New AG International launched the first conference in the Middle East focused on regenerative agriculture, as part of AgraME, held in Dubai from 7-8 October and the largest hi-tech agriculture show in the region. One of the aims of the conference was to see how regenerative agriculture fits into building resilient food systems and food security.

The Regenerative Agriculture conference was opened by His Excellency Dr Mohamed Salman Alhammadi Ph.D. Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at the UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment.

The timing of the conference coincided with an announcement by the UAE government on 6 October, regarding the ‘Plant the Emirates’ national programme.

This programme is designed to strengthen the UAE’s food security and advance agricultural technologies. Dr Alhammadi spoke about the creation of the UAE’s National Agriculture Centre and how it will be implementing strategic initiatives and programmes.

After the formal opening of proceedings, the keynote speech was delivered by Professor Mark Tester from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). He opened his presentations by outlining the distinction between food security and self-sufficiency. The transfer of technology will be key in Tester’s view in building sustainable food systems. “We need to strengthen the bridge between discovery and delivery,” said Tester.

The Aerial Inspection of Farms using drones was an illuminating speech from Ohoud Abdulla Mohamed Al Ali, Acting Director of Agricultural Control Department, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA). The audience was also given insights into how risk management will play a role in food security from Sadar Abdul Rasheed, Director Commodity Risk Control & Financial Risk Management Professional, Savola Group & Binsadar.

The first day included a high-level panel discussion, which focussed on the question: Investing in Regenerative Agriculture – Understanding Regenerative Agriculture in the Middle East – What are the real needs, challenges and opportunities? The industry panellists were Nadine Benchaffai (Dana Global), Dimitrios Drisis (Excellwise Ventures), Adithya Manoj (Global Ventures), Samantha Kayruz (Goumbook), and Roma Vora (Aranya Farms).

The two days of the conference included a presentation by Henry Gordon Smith, founder of Agritecture and an expert on controlled-environment agriculture. In his presentation, he considered the link between urban farming and regenerative agriculture.

On the second day there was an Innovation Showcase where three presentations were made in front of a panel of judges, two of whom were from investment companies and the third from K+S, the potash and specialty fertilizer producer. The session was opened by Samantha Kayruz, Goumbook – Strategy & Sustainability Impact Director and Head of MENAT Regenerative Agriculture.