May-June 2022 Edition/ Gulf Agriculture

ISSN 1751-8407

MAY

JUNE

2022

Y O U R G AT E WAY T O T H E M I D D L E E A S T A G R I B U S I N E S S

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Ancient agriculture thriving in modern times

44

The importance of feed safety for safe food

36

Siemens enables underwater farming revolution

Special Coverage

GREENING THE DESERT

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REDUCES PESTS & DISEASE

DECREASES ENERGY & MAINTENANCE COST

REDUCES WATER & FERTILIZER USAGE

EARLY HARVEST & REUSE FOR YEARS

INCREASED YIELD & HIGHER GRADE

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Contents Editor M. Matt Associate Editor Jessie Jorge Graphic Design Elizabeth John Contributors Dr. Hansel Geo Thomas Neville J. Chandler Shakeeb Kolakadan Registered Office Matt Media Intl. Ltd. 12 Gateway Mews London N11 2UT United Kingdom US Office Matt Media (USA) LLC. 1713 E. Morgan Court Gilbert, Arizona 85295 Middle East Offices Matt Media LLC. Sharjah Media City United Arab Emirates Al Saad Adv. & Publishing LLC P O Box 25694, Sharjah United Arab Emirates info@gulfagriculture.com www.gulfagriculture.com Gulf Agriculture is a publication from Matt Media Intl. Ltd. (UK) and is read by agri professionals, farm managers & owners, landscape consultants, contractors, agri-equipment suppliers, horticultural engineers, greenhouse managers, agronomists, veterinary surgeons, ministries, poultry & dairy breeders, importers, distributors, manufacturers and wholesalers of food and agri inputs.

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Cover Photo Courtesy: OceanReefGroup 2022

News

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Viv Europe Preview

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Middle East Poultry Expo Review

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Planter Bags

26

Biostimulants

28

Peat Moss

30

Pest Management

32

Landscaping

33

Irrigation

34

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All rights reserved. The opinions and views expressed in the publication are not necessarily those of the publishers.

Readers are requested to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers particular circumstances. The publishers regret that they cannot accept liabilities on any error or emissions contained in this publication.

Printed and published by Matt Media© Intl. Ltd.(U.K.) 2022

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Indoor Farming

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Agricultural Machinery

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Feed Solutions

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Feed Safety

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News SUSTAINABLE AGTECH FIRM - RED SEA FARMS ATTRACTS $18.5 MILLION STRATEGIC RAISE AS TECH PERFORMANCE SURPASSES EXPECTATIONS Red Sea Farms, the Saudi Arabia and UAE AgTech business whose one-of-a-kind technology enables commercial farming using a low energy, zero freshwater sustainable climate control, announces a $18.5 million strategic fund raise.

The fund raise was co-led by Wa’ed - the venture capital arm of Saudi Aramco and The Savola Group - the leading

strategic investment holding group in MENA food and retail, through their corporate venture capital program.

KAUST Innovation Fund, one of Red Sea Farms’ original investors, is also participating, along with OlsonUbben LLC, an investment entity owned by Tony Olson and Jeffrey Ubben.

Tony Olson is the CEO of SPINS, a leading wellnessfocused data company and advocate for the Natural Product Industry, and Jeffrey Ubben is the Founder and Managing Partner at Inclusive Capital Partners and a pioneer in impact investing.

Proceeds will support Red Sea Farms’ global and regional expansion plans – including expansion of the fresh produce

business in the GCC. Global expansion is focused on technology development, and productization - with first generation product sales expected by Q4 2022.

Red Sea Farms also announces the appointment of a new global COO and regional CEO for the Middle East, Simon Roopchand. The company will leverage Roopchand’s previous CEO experience with Lorne Stewart and proven track record in leading strategic growth to capitalise on the vast opportunities in the Middle East region.

Operationally, Red Sea Farms has been very active, and announced its expansion into the USA in January 2022. It has

BIOBEST AND PATS MAKE DATA-DRIVEN CROP PROTECTION ACCESSIBLE Thanks to a powerful alliance with technology company PATS, Biobest's extensive portfolio of IPM solutions has gained a scouting tool. From May 16, growers can take advantage of PATS-C, a system that detects realtime flying pests, such as moths, in the greenhouse. This data allows earlier and more accurate introduction of biological agents.

“To measure is to know,” says Sam Gui, Market Development Manager High Tech IPM at Biobest. “The plug and play cameras from PATS provide information about when, where and how much moths are active in the greenhouse. It is completely automatic, requiring no staff, and can often provide data before the pests are detected visually – saving the growers time in their scouting programme.”

“Biobest is a strong believer of data-driven cultivation and the numerous benefits it will create for

the growers. This new partnership with PATS will proof a golden combination. With this data, our advisors can provide even better tailored advice, making the IPM programme more robust while further reducing the use of corrective agents. Delivering benefits to several parties, growers can reduce their use of products, making their crop protection programme more efficient, while consumers get products with as little residue as possible."

Intelligent scouting “By including PATS cameras in Biobest's product range, this smart scouting tool will quickly become accessible to growers worldwide,” says Bram Tijmons, CEO & co-founder of PATS. He emphasises that this is a 'smart' system. "PATS-C continuously records the presence and population built-up of moths. This allows the grower to monitor more accurately

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and time the introduction of biological agents better. The system brings the scouting data to the grower in a form of a dashboard at his fingertips for him to consult the situation in his greenhouse anytime anywhere. With this technology, we also learn more about the behaviour of the pests, such as which hours they are active. This can then be used to improve timing on the day of application itself."

May-June 2022

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News also completed a new commercial-scale 6-hectare technology retrofit site near Riyadh and an R&D facility at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Thuwal – where technologies are delivering results ahead of expectations.

THE UAE & SAUDI ARABIA TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FRUIT ATTRACTION 2022 Representatives from the UAE and Saudi Arabia will form part of a delegation from the Middle East when they visit the 14th edition of Fruit

Attraction, the world’s leading fruit and vegetable marketing event.

Organised by IFEMA MADRID and FEPEX, the event will be held from 4 - 6 October in the Spanish city of Madrid when it will once again become the capital of the fruit and vegetable world. More than 1,000 buyers, retail purchase managers, importers and invited wholesalers from all over the world will meet with 1,300 exhibitors to do business and discuss the latest trends and innovations in the sector.

María José Sánchez, Director of Fruit Attraction said:

“Following the challenges of COVID-19, the 2022 event is expected to return to prepandemic levels. We’re delighted to be playing our role in relaunching and re-energising the fruit and vegetable industry.”

As part of the event’s Invited Importing Countries programme, representatives from the UAE and Saudi Arabia will join a host of influential buyers from around the world and promote trade relations between non-EU markets and the European Union. The programme will include a range of round table discussions, guided tours and

BIOSTRONG® FERTILE – EFFICIENCY IN PRODUCTION OF DAYOLD CHICKS As part of Delacon's phytogenic product line for poultry, Biostrong® Fertile represents proven natural fertility support for breeding flocks.

The unique formulation was specially developed to enhance reproductive performance and control oxidative stress in breeding males. A comprehensive range of essential oils, flavonoids, and saponins, all obtained from natural sources, support the oxidative resilience of semen and its components and contribute to

optimized hormonal processes.

With Biostrong® Fertile, Delacon offers a revolutionary natural solution to support the reproduction of breeding males, which increases the percentage of fertilized eggs. The formulation is based on extensive and deep knowledge in the universe of phytogenic active substances and their respective effects on the metabolism of farm animals.

Phytogenic compounds can mitigate adverse oxidative effects since those substances can raise the sperm count and functionality and have a positive impact on reproduction. Improving males' fertility is the most efficient way to strengthen the production of day-old chicks.

Sperm cells are sensitive to free radicals due to their significant content of lipids.

This oxidative reaction may impact the morphology and functionality of the spermatozoa. Moreover, the

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free radicals can interfere with the DNA transported by the sperm cells, reducing the viability and quality of embryos and the offspring.

Biostrong® Fertile is a unique and compelling contribution, helping to reduce oxidative stress in healthy breeding males, which can regulate testosterone production and semen quality parameters, thus indirectly contributing to the health of the reproductive performance level.

“Biostrong® Fertile is a tailored solution, addressing a primary customer need to optimize breeding flocks' fertility. Its technology is based exclusively on natural plantderived compounds that enhance males’ healthy fertility, which is the most efficient way to strengthen the production of day-old chicks. The Delacon team is convinced of the effectiveness of Biostrong® Fertile to support producers in boosting the reproductive performance of their breeders' flocks.”, so Roberto Montanhini Neto, Global Unit Lead Monogastrics at Delacon.

May-June 2022

News B2B sessions.

A new area to the show for this year’s edition is the startup hub, which will be dedicated to newly created companies founded between 1 January 2021 and 1 September 2022 in the Fresh Produce segment and Auxiliary Industry.

JOINT PRESENTATION VDL COMPANIES DURING VIV EUROPE During VIV Europe VDL Agrotech, VDL Jansen and VDL Insect Systems will jointly present themselves on stand 11.B034.

