Abu Dhabi is set to host the inaugural Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture (GFIA), which will showcase new ideas and solutions for the food sector.

The forum will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from February 3 to 5, 2014.
 
Mohamed Jalal Al Rayssi, director of communications and community service at Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, said:  “The forum will spotlight how scientists and innovators around the world are using the latest technology to develop game-changing innovations to overcome water shortages, pollution and climate change.”

Members of the GFIA Steering Committee, comprising sustainable agriculture industry experts, from across the globe, convened this week in Abu Dhabi to contribute their recommendations and ideas relating to the drivers, challenges and opportunities in their relevant fields.

Mark Beaumont, managing director of Oriel Events, a co-organiser of the event, discussed the progress of GFIA to date and led discussions on the structure and goals the forum is aiming for.  

“If the world is to feed nine billion people by 2050, it must embrace innovations for sustainable agriculture solutions,” said Beaumont.

The forum will feature a live demonstration arena, where delegates can see and experience new innovations and technological advancements, besides solutions-based presentations of new technologies and how they are being employed.  

Particularly relevant for farmers in the Middle East, will be the presentation by the Sahara Forest Project, which is successfully reversing desertification by establishing vegetation in arid areas by using deserts, saltwater and CO2 to produce food, freshwater and energy.

“The GFIA conference will offer visitors exciting solutions to change the way they think about food production and food security. We want to spark a movement that will transform the world’s perspective on sustainable agriculture,” added Beaumont. - TradeArabia News Service