Top agri-scientists have been invited to take part in a forum in Abu Dhabi, UAE, to help counter global hunger through pioneering developments in sustainable agriculture.

 

The Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture (GFIA) will run from February 16 to 18 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

 

The exhibition and conference at GFIA forum is aimed at harnessing global efforts to provide enough safe, nutritious food to an expanding population, and will feature more than 300 next-generation agricultural solutions that could shape the future of sustainable farming around the world, said a statement.

 

For the second year running, ADFCA has set out to assemble some of the world’s best scientific minds for a unique Hosted Scientist Programme at GFIA, at a time when official statistics put the number of hungry people in the world at around 795 million, two-thirds of them living in Asia.

 

The programme supported by ADFCA has been designed as a scientific platform for discussion, sharing of new ideas and development of initiatives aimed at feeding the world as population growth continues against a backdrop of dwindling resources and climate change.  

 

Ali Yousef Al Saad, acting director of Communication and Community Service at ADFCA, said: “We’re seeking applications from scientists from around the world and from across the entire spectrum of agricultural research. Our priority is to attract those currently involved in ground-breaking research, as the principle aim here is to drive efforts to counter global hunger through pioneering developments in sustainable agriculture.”

 

The scientists can apply online via the official GFIA website before January 15. Successful applicants can expect to receive notification before the end of the month, said the statement.

 

The scientists hosted by ADFCA will take part in a highly interactive Hosted Scientist Programme which will begin with a workshop on February 16. 

 

Under the spotlight will be a wide range of research themes including agribusiness, animal production, crop protection, nutrition, renewable energy, saltwater agriculture, soil health, urban agriculture and water technology.

 

GFIA will run alongside VIV MEA, a new version of livestock production events held in Europe and Asia helping to bring about a rethinking on global food security.

 

Together, the forums expected to host more than 500 exhibitors of innovative technology.

 

Mark Beaumont, project director of the combined GFIA exhibition and conference, said: “This is now the world's most influential event for sustainable agriculture. It is establishing Abu Dhabi as an international centre of science excellence in sustainable agriculture, giving local students and researchers the opportunity to collaborate with the international scientific community.” - TradeArabia News Service