Dubai, UAE, 11 April 2017:  H.E. Sultan Bin Alwan Al Habsi, Assistant Undersecretary of Regions Sector at the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, has officially inaugurated AgraME, AquaME and VetME, the region’s specialist agribusiness, aquaculture and veterinary trade events, taking place until 12 April at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The three-day event is hosting over 300 agriculture, poultry, livestock, aquaculture, and veterinary businesses from across the world, and also features the AgraME conference, where experts will discuss the latest developments in GCC biosecurity policies and practices and water management.

H.E Sultan Bin Alwan Al Habsi opened discussion of water management on the first morning of the conference, which featured topics such as irrigation systems, urban farming and hydroponics.

“Water is one of the most important resources in the UAE, and hence, the country has intensified its efforts to maintain the sustainability of groundwater reserves, develop the desalination industry and address unsustainable consumption patterns. Some of these efforts include; issuing a set of national legislation to regulate the drilling of groundwater wells and control their levels, enhancing the efficiency of groundwater use in the agriculture sector through high efficiency and modern irrigation methods to reduce water consumption, adopting new forms of agriculture which requires less water, such as hydroponics and aquaponics, vertical farming and biosaline agriculture, as well as using non-conventional water such as treated wastewater in irrigation and for other purposes in the future, to reduce pressure on groundwater reserves”, H.E. Al Habsi said.

“As part of our efforts to enhance food security and diversity, we have taken a series of actions and measures, such as raising awareness among farm owners of the best methods and practices in agriculture, intensifying efforts to protect fish stocks and enhance the sustainability of the fisheries sector and its contribution to national food security, in addition to coordinating with local authorities and stakeholders to develop the National Animal Health Plan which aims to combat animal diseases and avoid its effects on the economy,” he added.

The afternoon sessions on biosecurity, taking place on both the first and second days of the event are chaired by the esteemed Ghassan Sayegh, General Manager, Middle East Agrifood Publishers (MEAP). Dr Roel Mulder, Secretary General for the World’s Poultry Science Association and speaker at this conference emphasises the importance of promoting biosecurity in poultry in the Middle East for the industry to thrive. “Better biosecurity provides peace of mind, a healthier flock and a more viable business. All poultry keepers need to be aware of the need for strict biosecurity and hygiene on their farms. The benefits: it helps to keep out exotic diseases such as Avian influenza and Newcastle disease, it reduces the risk of zoonotic diseases such as Salmonella. It limits spread of diseases and helps to protect your neighbours, public health and the countryside. Biosecurity will improve overall flock health, reduce costs of disease treatment and reduce losses and improve profitability”.

The event will also include the AgraME, AquaME and VetME Awards, recognising the outstanding achievements of individuals, departments, teams or organisations that have contributed to the growth and development of the agricultural, aquaculture and veterinary industry. To be presented by the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment at a gala dinner this evening (10th April), the award categories feature the Emirati Business Awards, recognising innovations in the industry made by UAE nationals and the Student Innovation Awards, recognising the industry’s future talent, among other.

Organised by Informa Exhibitions, AgraME, AquaME and VetME are held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment.