AGRA Middle East and VET Middle East today, the region’s specialist agribusiness and veterinary trade events, opened today (March 25) in Dubai.

Opened by Dr Rashid Ahmad bin Fahad, Minister of Environment & Water, the show will run until March 27 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Reinforced by 26 per cent year-on-year growth in floor space, the event is hosting more than 250 agriculture, poultry, fishing, and horticulture businesses from 35 countries, and also featured the Agribusiness Outlook Forum today (March 24), where experts discussed the latest developments in GCC food security, food preservation, and low cost sustainable farming.

The forum will discussed the challenges related to agriculture and animal welfare in the Gulf region, as climate change, ground water scarcity, population growth and a higher standard of living contribute to the mounting food import bill across the region.

Other highlights at AGRA Middle East includes the Poultry Outlook Forum on March 26, which will offer valuable information on the latest advances in poultry research, science and technology, with a core focus on farm management, production, and nutrition.

Organised by Informa Exhibitions, AGRA Middle East expects more than 5,000 visitors over the next three days, its partner event, VET Middle East has also enjoyed remarkable success in 2014, having sold out of exhibition space months ahead of the opening today.

The fast-growing event for the burgeoning Mid East veterinary industry has witnessed a 71 per cent growth in visitors since 2010, and this year will bring together more than 50 international manufacturers and suppliers of veterinary products and services with a highly targeted regional audience.

Held alongside VET Middle East is the free-to-attend Veterinary Outlook Forum on Wednesday 26 March, where leading regional and international veterinary experts will discuss various topics including diagnostics, therapy, and treatment of domestic, farm and exotic animals. – TradeArabia News Service