The three companies are part of the Foodtech cluster of VDL Groep.

The VDL companies working in the Foodtech cluster focus on innovation and making the food chain more sustainable.

We do this by developing and producing inventive processing and packaging machines and systems that are supplied to the global food industry, but we also develop and produce machines and systems for food production itself. An interesting market in which VDL is active in (feed) systems for the poultry, pig and insect industry.

"Strength through cooperation”, the slogan which all VDL companies stand for, is reflected on the stand. The 3 companies complement each other perfectly in development, production and technology. The feeding systems from VDL Agrotech and the laying nests and aviaries from VDL Jansen have been appreciated for many years as durable and reliable systems of high quality! This high quality is

guaranteed by the fact that the production of the systems takes place in the Netherlands.

VDL Insect Systems focuses on the development of production solutions for the insect breeding industry and can thereby make use of the knowledge and expertise of VDL Agrotech and VDL Jansen.

Quite a mouthful. There is a lot that VDL Insect Systems has to offer. Standard production solutions and custom solutions. During the VIV they will present some of their solutions on the stand. In addition Geert Poels, Business Development Manager at VDL Insect Systems will give a lecture during the Insects for Feed conference on 1 June from 13.00 to 15.00 hours, organized by VIV Worldwide.

2ND GLOBAL VERTICAL FARMING SHOW - AN EVENT REDEFINING THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE!

With the remarkable success and responsiveness of their first Global Vertical Farming Expo–GVF2021 (Virtual Connect) last year, the organizers (TAB group, India) present you the successor the 2nd Global Vertical Farming Show GVF2022 scheduled on 27th - 28th July 2022 in Conrad, Dubai!

2nd Global Vertical Farming Show GVF 2022 Dubai is an event which

is primarily focused on the emerging sector “The Vertical Farming”.

GVF2022 is an event bringing together the complete vertical farming value chain to explore the market, introduce latest brands, make new connections, win exciting projects and create longterm partnerships.

The venue of the show is Dubai reason, Middle East, its developments and its capability of attracting foreign investments with regard to vertical farming.

The organizers say that “GVF 2022 intends to provide an unparalleled framework for vertical

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farming and cutting-edge technology enterprises to thrive, with the objective of creating considerable economic prospects in this industry.

International firms are interested in the Vertical Farming sector and nothing could have been better as a destination than Dubai, where technology improvements are far ahead international companies can come and explore unveiling hidden vertical farming prospects.”

GVF2022 brings together global vertical farming companies, key stakeholders, investors, industry leaders, government bodies, solution providers and experts under one roof to explore and maximize the existing opportunities in this sector.

For registration: www.verticalfarmingshow.com/ registration.html

May-June 2022

News ADAFSA SIGNS TWO MUSATAHA CONTRACTS TO CONSTRUCT TWO FARMS WORTH MILLIONS The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has signed two Musataha contracts with two local private sector companies to build and operate two farms, one in Al Ain and the other in Abu Dhabi, with a total value of around AED 310 million.

The first Musataha contract was signed with Emirates Hydroponics Farms to build and operate a hydroponic farm for the production of vegetables, fruits, and mushrooms for canning in a controlled environment. The farm will be located in the Abu Dhabi region on an area of 325,000 square metres with a total value of AED 260 million.

This farm supports the aspirations of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority to implement modern farming systems and diversify agricultural production in controlled environments, as well as the food security system in terms of agricultural production and manufacturing While the second Musataha contract signed with the Emirates International Agricultural Advanced Company to establish and operate a farm for the production of vegetables and fruits in the system of net houses, in addition to the growing of azola and jojoba plants and fish farming (Aquaponic). The farm will be located in Al Ain area on an area of 750,000 square metres at cost of about AED 50 million.

The production of this farm supports the food security system in the UAE and

May-June 2022

strengthens the ADAFSA's efforts to develop and modernise the agriculture sector in Abu Dhabi and achieve its sustainability.

The two projects are part of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority's efforts to expand agricultural projects and investments and expand cooperation with private sector companies to ensure sustainable agricultural and food development in

Abu Dhabi.

A part of ADAFSA's strategy and the recently launched agricultural and food investment map, these projects aim to support agricultural and animal research focusing on plant agriculture and livestock, as well as projects that target innovation and scientific research based on addressing the challenges of soil, water, and climate change.

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News MYCOTECHNOLOGY PARTNERS WITH OMAN INVESTMENT AUTHORITY TO TARGET ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN OPPORTUNITY Oman Investment Authority (OIA) and MycoTechnology, Inc. have established a groundbreaking joint venture that will use locally-grown dates to produce high-quality mushroom-based protein. The two parties will collaborate on building a state-of-the-art production facility in Oman to scale up and commercialize this novel source of nutritious, sustainable protein. It represents the next generation of innovation driven by MycoTechnology’s proprietary

fermentation platform, which harnesses mushroom mycelia to create transformative ingredients.

The strategic partnership between OIA and MycoTechnology is in line with Oman Vision 2040, which aims to attract modern technologies to the country. It links OIA’s local knowledge and public sector relationships with MycoTechnology’s cutting-edge technology. It aspires to transform the food supply landscape in the region and reflects OIA’s commitment to achieving a sustainable future by increasing local food production.

Oman is one of the world’s top 10 producers of dates, growing about 400 thousand

tonnes per year. However, more than half goes to waste or animal feed. The new joint venture is expected to upcycle a significant portion of these excess dates, using the natural sugar present in the fruit as a source of carbon to fuel the production of mushroombased protein.

Construction of the new facility is due to start in the first half of 2023 on a 10-hectare site. Commercial production is scheduled to begin by the second quarter of 2025, with up to 16,000 tonnes of dates to be processed each year. Once operational, the partners intend for the new facility to evolve into the Middle East’s leading innovation hub for food

FAMSUN PET FOOD PLANT SOLUTION: CREATING LIFE’S SIMPLE HAPPINESS AT INDUSTRIAL SCALE FAMSUN has been researching high and ultra-high fresh-meat pet food production technology for years. In 2019, Famsun succussed launched the dry pet food line with up to 70% fresh meat on the market. Since then, our experts have worked on improvement to meet the higher addition demand – and 2021 marks the breakthrough of our solution with several 90%-meat pet food processing lines starting operations in China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South America.

FAMSUN develops specialized equipment such as FE series singlescrew extruder, R series twin-screw extruder, CYPZ vacuum coater, etc. for pet food production. These machines are flexible to meet different customized pet food formulas, and the base materials of all product-contact surfaces or parts are food level. FAMSUN CYPZ vacuum coater, especially, allows

producers to differentiate their products at the line end through applying different functional liquids onto the food pellets, be it oil/fat to improve energy, flavors to improve palatability, or functional improvers to achieve health.

By introducing FAMSUN innovative and exclusive technologies such as quick-start, waste-controlled preconditioner, intelligent dryer, clean energy machines, and digital services of Manufacture Operation Management (MOM), Manufacture Executive System (MES) and traceability system, as well as advanced Lean Manufacturing and Pull Production concepts, FAMSUN modern industrial pet food solutions provide producers the most possible ways accessing to efficient,

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responsible, and excellent operations.

At FAMSUN, food quality and safety are the two most essential elements in its solutions. From raw material receiving and fresh meat liquid preparation to product packaging and delivery, every process, equipment, and part of its machines and systems are specially designed to meet the two criteria.

Famsun also provide tailored cleaning and disinfection guidelines for every plant to drive biosecurity practices in the pet food industry.

May-June 2022

News technology.

Colorado-based MycoTechnology is the world’s leading explorer of mycelia – the powerful but invisible mushroom ‘root system’. OIA is a sovereign wealth fund located in Muscat, the capital of Oman. The new joint venture will operate as Vital Foods Technologies LLC.

EVONIK PUBLISHED FIRST EDITION OF THE METAMINO® ATLAS Evonik has published the first edition of the MetAMINO® ATLAS. The report displays the results of 15 performance trials investigating the relative bioavailability of supplementary methionine sources in animal diets.

“For cost-effective purchasing, feed formulation

and animal production, precise knowledge about the relative nutritive value of DL-methionine compared with liquid MHA-FA and MHA-Ca is essential,” says Dr. Jan-Olaf Barth, head of the Efficient Nutrition product line at Evonik. “With the MetAMINO® ATLAS, we want to support our business partners in making knowledge-based purchase decisions for sustainable and economical livestock operations.”

The trials were conducted in eleven countries on five continents under different climatic, geographic and farm conditions - in experimental settings as well as at commercial farms with broiler chickens, laying hens and aqua species.

“Across all trials and all species, we found that

comparable animal performance criteria were achieved when 100 units of MHA-products were replaced with 65 units of MetAMINO®" says Nils Niedner, product manager MetAMINO®.

The MetAMINO® ATLAS 2022 further includes a selection of latest scientific articles, conference abstracts and peer reviewed publications regarding the bioefficacy of the commercially available methionine forms.

