RIYADH – With the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's population growing at a rate of 2.9 percent, the demand for food products is set to increase in the mid-term, driving investment in the agriculture sector to 6.6 percent annually. While the current capital has touched $12.3 billion in domestic agricultural projects, the Saudi government is channeling more funds towards agricultural investment. It has also earmarked $16.2 billion for the development of agriculture, water and related infrastructure, which accounts for 7.3 percent of the total budget of the sector and 5.7 per cent increase from the 2013 budget. “Saudi Agriculture 2014” – the 33rd International Agriculture, Water and Agro-Industry Show, is set to gather international and local companies to showcase the latest industry products and technologies to the local and regional markets. To be held under the patronage and support of the Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Agriculture on Sept. 7-14, 2014 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, the show will highlight all aspects of agriculture and food industries, including cultivation, management, production, packaging and distribution. Saudi Agriculture 2014 showcases a variety of top industry solutions and products, including agriculture building construction, animal health and chemicals, finance and banking, machinery and equipment, chemical and fertilizers, fisheries and fish farming, greenhouses, irrigation and landscaping equipment, and organic farming. It offers a vital platform to the visitors to meet key decision makers and industry experts to stay abreast with the latest trends and market developments, connect with fresh market entrants and forge new tie-ups to expand business. Khalid Daou, Project Manager of Saudi Agriculture at Riyadh Exhibitions Company, said: “The agriculture sector has gained prominence in Saudi Arabia due to its robust population growth, which has led to an increasing demand for food products. Saudi Agriculture 2014 is being organized to support the government's efforts to increase agricultural production in the Kingdom. The event will be an opportunity to learn about new products and technologies as well as network with other industry specialists to explore growth possibilities within the country. We are confident that the agriculture sector will greatly benefit from this exhibition as it will display solutions to improve agricultural capabilities.” Held concurrently with Saudi Agriculture 2014 are Saudi Agro-Food 2014, the 21st International Trade Show for Food Products, Ingredients & Technologies, and Saudi Food-Pack 2014, the 4th International Trade Exhibition for Food Processing & Packaging Technologies. Dedicated to the food processing and packaging industry, Saudi Agro-Food 2014 will feature state-of-the-art technologies covering all aspects of food presentation, processing and packaging. Saudi Food-Pack will showcase a vast array of equipment and solutions such as tools, machinery and services that are essential for food production and packing as well as their display in stores and outlets. Approved by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), Saudi Agriculture gathered around 26,000 professional visitors during its 2013 edition, which included high-ranking officials, major producers, manufacturers and dealers, and agents and distributors. The last edition allowed participants and visitors to explore partnership and growth opportunities within the largest and fastest growing agriculture market in the GCC. — SG
