Arunachal Pradesh.” Speaking at the event, Tayeng said that “organic oranges are just a lead product from the state, and in coming days, various other products from the state will find their way to these markets.” Palling informed that the oranges from Arunachal have been produced by the Dambuk Organic Orange Producer Company Limited, formed under the MOVCD-NER. He further said that agriculture and horticulture produce like pumpkin, pineapple, ginger, turmeric, and large cardamom from the state are of the best quality. Palling acknowledged the relentless support provided by Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Agriculture Minister Tage Taki. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/260/china-arab-states-cooperation-on-water-conservation-in-agriculture.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/260/china-arab-states-cooperation-on-water-conservation-in-agriculture.html Mon, 05 Dec 2022 12:59:12 +0530 China has offered many new solutions for Arab states to alleviate the shortage of irrigation water. China and Arab states have constantly deepened cooperation under the frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Arab States Expo, implementing a series of water-conserving projects. China has offered many new solutions for Arab states to alleviate the shortage of irrigation water. The Egyptian government recently piloted a digital precision irrigation system among hundreds of farmers. The system samples data with its sensors buried in the soil and tells farmers when they should water the crops and how much water is needed. Farmers can obtain information about their crops, including the soil moisture content through a mobile application. They can start the irrigation remotely with just a few clicks on the screen of their mobile phones. The system cuts farmers' water consumption in irrigation by around 20 per cent. Apart from Egypt, Saudi Arabia is trying to grow crops with seawater, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is building greenhouses and water-conserving farms in the desert. The Middle East and North Africa region is home to five per cent of the global population, but it owns only one per cent of the world's renewable water resources. China's Ningxia University and Egypt's Ain Shams University have jointly established an intelligent water-conserving irrigation laboratory in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, as well as two bases for irrigation experiments that cover a total area of 21.3 hectares. It is learned that the irrigation system can send water to the roots of crops, which is greener and more efficient than traditional irrigation methods. It can be controlled remotely by farmers with their mobile phones. So far, the system has been used on over 2000 hectares of land. With the soil improvement technologies offered by a Chinese biotech company, date palms are growing exuberantly on a China-Africa saltwater agriculture demonstration farm in the Sahara Desert in southeast Morocco. Each year, the water consumption per date palm has been reduced from 600 to 200 litres. In the UAE, a research team from China's Chongqing Jiaotong University launched cooperation with local enterprises to carry out experiments to "turn sand into the soil" on a piece of barren land stretching 10 square kilometres in Abu Dhabi. "China has made surprising achievements in agriculture and water resource management, which are worth learning for countries in the Middle East and North Africa region," said Sinan Bacha, director of the Regional Centre for Remote Sensing of North African States (CRTEAN), Tunisia. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/251/acwa-ptt-and-egat-inks-us7-bn-deal-to-develop-green-hydrogen-in-thailand.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/251/acwa-ptt-and-egat-inks-us7-bn-deal-to-develop-green-hydrogen-in-thailand.html Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:51:49 +0530 The MoU will help meet Thailand’s domestic energy needs while enabling export opportunities with the goal is to establish large-scale renewable-powered green hydrogen plants Saudi Arabia based renewables developer ACWA Power has inked $7 billion agreement with two Thailand based companies- PTT Public Company Limited (PTT), Thailand’s national integrated energy company and Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), an electric power-related state-owned enterprise to develop green hydrogen in Thailand. ACWA Power is a leading Saudi developer, operator, and investor of power generation worldwide.  The landmark MoU will help meet Thailand’s domestic energy needs while enabling export opportunities with the goal is to establish large-scale renewable-powered green hydrogen plants. Thailand pledged to become carbon neutral by 2050 and reach net zero emissions by 2065. Other Southeast Asian countries have earlier net zero pledges, like Indonesia by 2060. Thailand sees green hydrogen as clean energy and an alternative renewable energy source. So, it will play a major role in bringing the country to net zero while building a low-carbon circular economy. The agreement has an investment value worth US$7 billion. It aims to produce around 225,000 tons of green hydrogen each year. That’s equal to about 1.2 million tons of green ammonia. The three firms will focus first on doing an investment feasibility study for the proposed green H2 and derivatives projects in Thailand. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/223/aim-for-climate-smart-agricultural-food-solutions-through-30-innovation-sprints.