FRESH DEL MONTE COMMITS TO REDUCING SCOPE 1, 2 AND 3 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY 2030 AHEAD OF COP26 Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers,

FRESH CLASS

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May-June 2022

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

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News distributors, and marketers of fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, announced that its emissions reduction targets were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as consistent with the levels required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. The 27.5% reduction target covers greenhouse gas emissions from the company’s operations (scopes 1 and 2) and is consistent with reductions required to keep global warming to well-below 2°C. Further, Fresh Del Monte committed to a 12.3% reduction for emissions from

its value chain (scope 3) including emissions from purchased goods and services, upstream transportation and distribution, waste generated in the operations, and employee commuting.

Tackling #climatechange requires ambitious action from the corporate sector. As the first global marketer of fruits and vegetables to commit to the initiative in 2020, Fresh Del Monte’s science-based target proves the commitment to building a sustainable economy, by doing not what is easy, but what is necessary.

ELITE GLOBAL FRESH TRADING (EGFT) BRINGS HIGH QUALITY UAE BLUEBERRIES TO NEW INTERNATIONAL MARKETS Elite Global Fresh Trading (EGFT), a subsidiary of Yas Holding’s Food & Agriculture division, Elite Agro (EAG), and a leading UAE trader of fresh produce, has secured export agreements to take their wellloved farm grown blueberries to Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

EGFT is exporting the

THE LATEST POT AND BEDDING PLANT INNOVATIONS WILL BE PRESENTED AT FLOWERTRIALS® 2022 From 14 to 17 June, over 60 breeding companies in the Netherlands and Germany will proudly present their innovations, creative concepts and an incredibly wide range of crop assortments to growers, exporters and buyers from across the world.

After the cancellation of the 2020 edition and last year’s digital alternative ‘Studio FlowerTrials® the organisation is preparing again for a classical edition with physical attendance. From technical information to retail inspiration, from breeding breakthroughs to the latest

trends, everyone who works with and loves plants and flowers has a reason to visit the FlowerTrials®.

Who is exhibiting: All major pot and bedding plant breeders exhibit under the FlowerTrials® flag. Exhibitors come from Europe, Israel, Japan and the U.S.A. Where: FlowerTrials® members hold open house at 29 individual locations in 3 key geographical regions: Westland & Aalsmeer in The Netherlands, Rheinland-Westfalen in Germany. Each location is home to a single exhibitor or a group of companies sharing joint facilities.

When: FlowerTrials® opens its doors from 14 - 17 June 2022.

What is on show: The very latest innovations in bedding plants, container plants and indoor & outdoor pot plants together

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with crop information, retail concepts, and inspiration on trends. Visiting a trade show offers only a taste of what is available, whereas at the FlowerTrials® the breeders are on location with a comprehensive offering of complete product ranges.

Who should visit: FlowerTrials® welcomes all ornamental horticulture and retail professionals from around the world. For growers, the event showcases the very latest novelties for the upcoming season with experts on hand to provide cultural support.

For wholesalers and retailers FlowerTrials® is the key event to meet the breeders, examine the top varieties and concepts for next season and have the opportunity to influence trends. FlowerTrials® is a key event in the worldwide pot and bedding plant scene and the latest edition attracted visitors from 70 countries.

More details: The FlowerTrials® website www.flowertrials.com gives a full overview of all participating companies, their main crops and their innovations for the 2022/23 season.

May-June 2022

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News blueberries grown in EAG’s UAE farms as part of its plans to expand the Elite Berry brand around the world.

During this year’s harvest season from January to May, EAG expects to increase its output of blueberries to 290 tons, compared to 210 tons in 2021. The company first planted its blueberry saplings in 2017. Since then, it has expanded its production of blueberries to accommodate a growing demand for the superfood.

EAG grows four exclusive varieties of blueberries at their Al Foah farm in Al Ain, which covers an area of 12 hectares with 20 greenhouses. Each greenhouse contains 3,350 blueberry plants that thrive in a climate-controlled environment enabled by state-of-the-art automated technology.

Through expanded production and regular planned exports to Asian markets, EGFT

is demonstrating its commercial strength, in line with the UAE’s food security strategy. The company has also exponentially reduced the farm-to-shelf time for blueberries, increasing flavour retention and maximising freshness for their customers, as part of their mission to produce high quality food customers can trust.

“As the UAE’s only producer of locally-grown blueberries, through investment in our farms, our increased capacity has enabled us to build both commercial strength, whilst continuing to support the UAE’s ongoing food security agenda. We are extremely proud of our expansion into new export markets, with international customers now being able to enjoy our highquality Elite Berry blueberry varieties in support of their health and wellbeing,” said Dr Abdulmonem Almarzooqi,

Elite Agro’s Divisional CEO and Board Member.

In order to ensure the quality and freshness customers expect from Elite Berry, EAG will implement special temperature control requirements in the post-production process at its packing facility to ensure its high quality produce stays fresh for longer until it reaches its final international customers.

INTERNATIONAL GREEN WEEK 2023: FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY At the International Green Week, which is taking place from 20 to 29 January 2023, Messe Berlin will present its new theme world, entitled ’Green Up Your Life‘. The new segment will build on the current concept for the in-person event.

In recent years the struggle to achieve sustainability has

EMIRATES FOOD INDUSTRIES LAUNCHES HAYATNA Emirates Food Industries (EFI) has launched Hayatna dairy products in UAE under its subsidiary National Dairy LLC. National Dairy LLC is an Emirati Company that provides a wide range of food products that are locally and internationally sourced and produced using the latest technology at the highest levels of industrial standards.

Hayatna has a range of products such as fresh juice, long life juice, long life milk, fresh milk, fresh flavoured milk, fresh laban, fresh yoghurt, Greek yoghurt, fresh cream, ethnic range, spreadable cheese, and Mozzarella cheese.

The Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Food Industries Mr. Wasfi Kaso said, “At Hayatna we are proud to be 100% based and

operating within the UAE. We are an Emirati company that provides a wide range of food products that are locally sourced and produced with the highest quality and standards.”

EFI owns two farms and a factory in Al Ain: National Dairy Farms (NDF), and Masaken Dairy Farms (MDF), and the newly commissioned National Dairy Factory (ND). Both farms are considered market leaders in milk production and supply in the UAE. With a total herd size of more than 6,000 producing more than 39 million litres of milk per year. The farms are located in Al-Ain with a footprint of 18,000 square meters livestock housing facilities and operates state-of-the-art fully

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automated production process and milking parlours.

Moreover, EFI is one of the largest agriculture and dairy holding companies in the country.

The company is committed to advancing food sustainability initiatives within the UAE by promoting food diversity, enhancing production using technology, increasing nutritional quality and value.

May-June 2022

News increasingly become the focus of a debate within society. The UN Agenda 2030 highlights the fact that both human consumer behaviour and production technology must change. ”The International Green Week will accompany this change and provide a forum for the necessary discourse in society“, said Green Week project manager Lars Jaeger.

Green topics have a long history at the Green Week. “At recent events there has been an increasing focus on the question of how we can co-exist better and more sustainably in the future. With ’Green Up Your Life‘, the Green Week is providing a forum for this discourse”, said Jaeger.

Exhibitors, associations, institutions, NGOs and others will be central to the theme

world and will feature information and specialist knowledge on living sustainably.

Registrations are now open for stands at the International Green Week, with the application deadline set for 5 August 2022.

DELICEUS FRUITS: EUROPEAN FRESH FRUITS TRAVELLED TO RIYADH, K.S. ARABIA On May 15th, 2022, at 19:30, a press event in the frame of the European Project “DelicEUs Fruits” took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Riyadh, KSA. The press event aimed to provide information to professionals and mainly to journalists and opinion leaders who would then act as the ambassadors of the European

agricultural products by spreading awareness on the merits of the European fruits.

A large number of guests, including people from various business industries of S.Arabia such as Logistics, Transport, Media, Advertising and Food, had been invited to the press event.

During the event, speeches were held by a prominent spokesperson, by representatives of the Proposing Organization, representatives of the national authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and by the nutritionist Mrs. Seham Ali Alsahli. Therefore, all guests learned more about the quality and the nutritional value of the European fresh fruits, specifically apple – kiwi – peach - nectarine and cherry, that produced in Greece.

OMAN: FIRST COUNTRY IN THE REGION TO PRODUCE SCIENCE-BASED ASSESSMENTS FOR ITS SHARK POPULATION

Shark populations continue to decline due to unsustainable shark catch practices, including shark finning. Hence, as many countries begin to prioritize the importance of marine life protection and fishing regulations, Oman takes the first step to outline science-based shark catch assessments to further regulate shark catch and trade in accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora

(CITES), with the support of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

In the Middle East and North Africa region, Oman will be the first country to carry a study in the direction of outlining a science based shark catch assessment known as “CITES Non-Detrimental Findings” (NDFs). Funded by the Shark Conservation Fund, and with the technical support of Save our Seas Foundation, the three-day workshop started on 17 May in Muscat, Oman.

CITES is a convention regulating the international trade in endangered species between countries, which are referred to as “parties”.

To regulate and systemize the international trade process, CITES

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designated “Appendix II” list for species which are allowed to be internationally traded for commercial purposes on the condition that it is regulated and its export will not be detrimental to the survival of that species in their natural habitats.

