RIYADH – Demand for agricultural products is swelling in Saudi Arabia, driven by a population boom, rising incomes, affluent lifestyles and a strong economy – the largest in the Gulf region. Recent studies revealed that the Kingdom currently has around 34,997 hectares of organically planted land with sales of organic products expected to achieve 10 percent annual growth, fueled by the increasing awareness among the local community about the advantages and diversity offered by organic farming. The study predicts organically planted land to form 5 percent of the total planted area in the Kingdom. Furthermore, poultry consumption is expected to grow by 17.2 percent to reach 1.6 million tons in 2016, while milk production could increase by more than 17 percent to 2.1 million tons between 2015 and 2016. The Saudi government has allocated SR60 billion to boost the domestic agricultural sector this year and is actively looking at regional and global agricultural products and services and focusing on organic alternative farming to meet the growing nutritional needs of its citizens. Against this backdrop, the upcoming Saudi Agriculture 2012 – the 31st International Agriculture, Water and Agro-Industry Show will unveil some of the latest solutions addressing the rising demand for agricultural products in the Kingdom and throughout the region. Running from Sept 24- 27, 2012 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre, the trade fair will cover animal health & production, agricultural finance & banking, agricultural products & services, chemicals & fertilizers, cold storage & crop production, and dairy farming products & equipment, among many others. Confirming their presence in the event are several key regional and international agriculture industry players and leaders who will share business, investment and policy views with high-ranking agriculture officials. The event is accredited by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. “Saudi Arabia holds huge potential for investors and businesses who want to work in the region's largest growing agricultural marketplace. The 2012 national budget shows how the government has taken a serious stance towards addressing the food needs of its people so now is the perfect time to forge and strengthen ties among local agricultural and food players. Saudi Agriculture 2012 is an ideal platform for determining which solutions can drive the Saudi food agenda,” said Khalid Daou, Project Manager of Saudi Agriculture at Riyadh Exhibitions Company. Saudi Agriculture 2012 will showcase the latest in animal health & production, agricultural finance & banking, agricultural products & services, chemicals & fertilizers, cold storage & crop production, dairy farming products & equipment, fisheries & fish farming, greenhouses, handling & transport systems, irrigation & landscaping equipment, machinery & spare parts, organic farming, packaging systems & products, pesticides, pumps & pipe systems, seeds & soil nutrition products, spraying machinery, water treatment, water management systems, warehousing. Running concurrently with Saudi Agriculture 2012 is the Saudi Agro-Food 2012 - The 19th International Trade Show for Food Products, and the Saudi Food-Pack. – SG