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/223/aim-for-climate-smart-agricultural-food-solutions-through-30-innovation-sprints.html Tue, 22 Nov 2022 14:32:25 +0530 Initiative records investment commitments exceeding US$8 billion. The Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate), a global initiative led by the UAE and the US with the support of over 275 government and non-government partners, announced commitments to channelling increased investments in climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation from 42 countries and over 235 non-governmental partners with a total value exceeding US$8 billion. The announcement was made at a high-level event titled ‘From Sharm El Sheikh to the UAE and Beyond: Transforming Food Systems through Climate-smart Agriculture, organised by the UAE at its pavilion during the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. In addition, the global initiative will see 22 new innovation sprints, bringing their total number to 30. Innovation sprints provide an opportunity for non-government partners to invest in specific, impactful, expedited efforts to drive the goals of AIM for Climate. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said, “AIM for Climate is helping countries make that shift and has managed to exceed its target of securing investment commitments in climate-smart agricultural innovation worth $8 billion. In addition, we are pleased to see our partner base more than triple – from 79 partners at COP26 to 275 at COP27.” She noted that food systems innovation is a key priority of the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051. In this context, the country focuses on advancing R&D in saline agriculture and controlled-environment agriculture (CEA). Tom Vilsack, US Secretary of Agriculture, said, “AIM for Climate continues to be committed to spurring innovation in climate-smart agriculture and food systems to sustainably increase agricultural productivity and incomes, promote regenerative and sustainable practices, enable ways in which methane can be reduced and for fertilisers to be used more efficiently, and encourage us to learn, adapt, and support best practices to empower smallholder farmers around the world, especially from marginalized communities.” Officially launched at COP26, AIM for Climate galvanises support and investments for climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation to enable solutions at the intersection of global hunger and the climate crisis. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/211/veggitech-commenced-the-saffron-farm.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/211/veggitech-commenced-the-saffron-farm.html Fri, 18 Nov 2022 15:06:39 +0530 Veggitech commenced the Saffron farm project in the summer this year with harvest expected to peak at the end of November. Agritech Company Veggitech inaugurated the first-ever Saffron farm in Sharjah. It is the first of its kind in the UAE and the largest in the Mena region, spread over 165sqm but equivalent to 3.5 hectares of land. Veggitech began the Saffron farm project in the summer this year with harvest expected to peak at the end of November. Saffron is often referred to as ‘red gold’ due to its prestigious value and reputation for being the most expensive spice in the world, mainly because such a small part of the flower is ultimately used and the laborious extraction process. It is expected in the first harvest each bulb will produce 3-4 strands of saffron and next year would expect 12-15 strands.  This will continue to grow over the period. The first saffron vertical farm currently houses approximately 5 tonnes of saffron bulbs, from which would expect 1000kg of the saffron crocus. The Veggitech ‘Red gold’ farm boasts fully smart built-in systems to manage the entire farming process; from temperature control to irrigation systems. Sharjah-based Veggitech Company Working in line with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy for 2051. It is bringing agriculture to new heights through an efficient supply chain and advanced technology with the key aim of boosting the agriculture sector. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/205/israel-jordan-and-uae-sign-mou.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/205/israel-jordan-and-uae-sign-mou.html Thu, 17 Nov 2022 18:04:02 +0530 The MoU relates to Project Prosperity, which has two components: Prosperity Green and Prosperity Blue. The governments of the United  Arab  Emirates  (UAE),  the  Hashemite  Kingdom of  Jordan,  and the  State of  Israel have signed a  Memorandum of  Understanding (MoU)  at the United  Nations  Climate  Change Conference  (COP 27)  to advance clean energy and sustainable water desalination projects announced last year. The MoU relates to Project Prosperity, which has two components: Prosperity Green and Prosperity Blue.  Prosperity Green includes a 600-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic plant, complemented with electric storage, which will be built in Jordan and produce clean energy for export to Israel. Prosperity Blue is a sustainable water desalination program, located in Israel, to export to Jordan 200 million cubic meters of potable water per annum. The MoU was signed in the presence of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate Change; and John Kerry, United State especial Presidential Envoy for Climate. The agreement was signed by Mariam Al Mheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and the Environment; Mohammad Al Najjar, Jordan’s Minister of Water and Irrigation, and Esawi Frej, Israel’s Minister of Regional Cooperation. The three countries signed an initial Declaration of Intent to explore the feasibility of both projects at the Dubai Expo in the UAE in November 2021. As per the MoU, feasibility studies for each of the projects have been ongoing and the parties affirm that both Prosperity Green and Prosperity Blue have positive potential prospects. The UAE, Jordan, and Israel will continue engaging to develop the necessary implementation plans in time for COP 28, which is to be held in the UAE next November. Project Prosperity was proposed to help address some of the challenges posed by climate change on water and energy security in the Middle East, and to promote renewable energy, sustainable water supply, and stability in the region.