The decision on whether or not the export is detrimental will be determined by the Scientific Authority of the State of export based on the NDF assessment.

NDF is carried out through data collection, which is the core purpose of the NDF. Therefore, to complete the NDF, the data collected must comprise the biological characteristics of the species— breeding period, species count and survival, the pressure on the species in terms of catch and trade, and finally the existing laws concerning its protection.

May-June 2022

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Our representatives: D-Hermann Meyer KG: e-mail: mail@hermann-meyer.de NL/GB-B&P Co., www.b-en-p.nl Scandinavia: OY Urban natural Ab, www.natural.fi Russia: Landscape Design Ltd., www.garden-center.ru Ukraine: Demetra Ltd., e-mail: demetra@com.ua Bulgaria-Romania: Hermann-Meyer, www.meyer-shop.com Abu Dhabi: Arid Land Co., LLC., www.aridlanddevelopment.com e-mail: aridland@emirates.net.ae

News During the press event, a cooking show was held, and guests had the opportunity to taste dishes of Greek cuisine.

The press event concluded with a four (4)-course dinner including one cold starter, one hot starter, one hot main dish and one dessert. Vegetarian option was available for all dishes.

Regarding the project, “DelicEUs Fruits” is a European financed campaign that aims to promote the European fresh fruits in the markets of S.Arabia, U.A.E and Argentina. The Beneficiary organization of the program is the Association of Imathia’s Agricultural Cooperatives (ASIAC) which is the joint

venture of the eight largest Fruit Producer Organizations.

The objectives of the Project are to provide information on the benefits, the high standards applied to the production methods and the characteristics of fresh apples, kiwis, peaches, nectarines, and cherries, that stand out for their quality and taste.

PERSTORP LAUNCHES GASTRIVIX™ AVI – A UNIQUE GUT HEALTH SOLUTION COMBINING THE BENEFITS OF VALERIC AND BUTYRIC ACID Perstorp is expanding on its innovative range of broiler

feed solutions after the launch of Gastrivix™ Avi in late March 2022.

The company is the first to pioneer the commercial use of valeric acid in animal nutrition, following successful trials of Gastrivix™ Avi. Like butyric acid, valeric acid is naturally created by the gut microbiota of broilers, although in too small quantities for optimal gut health during production cycles. Perstorp has used complex organic chemistry to create esters of valeric acid, which were tested over many years in a multitude of combinations with butyric acid esters to develop the right synergy, and the best match with nature.

ICL PLANET STARTUP HUB TO PARTNER WITH STARTLIFE ICL (NYSE: ICL) (TASE: ICL), a leading global specialty minerals company, announced it has partnered with startup accelerator StartLife in its quest to invest in startups focused on new ways to address global challenges in food and agricultural production. These challenges range from increasing yields and tackling food insecurity, to cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Both organizations are fully geared toward accelerating the business development and growth of early-stage startups, and this partnership enables them to advance in their shared mission.

Headquartered in Israel, ICL Planet Startup Hub serves as the vehicle ICL uses to cultivate, nurture and accelerate innovation in the AgriFood tech ecosystem, through open innovation and collaboration on a global basis.

Potential targets also include novel ways to recycle minerals, extract them from waste streams and convert them to fertilizers or to

develop innovative functional proteins for clean label applications, among others.

“ICL Planet Startup Hub seeks to establish a new generation of plant nutrition solutions, and our aim is to invest in startups, which can make a meaningful difference,” said Hadar Sutovsky, vice president of External Innovation at ICL Group.

Sutovsky first encountered StartLife through its annual summit – F&A Next – which is centered on disruptive AgriFood technologies and brings together startups, investors and corporates from all over the world.

“StartLife has a strong track

18 Gulf Agriculture | www.gulfagriculture.com

record of spotting and attracting promising early-stage startups globally, and its position at the heart of the European AgriFood tech ecosystem, its focus on sustainable food systems, and its strong links with the worldrenowned Wageningen University & Research were central to our decision to enter into a partnership,” continued Sutovsky.

StartLife’s Operations Director, Laura Thissen, said, “Through this partnership, StartLife aims to accelerate startups’ scaling journey and, at the same time, support ICL in finding the best startups, which match their innovation challenges.

Our team is already identifying startups looking to partner and to help solve a piece of the innovation puzzle for Planet Startup. The scope includes crop nutrition, such as next generation fertilizers and biostimulants, but also precision farming and alternative proteins.”

May-June 2022

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News Gastrivix™ Avi has been created to meet the bird’s biological needs, support gut integrity and promote reliable growth and performance.

Perstorp believes that the solution will solve multiple challenges for the industry, by reducing feed volumes for the broiler’s lifecycle, providing consistent growth results, and boosting ROI. Dr. Antonia Tacconi, Global Product Manager of Gut Health at Perstorp commented: "We can now prove that the synergy of these two esterified acids works better than one. After multiple trials, we have seen a

reliable and consistent improvement on FCR for broilers thanks to the effects of butyric and valeric acid. With valeric acid, we have essentially found the missing ingredient."

Gastrivix™ Avi is a dry product that is easy to handle, palatable, has no dangerous goods restrictions and has no odor issues. Perstorp believes Gastrivix™ Avi represents an new important step in supporting and improving animal performance. The product will be the first new product to be produced on the brand new state of the art production line for powder

products at Perstorp’s Waspik plant in the Netherlands.

SOUTH AFRICA POTATO PRODUCTION RECEIVES ADDED PROTECTION WITH CORTEVA AGRISCIENCE’S NEW GENERATION FUNGICIDE Corteva Agriscience (www.

Corteva.com) launches Zorvec® Encantia®, a new fungicide that specifically targets late blight, a detrimental pathogen currently compromising local potato growth. The solution, based on

SELECTA ONE AND EVANTHIA WILL JOIN FORCES AT FLOWERTRIALS® 2022 The preparations for FlowerTrials® 2022 (14th-17th of June) have started.

After a long period of time with hardly any possibilities for novelties to be presented directly to clients, Selecta one and Evanthia are looking forward to this event – a time for catching up with clients, whilst showing new and well-known products and concepts.

This year will be different than last time FlowerTrials® as Selecta one and Evanthia will team up for the FlowerTrials® 2022 at a new location: Green ’05 in the Westland region in the Netherlands. Together, Selecta one and Evanthia will join forces to make it a great spectacle with lots of

vibrant colours and lots of inspiration for the new sales season. Selecta one will also present their highlights in Germany at their usual FlowerTrials® location at nursery Filla in Straelen.

A little peek to some of the highlights of both companies which will be presented during the FlowerTrials® 2022: Highlights Selecta one Dianthus assortment and bedding plants highlights Verbena Drums® and SKYfamily Petunias Selecta’s outstanding breeding success Pink Kisses® will inspire the international audience with its perfect communication concept. Outstanding breeding work and first-class marketing will also be showcased with Dianthus I ❤U as well as with other standalone varieties. Bedding plant highlight focus will be on the Drums® Verbenas – early flowering and compact, high area productivity, strong

20 Gulf Agriculture | www.gulfagriculture.com

appearance at the point of sale. The SKYfamily Petunias will surprise with eagerly awaited new additions: Pink Sky, Cherry Sky and Carmine Sky. Highlights Evanthia A colourful blast of sunshine, scents and surprises Evanthia presents the latest developments in Helianthus Sunsation® potted sunflowers, Lavandula Cleo-Patio® and Platycodon Corsa series. Evanthia’s pot and bedding plants line-up consists of ground-breaking varieties with truly unique features. The team happily informs about all that’s new and about how Evanthia aims to work in partnerships for product development, identifying market opportunities and creating added value. Additionally, a wide range of extravagant, unique and exclusive tropical plants will be on show.

Evanthia’s cut flower collection will be presented in bold arrangements and by lively floral demonstrations.

May-June 2022

News Zorvec® active, is the first member of a novel class of fungicides, which effectively utilises a unique biochemical mode of action, and has no cross-resistance with existing fungicides.

South Africa’s potato industry contributes significant nutritional and economic value, comprising 45% of the vegetables grown, with an average of 51 000 ha being planted per year, and employing approximately 60000 farmworkers across the country. Additionally, close to 66% of all potatoes purchased at local fresh produce markets are bought by informal traders, further driving job creation opportunities.

“Zorvec® Encantia® is here to change everything in terms of effectiveness, protection and productivity, and will be a great ally for South Africa’s potato producers during all stages of cultivation and in challenging climatic conditions,” says Stephan Marais, Product Manager at Corteva Agriscience.

“After more than a decade of research, we have created a novel chemical with an unrivalled level of consistency and control, especially when it comes to oomycetes management, allowing for lower operational costs and overall improved efficiency.”

Zorvec® Encantia® produces multiple effects on a pathogen’s life cycle for better efficacy and duration of control and protects leaves as they grow and expand, enhancing the protection of new foliage even if they have not been treated. The product also offers fast absorption, which allows for a high tolerance to wash off by rain or irrigation water and reduces the need for re-sprays and unscheduled applications.

