JEDDAH – The value of food imports into the GCC alone will hit $53.1 billion by 2020, more than double the value in 2010 ($25.8 billion), the Economist Intelligence Unit forecast. Against this backdrop, more than 200 agriculture, poultry, fishing, and horticulture businesses will gather on March 26-28 for the AGRA Middle East at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre in a joint effort to help the region combat its food security issues. Organizations from more than 30 countries will participate in the show covering agribusiness, poultry & livestock, fishing & aquaculture, floriculture & horticulture and agricultural machinery & supplies, providing a comprehensive all-in-one platform for exhibitors to showcase their latest innovations to an audience of key regional decision makers. Now in its seventh edition, AGRA Middle East continues to grow in tandem with regional appetites for agriculture products and services. The event's organizers, Informa Exhibitions have said that exhibitor space has increased by 20 percent year-on-year after a hugely successful event in 2012. The 2013 edition will also mark the launch of the first AGRAme Awards, recognizing individuals, departments, teams and organizations that have contributed to the growth and development of the agricultural industry with focus on best practices and innovative approach. Held under the patronage of Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, AGRA Middle East is sponsored by platinum sponsor Al Dahra Agriculture and supported by the Ministry of Environment and Water, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Flower Centre. AGRA Middle East returns with a host of seminars where leading speakers from the agribusiness sector will discuss issues and challenges facing the industry across the globe with special emphasis on the Middle East region. — SG