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/191/egypts-gafi-receives-unctads-award-for-promoting-sustainable-investment-in-agribusiness.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/191/egypts-gafi-receives-unctads-award-for-promoting-sustainable-investment-in-agribusiness.html Wed, 16 Nov 2022 10:59:39 +0530 GAFI received the award for facilitating the Canal Sugar Company, a joint venture between investors in the sugar industry from the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has awarded investment promotion agencies (IPAs) from, Egypt, Brazil, and Lesotho for excellence in promoting sustainable investment in agriculture, contributing to food security and development. Egypt’s General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) received the award for facilitating the Canal Sugar Company, a joint venture between investors in the sugar industry from the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. The project is in line with Egypt’s 2030 sustainable development vision to achieve food security while adapting to climate change using smart agriculture systems. The project is expected to create 50,000 jobs and aims to make Egypt self-sufficient in sugar production. It includes a training academy for local farmers to help them increase their yields and minimize the use of water and fertilizers. The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency received the award for its Scale Up programme designed to attract international tech companies by providing business services and finance opportunities. The programme carried out in partnership with Israel Trade and Investment, the Japan External Trade Organization and Enterprise Singapore has facilitated the establishment of 15 companies in Brazil. The Lesotho National Development Corporation won the award for its initiative to launch the Maluti Fresh Market Produce, a one-stop marketing and product handling facility. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/182/uae-launches-green-business-toolkit-2-0-at-cop27.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/182/uae-launches-green-business-toolkit-2-0-at-cop27.html Mon, 14 Nov 2022 15:01:33 +0530 The UAE Green Business Toolkit 2.0 seeks to benefit from the business sector’s increasing awareness about the importance of achieving net zero and building a low-carbon economy. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) introduced the second edition of the UAE Green Business Toolkit in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), as part of its participation in the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), held in the Egyptian city of Sharm El Sheikh. The move aligns with the UAE’s pathway to net zero and supports sustainable economic development. The launch took place during a session, headlined by Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, and moderated by Helena McLeod, Deputy Director-General of GGGI. Almheiri said, “Our ability to tackle the challenge of climate change and deliver tangible results in its mitigation and adaptation depends on the active participation of all sectors in our net-zero efforts. Therefore, the UAE prioritises private sector engagement in all its future plans. The Toolkit is part of MOCCAE’s efforts to enhance the contribution of private sector companies to the fight against climate change by adopting green and sustainable practices in line with the objectives of the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.” The UAE Green Business Toolkit 2.0 seeks to benefit from the business sector’s increasing awareness about the importance of achieving net zero and building a low-carbon economy. The UAE Green Business Toolkit 2.0 outlines 92 measures businesses can take to become greener, such as switching to clean sources of energy, electrifying the company vehicle fleet, and replacing conventional raw materials with low-carbon alternatives. The second edition of the Toolkit supports the country’s ambition to reduce GHG emissions to net zero by 2050, as well as the Principles of the 50, the UAE Green Agenda 2015-2030, and the National Climate Change Plan of the UAE 2017-2050. The UAE Green Business Toolkit 2.0 aims to build on the capacity of companies to adapt to a global economy in transition and mobilise the private sector to dedicate resources to contributing to the country’s climate targets. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/173/singapore-and-pure-harvest-signed-mou-for-greenhouse-tomato-farming.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/173/singapore-and-pure-harvest-signed-mou-for-greenhouse-tomato-farming.html Fri, 11 Nov 2022 12:33:58 +0530 The MOU demonstrates the SFA’s and Pure Harvest’s shared commitment to R&D collaboration and knowledge exchange in the cultivation of tomatoes and other fruited veg. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and Pure Harvest Smart Farms, United Arab Emirates (Pure Harvest) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop Singapore’s first high-tech hybrid greenhouse tomato farm in Singapore, and to enhance collaboration in protected agriculture such as Research and Development (R&D) exploration, knowledge exchange and capacity building. According to the statement, the project will leverage on technical, operational, and sustainable farming expertise of Pure Harvest to offer R&D opportunities for local partners, as well as contribute to Singapore’s “30 by 30” food security goal, which is to build the agri-food industry’s capability and capacity to produce 30 per cent of Singapore’s nutritional needs locally and sustainably by 2030. The MOU was signed by Lim Kok Thai, Chief Executive Officer of SFA, and Sky Kurtz, Chief Executive Officer of Pure Harvest.  The MOU demonstrates the SFA’s and Pure Harvest’s shared commitment to R&D collaboration and knowledge exchange in the cultivation of tomatoes and other fruited veg fruiting sustainably in Singapore. The project involves the use of advanced controlled environment production systems, leveraging technology and innovation to enable year-round production, even in tropical equatorial climates.  Lim said, “Collaboration with Pure Harvest allows Singapore to raise the local capabilities and capacity to further our “30 by 30” goal. In addition, the partnership in key areas of R&D creates exciting potential career opportunities. This will support us in our push towards strengthening Singapore’s overall food security in a productive, climate-resilient, and sustainable manner”. Kurtz said, “The planned hybrid greenhouse project is a privilege to take the expertise we have acquired while operating in the harshest climates on earth to Singapore’s market. While the arid deserts of the Arab Gulf and the lush greenery of Southeast Asia may seem a world apart, this region has no less a need for a sustainable means to provide consistent, high-quality, sustainably-farmed fresh produce all year round. With the added value of R&D and education partnerships, we hope that this project pushes the boundaries of the agri-tech industry, so that we may provide the Singaporean people with the benefits that innovative controlled-environment agriculture solutions can bring.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/169/the-first-international-date-festival-opens-in-mexico.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/169/the-first-international-date-festival-opens-in-mexico.html Thu, 10 Nov 2022 17:40:22 +0530 17 date producers from the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, and Mauritania have participated. The first International Festival of Mexican Dates is inaugurated in San Luis Rio Colorado. Victor Villalobos Arambola, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of the United Mexican States inaugurated the festival. 17 date producers from the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, and Mauritania have participated in the Festival. Minister Villalobos expressed his happiness for the valuable cooperation between the two friendly countries, the UAE and Mexico at various levels. He extended his thanks and appreciation to Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Presidential Court, for his support of the festival and the development of Mexico’s agricultural date palm sector. He also expressed his hope that this festival would be the first of an ongoing fruitful cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture in Mexico and the General Secretariat of Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation to enhance food security and achieve sustainable development. Al Menhali Ambassador of the UAE to Mexico highlighted the fact that the First Mexico International Festival confirmed the depth of the bilateral relations between the two countries and the close cooperation that links its people. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Secretary-General of Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, indicated that the award has achieved tangible success in organising a series of date festivals that exceeded 30 in the UAE, Arab Republic of Egypt, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Republic of Sudan, Islamic Republic of Mauritania, and the Kingdom of Morocco. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/167/first-liwa-date-festival-and-auction-kicks-off-in-abu-dhabi.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/167/first-liwa-date-festival-and-auction-kicks-off-in-abu-dhabi.html Thu, 10 Nov 2022 15:49:50 +0530 The festival provides a valuable opportunity for date farmers and producers in the UAE to communicate directly with date investors, exporters and producers. The first edition of the Liwa Date Festival and Auction kicked off, in Liwa City, Al Dhafra Region, Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region. The festival Organised by the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee aims to underscore the UAE’s rich history of palm trees and dates and provide a platform for businesses to communicate and build a stronger business network. Major General Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Commander-in-Chief of the Abu Dhabi Police, and Chairman of the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee – Abu Dhabi said, “The Liwa Date Festival and Auction contributes to supporting the efforts made at the country level to improve date palm cultivation, production and marketing.” Eissa Saif Al Mazrouei, Vice Chairman of the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festival Committee - Abu Dhabi, said, “The Liwa Date Festival and Auction features specialised competitions dedicated to olive oil and honey,” he said, the Liwa Date Festival every year features competitions dedicated to various crops, like mangoes, lemon and fig, in addition to the Aldar Fruit Basket Competition, which showcases tens of various summer fruit species grown in the UAE," he added. The festival features the ‘Global Village of Dates’ that serves the public display of global varieties of date fruit from around the world and a direct sale outlet for the festival’s visitors wishing to purchase various types of fruit. The festival provides a valuable opportunity for date farmers and producers in the UAE to communicate directly with date investors, exporters and producers coming from many countries, such as India, Britain, Canada, Bangladesh, Morocco and Lebanon, which contribute to informing the participants about the UAE’s strategy for developing the dates sector and investment opportunities up for grabs in the country. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/130/manipur-apeda-hold-organic-pineapple-export-promo-event-in-dubai-2.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/130/manipur-apeda-hold-organic-pineapple-export-promo-event-in-dubai-2.html Mon, 12 Sep 2022 10:52:39 +0530 The Government of Manipur and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) recently organised an in-store export promotion programme in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) for harnessing the export potential of naturally grown, organic certified fresh pineapples of North-Eastern Region (NER). The ‘in-store promotion show’ of organic certified fibre rich Kwe variety of pineapples from Manipur, was organised at the Lulu hyper market, Dubai’s largest supermarket in association with Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA) of Government of Manipur. The event is a part of the government’s strategy to promote locally produced agricultural products in the international markets. MOMA has supported the sourcing of pineapples directly from the farmers of Manipur. They are procured from Thayong Organic Producer Company Ltd in Imphal East district, Manipur. On the occasion, APEDA chairman Dr M Angamuthu stressed on promoting processed form of value-added pineapple to sustain in the global export market for a longer time period. “We need to focus on promoting pineapple sourced from farmers in processed form in the Gulf countries through Lulu Group. It will help farmers in better price realisation of their produce,” elaborated Dr Angamuthu. The event was also graced by P Vaiphel, additional Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur. With a production of 134.82 metric tonne (MT) in 2020-21, Manipur ranks sixth in pineapple production having a share of 7.46 per cent in total production in India. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/127/agri-insurtech-startup-ibisa-raises-seed-funding-from-ankur-capital-2.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/127/agri-insurtech-startup-ibisa-raises-seed-funding-from-ankur-capital-2.html Sat, 10 Sep 2022 12:35:16 +0530 IBISA is scaling its operations in India with operations in Odisha, Karnataka, Telangana for coverage against excess rainfall, excess wind speed and drought.  Agri insurtech startup IBISA announced that Ankur Capital, an India-based leading early-stage venture capital fund focused on transformative technologies in deeptech and climate tech has joined its seed round. Luxembourg-based Insurtech startup IBISA is on a mission to empower the Agri value chain players with innovative weather protection insurance solutions. The company is also in talks with a number of large lenders, food processors, and Agritech clients across different geographies to mitigate their credit risk against default, reduce their supply chain risks and increase their sustainability practices in agriculture and strengthen farmer connection with smallholder farmers in India and abroad. Founded in 2019, IBISA started its operations in India with the DHAN Foundation to provide parametric insurance against drought coverage in Tamil Nadu. Fast forward to now, IBISA is scaling its operations in India with operations in Odisha, Karnataka, Telangana for coverage against excess rainfall, excess wind speed and drought. They have also opened a registered office in Feb 2022 in Bengaluru. Speaking on the investment, Ritu Verma, Partner at Ankur Capital mentioned, “The unavailability of data has hampered the growth of the agricultural insurance industry in developing countries for decades. Legacy crop insurance involved long manual processes making them impractical for developing markets where smallholder farming is the norm, and parametric insurance has historically been unviable due to the lack of detailed climate-related datasets. We are excited to partner with IBISA to transform the scale of available parametric insurance options in countries like India with a vast addressable market.” “Farming is an integral part of both our societal and economic infrastructure. The impact that the war in Ukraine is having on food prices and food security seriously underscores the importance of global agriculture. And yet the support isn’t there. With IBISA, we sought to create technology that would help reduce costs for the active players in the insurance space. Finding a way to responsibly protect farmers in the event of extreme weather, by slashing distribution and operating costs, making it affordable to many groups in the value chain.” said Maria Mateo Iborra, CEO & Co-founder, IBISA. Apart from India, IBISA has its operations in New Zealand, Guatemala, Senegal, Philippines, and other African countries. With strong insurance and reinsurance partnerships across different geographies and tailor-made products for lack of rain, excess rainfall, extreme temperatures, excess wind speed and cyclones, IBISA is able to address the needs of various Agri value chain players. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/126/ig-fresh-produce-plans-to-invest-rs-100-cr-in-arunachal-pradesh-for-kiwi-cultivation-2.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/126/ig-fresh-produce-plans-to-invest-rs-100-cr-in-arunachal-pradesh-for-kiwi-cultivation-2.html Sat, 10 Sep 2022 12:33:05 +0530 The project would generate employment for 500 people and boost the production, sale, and export of kiwi and other fruits from the region. Chandigarh-based IG Fresh Produce, a subsidiary of IG International, one of the leading fresh fruit importers, has planned to invest Rs 100 crores in the next five years in Arunachal Pradesh for the cultivation of exotic fruits like Kiwi and stone fruits. The company has engaged in an agreement with the Arunachal Pradesh Agricultural Marketing Board (APAMB) and the farmers of Namshu village in West Kameng district for the aforementioned endeavour. The undertaking within its purview would ensure cultivation, research and development, and post-harvest activities in a phased manner. The project will also generate gainful employment (technical and non-technical) for 500 youths over a period of 5 years in the Agri-Horti Sector in West Kameng District and from the rest of the state. This will not only boost the production of kiwi in the state but also increase the sale and export of kiwi and other fruits from the region. Articulating about the historic agreement, Gautam Jha, President of IG Fresh Produce Private Limited, said, “We at IG Fresh Produce are very confident of creating a natural lab for the cultivation, careful curation, research and development, and post-harvest treatment of the first-grade produce done in the orchid paradise of India.” Speaking about the potential of this investment and trust for Arunachal Pradesh to be the home for superior exotic produce, Tage Taki, Agriculture minister, said, “This is a very big investment, not only in terms of the financial value but also in the context of the trust shown towards Arunachal and its farmers, for which I thank IG Fresh Produce, APAMB and the Invest India team. This project has the potential to make India into an independent nation when it comes to feeding top-notch Kiwis to its fruit-loving population. The state government will provide everything the farmers and IG Fresh Produce need to grow the best and most delicious fruits in our country.” The APAMB is the premier agency of the state government that is exclusively responsible for the marketing of agriculture and allied sector products. The IG Fresh Produce Private Limited is one of the top fresh fruit importers in the country and a major supply chain player in the country. It has developed an efficient supply chain for providing high-quality fresh fruits like apples, kiwis, citrus, pears, blueberries, avocados, stone fruit, grapes, etc. to 27 cities across India. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/125/basf-starts-new-production-site-in-singapore-to-supply-innovative-crop-protection-solutions-2.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/71/125/basf-starts-new-production-site-in-singapore-to-supply-innovative-crop-protection-solutions-2.html Sat, 10 Sep 2022 12:26:42 +0530 The new €40 million site will serve as a hub for the region, and support the needs of over 20 million hectares of farmland in Asia Pacific. BASF inaugurated a new regional production site for its Agricultural Solutions business. The €40 million multipurpose facility has been designed to initially handle six different formulation technologies and will enable BASF to supply crop protection products to farmers across Asia Pacific from a strategic location in the region. The site has initial production capacity of 7,000 kl per year – enough to supply over 20 million hectares of farmland – and employs a staff of over 30 technicians and professionals. The site represents an important investment by BASF in Singapore, which now has four production facilities in the republic. BASF has recently launched several new innovations in the Asia Pacific targeted at helping farmers of key crops – including rice and fruits & vegetables – combat pests and boost yields in a more sustainable manner. These include crop protection products based on the company’s new active ingredients Inscalis®, and Revysol® – patented innovations that help farmers control insects and diseases in crops. Products featuring these two active ingredients – as well as several soon-to-be-launched products from the company’s innovation pipeline – will be produced at the new site. From BASF, the site was inaugurated by Simone Barg, Senior Vice President of Agricultural Solutions Asia Pacific and Dr. Carola Richter, President Asia Pacific (excl. China). They were joined by Ow Kai Onn, Vice President & Head of Chemicals & Materials from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and Loh Yew Pong, Deputy Director Energy & Chemicals Cluster, Jurong Town Corporation (JTC). Speaking at the inauguration, Kai Onn shared how EDB and other Singapore government agencies are working together with companies like BASF to foster the growth of the agricultural sector for the benefit of both Singapore and the entire region. “EDB is delighted to be at the inauguration of BASF’s new Agricultural Solutions regional production site. Through job roles such as process technicians, engineers, production planners and quality assurance chemists, this facility gives Singaporeans and residents opportunities to participate in the global agri-food value chain and contribute to safe, nutritious and affordable crops in our region. This facility was constructed under a challenging environment in the midst of a global pandemic. Its successful unveiling today reflects Singapore’s commitment to being a stable investment destination, a reliable manufacturing hub for specialty chemicals and a strategic location for companies to build a more responsive and resilient supply chain for their customers in Asia.” ]]>