May-June 2022

ZOETIS ADDS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BLOOD SMEAR TESTING TO VETSCAN IMAGYST™ Zoetis announced its latest innovation in diagnostics with the addition of artificial intelligence (AI) blood smear testing to its multi-purpose platform, Vetscan ImagystTM. Introduced in September 2020, Vetscan Imagyst is a first-of-its- kind technology with a multitude of applications, including AI fecal analysis, digital cytology image transfer and now AI blood smear – ultimately helping veterinarians broaden in-clinic diagnostic offerings to provide the best possible care for dogs and cats.

The Vetscan Imagyst AI-driven blood smear capability efficiently delivers critical information that will assist veterinarians in

HAMLET PROTEIN SPONSORS FEED SAFETY SUMMIT GERMANY Hamlet Protein, global expert in solutions for young animal nutrition, sponsored the Global Feed Safety Summit 2022 that took place in Berlin (Germany). The conference provided a platform for discussions on global feed and food safety, sustainability, and globalization. Hamlet Protein’s CEO Erik Visser participated in a panel discussion on Threats and Challenges for Sufficient Food Supply.

making diagnoses of, and guiding treatment decisions for, animals who are sick or those with hematologic abnormalities.

“A blood smear review is a recommended part of hematology analysis following an automated complete blood count,” said Richard Goldstein, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Global Diagnostics at Zoetis.

“However, this step is often not completed in veterinary hospitals due to lack of experience, time and training.”

Vetscan Imagyst provides an easy and innovative solution by using deep machine learning AI to accurately 1 and efficiently provide important blood smear results within minutes.

Equipping veterinarians

with this real-time crucial information, including estimated platelet count and white blood cell differentiators, drives better patient care and accurate diagnoses of blood disorders such as anemia.

“With the launch of AI blood smear, Zoetis furthers its commitment to innovative diagnostics,” said Mike Sullivan, Senior Vice President and Head of U.S. Diagnostics at Zoetis. “As technology continues to evolve, Zoetis will add new applications, providing veterinarians and their staff with the most advanced technology solutions that enable them to make important treatment decisions at the point of care.”

For many years Hamlet Protein has been working with GMP+ on certification for their business. The quality standard is well recognized amongst suppliers and customers alike and brings with it a consistent focus on quality across the entire supply chain. The event in Berlin was attended by a broad group of industry professionals and provided great opportunities for networking around topics that will shape feed- and food safety issues in the coming decade. A team of Hamlet Protein’s lab & quality department joined Hamlet Protein CEO at the event.

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

21

Viv Europe Preview

INNOVATIVE & SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAINS AT VIV EUROPE

T

he role of local food production is essential next to the global supply chains. Global Inspiration | Local Practice is the leitmotif of this edition of VIV Europe, which is the global exhibition & conference program of the animal protein sector for the production & processing of poultry meat, eggs, red meat, fish and dairy.

“A truly inspirational area located at the show entrance will welcome you onsite with 35+ innovative agri-food concepts waiting to be discovered and replicated in the world,” announces Renate

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Wiendels, Senior Project Manager of VNU Europe, the organizer of VIV Europe. The show serves as the optimal platform for global supply chains, while promoting the importance of bringing back farmers to a more central role.

The HubOrange! Inspiration Square provides practical answers to the increasing consumer demand for sustainable food production.

“The Round Egg” circular concept and the “World Food Center” are examples of innovations that make food supply chains shorter, futureproof and transparent for all

stakeholders involved. We need Glocal Farming to secure fresh food locally.

Innovative services & technologies leading farmers into the future VIV Europe is by definition the preferred show for the sector innovators to launch their new solutions.

20 Innovations will be highlighted for you in hall 9, whilst many other exhibitors will be disclosing numerous

"SIX HALLS PACKED WITH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR ANIMAL PRODUCTION"

May-June 2022

Viv Europe Preview cutting-edge products and services at their booths all around the showground.

This edition presents innovative services and technologies specifically enabling farmers and breeders to improve production, with a focus on the poultry and egg sector. From gender-specific broiler breeder watering systems to automatic farm data collection and precision poultry farming, new pathogen control feed materials, effective lighting recipes systems, and the latest feed ingredients to optimize feed digestibility – these and many more newly released products can ease your struggles with day-to-day operational challenges.

A visit to VIV Europe is a must to learn what the world top suppliers have in store for you and help you stay ahead of competition. It takes a short trip to the beautiful Netherlands to make your business grow.

Six halls packed with solutions for your animal production The VIV Europe exhibitors, from 50+ countries, are ready to showcase 52,000 square meters space packed with solutions for animal husbandry in halls 7 to 12 at the Jaarbeurs, Utrecht, the venue of the show in the Netherlands. The chance to meet suppliers and reconnect with business partners face to face is finally coming for all industry players. As always, the show covers the complete Feed to Food supply chain, including:

May-June 2022

feed ingredients & additives; animal health and pharmaceuticals; breeding & hatching; farm production; slaughtering & processing for meat, eggs, dairy and fish. Your ticket for VIV Europe will also give you free access to the co-located VICTAM International show, presented in halls 1 and 2, right across the aisle, and dedicated to feed technology and feed production.

Feed strategies, sustainable animal production, trends and inspiring food concepts Next to the exhibition booths, the VIV Europe conference & seminar program along with its top-notch line-up of speakers, provides an unparalleled source of professional knowledge as well as a great networking opportunity for all visitors joining onsite. All Conferences & Seminars are held either at the modern rooms at the first floor of Jaarbeurs venue, right above the expo halls, or at the cozy

Arena by the show entrance.

The 2022 European Feed Congress – Strategies for futureproof food production – explores how the European animal feed industry and its feed additive suppliers strengthen Europe’s global competitiveness.

The Poultry Marketing Round Table (PMRT) – Europe Edition – speakers, among whom, John Kirkpatrick from Tesco, Nan-Dirk Mulder from Rabobank, and Vincent Guyonnet will discuss how the European industry can reposition itself during crisis.

Other sessions provide content on all sorts of topics, such as: insects as feed, dairy farming, food waste management, contamination prevention in feed supply, automation for fresh poultry packaging, feed extrusion technology for aquaculture, in-ovo sexing, pig gut health, poultry health and nutrition, feed efficiency, and much more.

To book your seats, simply register for the show on www.viveurope.nl.

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

23

Middle East Poultry Expo Review

DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT INAUGURATES MIDDLE EAST POULTRY EXHIBITION IN RIYADH

T

he Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Eng. Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti, inaugurated the Middle East Poultry Exhibition, under the theme "Contribution to Enhancing Food Security", at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, in Riyadh, with the participation of 150 companies from 30 countries.

Eng. Al-Mushaiti said the exhibition aims to support trade and scientific exchange between international suppliers and local investors; to benefit from the opportunities provided by the Saudi government, and to help shape the future of production in the poultry industry and its inputs locally, in the Arabian Gulf and regionally.

He underlined that the ministry had provided unlimited support to the poultry sector, and had put this in its strategic plan to expand investment operations; increase local production, meet the growing demand, achieve self-sufficiency,

24 Gulf Agriculture | www.gulfagriculture.com

increase the volume of the economy in addition to attracting new investors, and create job opportunities for the citizens.

He added that the Ministry and the Agricultural Development Fund provide facilities in granting government lands to projects, to raise the self-sufficiency rate of poultry to more than 80% by 2025, in addition to providing funding and support; for the development of the poultry sector, and the expansion of local production, which currently stands at 70%.

The Undersecretary of Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture for Agricultural Affairs, Eng. Ahmed bin Saleh Al-Ayada, noted that the total amounts of support provided to the poultry sector through the agricultural subsidies program stand at more than SR723 million until February 2021, adding that the ministry seeks, through these subsidies, to strengthen the food security system and support new investments in the Saudi poultry

industry per the objectives of Vision 2030.

Al-Ayada said the efforts made by the Ministry, based on the directives of the Saudi leadership, focus on finding innovative solutions to regional challenges in poultry production, and meeting the increasing demand, as these efforts resulted in the Kingdom’s annual production reaching more than 1.3 billion birds and 5.4 billion eggs, adding that the annual per capita consumption of poultry in the Kingdom amounts to nearly 50 kilograms.

The exhibition is the first and largest of its kind specialized in the poultry sector in the Middle East and comes in conjunction with the Middle East and North Africa Poultry Conference under the slogan "Poultry Production under High Environmental Temperature", in which more than 60 international speakers and experts, from more than 11 countries, participated through the submission of 66 scientific research and workshops.

May-June 2022

more than

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WANGARA HORTICULTURAL SUPPLIES: AN INDUSTRY LEADER

DESERT PLANTER BAG™ ANCIENT AGRICULTURE Innovative Design THRIVING INPatented MODERN TIMES Written By Rick Pares Director Wangara Horticultural Supplies

Figs, the first cultivated plants by humans Archaeologists have found subfossil figs, in the Jordan Valley, dating back to over 11,000 years ago. This finding strongly suggests that fig

trees were the first proof of agriculture and occurred at least 1000 years before traditional crops like wheat were planted.

