The annual Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture (GFIA) is set to open alongside VIV MEA, a new livestock production event for the Middle East.

Being held from February 16-18 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the two shows will deliver the largest agriculture event in the region, said an official statement.

Over 450 exhibitors have registered to showcase next-generation agricultural and livestock solutions to a projected 9,000 visitors from 88 countries, which is double the turnout over last year’s event.

Held in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), the GFIA acts as a hub for experts in diverse areas of the agricultural sector including scientists, inventors, farmers, investors, food producers, NGOs, supply chain, and government officials, according to the statement.

“The timing is absolutely right to bring VIV to the Middle East. Growing urbanisation, rapid growth in the tourism sector and increasingly globalized diets are seeing a significant increase in the demand for livestock products in the region. These countries want to produce food and not just import it, so investments in the food production sector are increasing all the time,” said Ruwan Berculo, VIV Worldwide project manager.

VIV is a specialised regional platform bringing together international suppliers and the region’s producers of poultry meat, eggs, fish and milk.

“By focusing on the development of sustainability by employing the latest technologies and implementing smart strategies, the agricultural industry is reaching out to the world to draw attention to the need for innovation in every facet of life,” said Ali Yousef Al Saad, acting director of communication and community service at ADFCA.

He added: “The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority is working tirelessly to ensure that Abu Dhabi remains on the global agricultural map and to ensure the UAE capital is a leader in agricultural reform.  GFIA is a platform to spotlight the work of scientists and innovators and how they are utilising the latest technologies that can overcome world hunger, water scarcity and climate change.” – TradeArabia News Service