The Fig Tree is strictly native until JanuaryEast 2019and its to *the Middle

Trusted supplier to the Middle East for 25 years!

WHS Australia

Postal Address

UnitFig 2, trees 65 Prestige Parade, growing in 100 litre Easy-Fill™ Grow Bags Wangara, WA 6065 Australia

PO Box 1656 Wangara DC, WA 6947 Australia

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popularity and health benefits saw it transplanted by the Greeks and the Romans Controlled environment throughout Europe and in the agriculture 15th century to the Americas.

The first Olympians consumed the nutritious fruit and were Recyclable also presented with figs as medals.

It isn’t surprising that Figs areHealthy mentioned in ancient roots texts and hold a position of without spiraling symbolism in many world religions representing fertility, Direct peace and control prosperity.of They soilbeen anda culinary plant health have delicacy throughout time. These versatile “fruits” are not actually traditional fruit, but Saveawater rather a syconium with hundreds of inverted flowers Climate-smart each bearing a singleproduct; seed in manufactured for all the each sac.

Middle East Regions

Fig Tree Production in Modern Times UV stabilized including Today, producers world-wide handle stitching see the fig tree as an alternative crop with a bright future.

The duty experience Heavy and of this visionary Chilean long lasting farmer Martin Wielandt, from Doble Valle, is a modern example of it’sEasy cultivation merits.

In an to move and interview for plants El Agro on Radio relocate Agriculture on January 4, 2020, he explains how he Increased return started with a small fig on investment orchard in 2012, and now has a 21-hectare plot and more than 6,500 trees planted.

Organic “In general,friendly it is a simple agriculture plantation, it does not require great care and the trees are quite robust. On the other hand, it Enquiries presents some General challenges during Ph: +61 438 834 379 harvest, as it lasts for 10 weeks, since the Email: info@whsaustralia.com.au

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WANGARA HORTICULTURAL SUPPLIES: AN INDUSTRY LEADER

DESERT PLANTER BAG™

fruit matures in layers. This is a fundamental difference compared to other fruits. There are 670 plants per hectare and more specifically actual “flowering” trees, there are fewer plants, approximately 500. A good harvest is between 8,000 and 10,000 kilos per hectare¨.

production level is usually very high, obtaining better results per square meter of planting than with other types of crops. Planting in EasyFill™ grow bags optimises water savings and provides for targeted fertilisation and transferring of plants.

Phytosanitary care is minor, another characteristic that makes this fruit a great option for today’s growers.

Innovative Patented Design

Less water consumption and greater production The new climate scenario has caused agricultural producers to consider fruit trees that are more resistant to heat, and that have less water consumption. In this context, the fig is a fruit that does not require great amounts of water compared to other similar crops, in addition, its

Controlled environment agriculture

* until January 2019 Higher Profitability According to an article published by the Spanish company Innovagri at the end of 2019 in which it contextualizes the economic advantages of the fig with respect to other crops entitled "Super-intensive dry fig

Recyclable Healthy roots without spiraling Direct control of soil and plant health Save water

Trusted supplier to the Middle East for 25 years!

Rustaq Flower nursery in Muscat, Oman

WHS Australia

Climate-smart product; manufactured for all the Middle East Regions

Avocado trees in 45 litre Easy-Fill™️ Grow Bags - Australia

production system, a profitable alternative", various UV stabilized including points are listed that explain handle stitching the reason for the profitability of the fig in today’s market.

Once the investment costs Heavy duty and are covered, the production long lasting manages to reach very good profitability, generating an amortisation in the cost of the to move and Easy investment, in addition torelocate a plants considerable reduction in the labour necessary for handling Increased return and harvesting.

If you are a grower andon investment want to start your own production of fig trees, Wangara Horticultural Organic friendly Supplies can advise you agriculture and help you get started with your first Production Test.

Postal Address

General Enquiries

Please email WHS Australia Ph: +61 438 834 379 Unit 2, 65 Prestige Parade, POBags Box- 1656 Cardboard palms growing in 75 litre Easy-Fill™️ Grow Oman Wangara DC, WA 6947 Australiaon: info@growinbag.com.au Email: info@whsaustralia.com.au Wangara, WA 6065 Australia

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Biostimulants

UNIFORM BUD BURST AND FLOWERING: BIOLCHIM'S WINNING SOLUTION

V

egetative awakening is a crucial moment for fruit crops: this phase will in fact affect all the stages of the plant’s development, ultimately determining the quantity and quality of production. This is

28 Gulf Agriculture | www.gulfagriculture.com

why it is essential to start off on the right foot.

The issues Due to physiological, climatic and environmental factors, bud burst often occurs irregularly. This can occur

even if the chilling need of the crop has been met and also in plants on which a dormancy breaking agent has been applied.

On crops such as wine grapes, table grapes and kiwifruit, the phenomenon of

May-June 2022

Biostimulants apical dominance is very frequent and leads to the faster development of the shoots located at the tip of the branches.

These phenomena have negative effects on the uniformity of flowering, resulting in non-fruiting (loss of production) and uneven ripening of the fruits (prolongation of harvest times).

For stone fruit and pome fruit, it is not uncommon to observe an uneven development of the floral buttons and inflorescences.

Uneven flowering, especially in the self-sterile varieties, causes reduced or lack of fruit set which is followed by substantial productive loss. For an adequate cross-pollination it is necessary a synchronous flowering of the pollinating plants with the producing ones.

The solution to improve bud burst and flowering FOLICIST is an innovative

May-June 2022

biostimulant based on folic acid, glycin betaine, proline, cysteine and plant extracts, which naturally uniforms bud breaking, flowering and fruit setting. FOLICIST favours the balanced development of the plant, reducing apical dominance and preparing the fruits to a uniform enlargement.

During bud breaking, flowering and fruit setting, the plant requires high amounts of energy, proteins, sugars and nucleic acids to support intense cell division.

Folic acid stimulates the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids, while cysteine and proline are necessary for the production of energy in the cells. Plant extracts provide anti-stress compounds and natural growth promoters.

With FOLICIST, shoots

grow quicker and simultaneously, and flowering is more homogeneous, setting optimal conditions for a uniform ripening of the fruits.

Folicist: • r educes apical dominance, even on varieties prone to the problem; • synchronizes flowering, which is essential in varieties that require crosspollination; • improves fruit set; • favors the balance in plant development, improving its architecture and photosynthetic capacity; • favors uniform ripening of the fruits (concentration of the harvest) and high quality of the harvest.

For more information, visit www.biolchim.it

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

29

Peat Moss

A SOLID START L

ambert Peat Moss Inc. offers special screening and blending processes to achieve a unique consistency for growers.

For over 90 years, Lambert Peat Moss Inc. as been offering a wide range of peat-based products from various grade of Canadian Sphagnum Peat moss to one of our assorted ready to use professional mixes. Lambert Peat Moss has been dedicated to meet the special needs of professional horticulturists, nursery growers, greenhouse growers, vegetable producers or amateurs.

Because we want to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers, we make sure we choose only high-quality ingredients after a rigorous selection on the bench test by our quality control department.

30 Gulf Agriculture | www.gulfagriculture.com

By selecting the best available components, it’s a good start to produce “no worries” products for our customers!

In addition of our regular product line, Lambert Peat Moss also offers commercial growers its exclusive ECOPEAT, a highly fibrous natural wood fiber collected from our peat bogs.

Depending on the characteristics you’re looking for, choose from our ECOPEAT as a stand-alone product or from our complete line of ready-to-use ECOPEAT Mixes (EPM). If you want exceptional balance of air space and water retention capacity, with superior structure longevity and minimal shrinkage, EPM mixes will be the best products to look for. The different formulations are suitable either for interior or exterior production.

With our special way of screening and then blending our professional peat grade with those selected components, we can achieve a unique consistency for the professional growers.

Lambert wants to make sure that your mix is always exactly the same, batch after batch, year after year. That consistency allows you to keep the same formula on site so you can produce successful crop. The best way to solve a problem is to make sure it will not appear!

That’s why quality is our top priority. Our quality control department performs continuous sampling and analysis during the production of your mix.

Each sample is analyzed for pH at three different incubation stages and the same for the electrical conductivity. Particle size distribution, moisture

May-June 2022

Peat Moss

content and yield complete the criteria we constantly evaluate. We make sure that each cubic foot of your mix is in total conformity with all our specifications. If one of these points is not completely encountered, it will not be released for delivery by the laboratory staff. Only top-of-quality product will leave our yard!

However, as each nursery and greenhouse experiences various environment and each seasons are different, some “problem” or specific conditions can occur. Again, you can rely on Lambert’s team to help you resolve your issues. By customizing your mix for a specific rate of CRF

May-June 2022

formulation, incorporating a biofungicide or producing a specific pH order, to name a few, it makes your production easier. We own a complete on-site lab so we can perform soil analysis for you at different stages of your crop to see the evolution of the situation and target what’s going on.

Wherever you are located, one of our sales representative team isn’t far away.

With most of them experienced growers or nurseries owners themselves, in the past, they will be able to listen about what you’ve been experiencing and help you gather information to find the perfect solution and resolve any issue.

Moreover, Lambert Peat Moss inc.

has developed a large efficient and versatile distribution network ready to make the impossible to deliver the product at your door in an incomparable timeframe. The constant commitment to improve and optimize its customer service allows Lambert Peat Moss Inc. to adapt quickly to the requirements of its customers. The skill workforce and dedication of its staff ensure that it remains competitive, at the cutting edge of the technology and at the forefront of markets by offering incomparable quality products.

Visit us at www.lambertpeatmoss.com

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

31

Pest Management

CLARIANT’S SYNERGEN® DRT: TAKING DRONE-ASSISTED PEST MANAGEMENT TO NEW HEIGHTS

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he use of drones in farming can make crop spraying more precise, economical and safe, and due to these benefits, it is taking off on farms worldwide.

However, it also brings new challenges: as drones have small tanks, they need to carry a more concentrated mix of actives and spray very fine drops to be effective.

That’s why, as one of the leading global supplier of specialty chemicals for agriculture, Clariant has launched DropForward™: a focused approach to providing precision application with adjuvants and co-formulants.

We offer our customers Synergen DRT: the first solution to come out of our DropForward concept.

Synergen DRT, the drift control agent and biological activator specifically for drones.

Developed in Clariant’s hightech facilities in Germany, and under real-life conditions in

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Brazil, this high-performing adjuvant allows the application of standard pesticides under the low volume conditions of small drone tanks.

“Synergen DRT helps to control drift and volatility of fine droplets during application and helps improving the coverage and penetration of the actives in the leaves, boosting biological performance as well as making drone spraying more sustainable and environmentally friendly," said Fabio Caravieri, Clariant’s Head of Marketing, Industrial & Consumer Specialties.

Drones were used in several field tests in Brazil, in crops such as coffee, cotton, orange and wheat, spraying at low volume in experimental plots where increased coverage and deposition was observed with the addition of Synergen DRT in the application tank, resulting in higher product efficiency. The new adjuvant technology has shown that with small doses of the

adjuvant, a robust performance is obtained in the control of drift and performance, even when used with mixtures of products, and standing out in the desiccation of weeds, ensuring higher efficacy of herbicides.”

“Precision farming, with increasingly data driven decision making, is the future and drones will play a big part in this. It is already used in fertilizer application due to significantly higher savings potential and the next big wave is expected to be with pesticides. Synergen DRT is cutting-edge adjuvant chemistry that is accelerating innovation and helping to position our customers at the forefront of a sustainable world,” said Christian Vang, Global Head of Industrial & Consumer Specialties.

Synergen DRT is available worldwide.

For more information, visit clariant/DropForward.com

May-June 2022

Landscaping

ATLAS TURF ARABIA RECEIVES ITGAP CERTIFICATION FOR PRODUCTION OF PLATINUM TE PASPALUM

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tlas Turf Arabia has become the first certified facility of its kind in the Gulf Region to receive International Turfgrass Genetic Assurance Program (ITGAP) certification for its production of Platinum TE™ Paspalum.

ITGAP certification confirms that Atlas Turf Arabia is producing Platinum TE to a rigorous set of global guidelines, which protects against contamination during production. The turfgrass will be a valuable part of the supply chain required to meet the development goals of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, as well as for projects across the wider Gulf region.

An environmentally sustainable, salt-tolerant turfgrass with superior appearance, playability and maintenance benefits, Platinum TE offers the turfgrass solution for a number of applications. It is adaptable to a wide range of mowing heights making the

turfgrass ideal for tee-to-green installation on golf courses across the region. Platinum TE’s heat tolerance and striking green colour are appealing qualities for all landscaping needs. Further, the durability of Platinum TE makes it suitable for a range of demanding sports applications and has been chosen as the exclusive turfgrass of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

In addition to Platinum TE, Atlas Turf Arabia plans to expand its production to include Bermudagrass, Ultra Dwarf Bermudagrass and Zoysia, as it cements its credentials as the Middle East’s go-to turfgrass supplier for golf courses, sports pitches and landscaping projects.

John Holmes, President of Atlas Turf International and Co-founder of Atlas Turf Arabia, said: “We are delighted to receive ITGAP certification for our production of Platinum TE, as it demonstrates that our product is of the utmost quality.

When clients purchase turfgrass from us, they can trust that it

"GLOBAL ACCREDITATION CEMENTS FACILITY’S CREDENTIALS AS THE LEADING SUPPLIER OF TURFGRASSES FOR GOLF COURSES, SPORTS PITCHES AND LANDSCAPING PROJECTS IN SAUDI ARABIA AND THE GULF REGION"

May-June 2022

will be free of weeds or disease, allowing it to fulfil the needs of their golf course, athletic field, or landscaping projects. We look forward to working closely with clients in KSA and across the Gulf region to deliver the best turfgrass available.”

Atlas Turf Arabia was established as a joint venture between Atlas Turf International and Golf Saudi as part of a collective drive towards Vision 2030 and is already a vital link in the supply chain framework within Saudi Arabia.

Majed Al-Sorour, CEO of Golf Saudi and Co-founder of Atlas Turf Arabia, said: “We have been delighted by the steps Atlas Turf Arabia has taken since its launch last year and ITGAP certification is yet another endorsement of the reputation it is establishing within the region. To have a facility of this calibre in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia demonstrates our collective ambition to offer turfgrasses tailored to better suit our climate and to better serve the sustainability goals we have set as part of Vision 2030.”

For more information, visit www.atlasturfarabia.com

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

33

Irrigation

AQUASPY EXPANDS CROPHESY PAY AS YOU GROW MONITORING TO ROW CROPS

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ater scarcity means that farmers need more tools to ensure that crops utilize every drop. To help farmers monitor every type of crop they grow, AquaSpy has added additional options to the Crophesy Pay as You Grow Service that enables monitoring crops with root depths up to 60 inches. Crops and vegetables best suited for new six or twelve sensor Crophesy probes include plants with active root zones between 16 and 60 inches which covers a wide variety of row crops, vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts and grains.

Original Crophesy three sensor probes are great for shallow rooted vegetables.

A Cell Phone Service for your Crops Crophesy™ batteryoperated below ground soil moisture probes by AquaSpy® have an intelligent soil and root deciphering algorithm that accurately predicts crop health and yield.

Crophesy has a unique, pay as you grow service subscription that’s worry and hassle-free.

Each subscription includes the Crophesy mobile app, AgSpy software, one wireless battery-

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powered underground multi– sensor probe, wireless data plan, analytics and reporting.

Crophesy hardware is completely integrated and wireless, with no cords or towers required. Installation is as simple as pushing it into the ground and scanning it

with the mobile app.

Crophesy’s unique subscription plan gives growers the flexibility and peace of mind to manage the service according to their unique growing environment, crop rotation, and seasonality.

Suspend or “hibernate” the subscription in the off-season.

Crophesy Pay-As-You-Grow Service With Crophesy, farmers can use a smartphone, tablet or desktop device to remotely monitor crops and plants and instantly see stats on soil moisture, soil density, salinity, and temperature, as well as water infiltration and consumption.

Crophesy 3-, 6- and 12-sensor wireless soil moisture monitoring probes placed throughout fields give farmers a broad, field level view with cropspecific insights about soil and crop health.

Each sensor represents 4 in/10cm of depth.

Data is automatically interpreted through sophisticated statistical algorithms and then uploaded to the Crophesy Mobile App. Download the Crophesy Mobile App from the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Use the app daily to receive notices about where you need to focus your attention.

For more information, visit www.aquaspy.com

May-June 2022

Irrigation

RICE IN UAE DESERT A

gritech firm Terraplus Solutions has completed successful trials of open-air rice production in the United Arab Emirates, and for the first time the staple crop has been grown economically and sustainably in the country.

The news comes on the eve of the ‘Food for Future Summit’ in Dubai.

The results of the trials are a big step forward for the possibility of rice being grown in the UAE, as they indicate that rice can be produced domestically for a cheaper price than import. This is a key discovery that could benefit the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051, which outlines rice as a core food item.

Speaking about the successful trial results Patrick Stevens, Managing Director and co-founder of Terraplus Solutions said, “Access to affordable and secure rice production is essential.

Traditionally this has meant relying on imports, but these

May-June 2022

findings show that with the right technology the UAE can produce rice right here in its own soil at a competitive price and using a sustainable amount of water.”

The average subsidized price for an imported tonne of rice in the UAE is approximately $ 817.

The country has imported more than 900,000 tonnes of rice over the past 12 months.

The trials targeted production of rice to be grown for $ 817 per tonne or cheaper across a sample farm in Dhaid, Sharjah.

The homegrown UAE business factored in all known rice production costs including labour, seeds, fertilizer and water. The latter resource is the most important dynamic given the scarcity of water in the UAE. The team deployed theT+ system, a revolutionary subsurface irrigation method developed by Terraplus Solutions, to reduce enormous amounts of water.

Before these trials, the first three weeks of rice germination from seed to a two-leaf plant

would have used around 200 litres of water per kilogram.

Instead, the result of using Terraplus Solutions’ T+ system provided a water saving of more than 99 percent to just 0.9 litres per kilogram of rice produced.

Stevens continued, “We are delighted to support the UAE in finding cheaper and more sustainable ways to produce food domestically. We welcome the opportunity to explore these findings further with the public and private sector. Through innovation and collaboration, the UAE can be a global leader of food production in desert climates.”

Terraplus Solutions is an award-winning agritech business that produces irrigation solutions for open air agriculture across the Middle East. For more information about Terraplus Solutions and the innovative T+ system.

For more information, visit www.terraplus.solutions

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

35

Underwater Farming

Using Siemens Xcelerator and a digital twin, the Nemo’s Garden team are able to test concepts without the need for physical testing, enabling rapid design iteration.

SIEMENS ENABLES UNDERWATER FARMING REVOLUTION WITH DIGITAL TWIN SOLUTIONS

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iemens Digital Industries Software announced that Nemo’s Garden, a startup focused on sustainable underwater cultivation of crops, has deployed Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of software and services to shorten its innovation cycles and move more rapidly towards industrialization and scale.

Nemo’s Garden was founded in 2021 by Sergio Gamberini, Nemo’s Garden is a startup focused on sustainable underwater-based cultivation of crops (Image credit: OceanReefGroup 2022)

36 Gulf Agriculture | www.gulfagriculture.com

President of Italian scuba diving equipment manufacturer, Ocean Reef Group, and his son, Luca Gamberini. Their team of engineers, divers and scientists have been working to prove the viability of cultivating herbs, fruit and vegetables underwater.

Nemo’s Garden’s key innovation, a sub-aqua biosphere, is a unique type of underwater greenhouse, able to harness the positive environmental factors

of the ocean – temperature stability, evaporative water generation, CO2 absorption, the abundance of oxygen and inherent protection from pests – to create an environment ideal for crop cultivation.

The team has not only successfully harvested a variety of crops from its prototype biospheres, but also discovered that plants grown in this environment are nutritionally

Siemens’ Industrial Edge Controller devices have been deployed to the prototype biospheres, enabling greater data capture, and edge computing to control the growing environment in the future. (Image credit: OceanReefGroup 2022)

May-June 2022

Underwater Farming richer than those grown traditionally. The next big hurdle in achieving their goal was to turn this prototype into a solution that could be deployed globally; however, they didn’t want to wait another 10 years to make that happen.

Harsh winters, short summers and initial seafloor-use permit limitations capped Nemo’s Garden to one growth cycle a year, which has meant only one innovation cycle per annum.

Design changes, lengthy physical testing and heavy manual monitoring processes during the growth cycle led the Nemo’s Garden team to seek out ways to speed up their innovation and scale the operation. The team reached out to TekSea’s Matteo Cavalleroni for insight on how to leverage cutting edge technologies to achieve their goals. After the initial consultation, Siemens was invited to join the project, leveraging the Xcelerator portfolio of software and its services to help Nemo’s Garden get to the next stage of development and get ready for industrialization/commoditization.

“When I first saw Siemens’ digital twin technology, I was mesmerized. Nemo’s Garden is a one-of-a-kind system and we need to adapt to each environment where it is to be installed. If you can model that environment virtually before you start, you can foresee the challenges and address them in the best way,” said Luca Gamberini, Co-Founder, Nemo’s Garden. “We have seen benefits in understanding the flow of water around the shapes of our biospheres. We have a greater understanding of the points of stress on the structure around the biospheres. We also understand how the different interactions of the solar radiation, the temperature and all the physical factors, act on

May-June 2022

the plants. All thanks to the ability of the digital twin to replicate our system.”

A comprehensive digital twin of the Nemo’s Garden biosphere has been built that encompasses not only its design evolution using Siemens’ NX™ software, but also enables simulation of the growing conditions within it, the impact of the equipment on the body of water, as well as the full environment in which they are installed – all accomplished using Siemens’ Simcenter™ STAR-CCM+™ software. The Nemo’s Garden team are no longer limited by weather conditions, seasonality

and short growing seasons or limitations on diving and monitoring. Adaptations to the biospheres can be tested in the virtual world, enabling the team to refine the design at a massively accelerated rate.

Monitoring at the edge In addition to engineering the physical biosphere, Nemo’s Garden also needed to optimize and scale the processes for growing, tracking, and harvesting the plants. To create a sustainable business that did not rely on sending trained divers to collect data, a fully digital, automated approach was created that drew on Siemens’

Interior of the elongated biodome concept in Simcenter STAR-CCM+, showing that the air is circulating well internally but will not cause any damage to plants

Interior of the elongated biodome concept in Simcenter STAR-CCM+, showing that the air is circulating well internally but will not cause any damage to plants

Underwater Farming extensive experience in leveraging software to automate traditional farming practices.

Existing video of the growing cycles along with reference data from traditional farming operations of the same target crops, at various growth stages and health conditions was analyzed using Siemens’ MindSphere® service. From this, Siemens was able to train a machine learning algorithm to monitor plant growth as well as the environmental conditions within the domes.

When this algorithm is deployed onto Siemens’ Industrial Edge computing devices in each biosphere, the plants can be monitored via a cloud-based dashboard throughout the season, from anywhere, in real time. Next season, these Industrial Edge devices will be connected to actuators – to automatically adjust air circulation, humidity, irrigation and nutritional dosing throughout the whole season. This will be the foundation of a global agricultural service, optimized for subsea operations and tuned for each of the world’s oceans.

Through true adoption of digital transformation, Nemo’s Garden has taken something that began as a light-hearted challenge over dinner with friends and are turning this unique concept into a

Simcenter Amesim CO2 and O2 dispenser testing

Simulation in Simcenter Star-CCM+ showing air velocities at probe locations at midheight of the crops.

commercially viable subsea farming platform that can sustainably be deployed globally.

While the newly designed biospheres will not be deployed until the next growing season, thanks to the comprehensive digital twin of the growing environment the team continues

Simcenter Star-CCM+ simulation showing how surrounding water flows around the elongated biosphere concept along with drag force encountered.

to push forward with plans to further optimize their designs and automate their processes for global deployment.

“Digitalization isn’t only for big companies, it is for all companies. In fact, great gains can often be realized in smaller or start-up companies. The work we do with startups can amplify the impact they have on the world, aiding in and speeding up innovation,” said Eryn Devola, Vice President of Sustainability, Siemens Digital Industries Software. “It is easy to get excited when you we find a passionate team with humancentered technology that is working to feed people while having a positive impact on the environment.”

For more information, visit www.nemosgarden.com

38 Gulf Agriculture | www.gulfagriculture.com

May-June 2022

SAFEGUARDING THE FOOD SAFETY AND PRODUCT QUALITY OF BABY LEAF VEGETABLES AT AN INDOOR VERTICAL FARM

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lthough it is home to 5.6 million people, the citystate of Singapore is located on a small island that covers merely 715 square kilometers (276 square miles).

As a consequence of crowding, it has been necessary to expand upwards, accommodating residents and businesses in high-rise buildings. Land is in such great demand in Singapore that only 1% is used for conventional farming, with local food production meeting less than 10% of residents' nutritional needs. But now agriculture, too, is reaching for the skies: investment is increasing in indoor vertical farming.

This trend is being encouraged by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), the authority with the mission of ensuring that the nation has a resilient supply of food safety and food security from farm-to-fork. The SFA calculates that multi-story LED vegetable farms can produce 10 to 15 times more Vegetables, per square meter, than conventional farms.

One leader in the shift to vertical farming is Sustenir Agriculture, which runs indoor farms in Malaysia and Hong Kong and will open another in Jakarta by early 2023. Sustenir describes itself as specializing in growing "superfoods for supercities, farming at the heart of demand in urban populations to minimize carbon footprint whilst maximizing positive impact in local communities."

Sustenir harvests crops daily all-year-round, selling them as 100% clean, with no need for washing before eating. The

May-June 2022

company's indoor farm uses no pesticides, generates 92% less carbon emissions than imported produce, and consumes 95% less water than conventional farming on arable land. The company recently decided to take care of food safety and product quality by investing in its first optical sorting machine from TOMRA Food.

Indoor farming challenges Sustenir's Singapore farm grows kale, curly kale, spinach, arugula (rocket), and lettuce. Even when grown in a precisely controlled indoor environment, these crops are vulnerable to a wide range of natural defects: chlorosis, black spot, crystallization, black rot, tip burn, light burn, discoloration, and purple leaf.

Another risk at indoor farms is foreign materials. Though it is true that indoor crops are grown in clean and dry conditions, even so, they face the threats of insect damage (from the tiny fungus gnat), foam, and fragments of plastic.

Sustenir initially removed defects and foreign materials manually, relying on the vision

Indoor Farming

and concentration of 20 people.

But human sorters are subjective, imperfect, and significantly less accurate when tired or bored. And because manual sorting is a relatively slow process (Sustenir found that each person could typically sort 24 kg per hour), it restricts throughput. An optical sorting machine, however, is accurate, consistent, and fast. What's more, optical sorters also reduce food waste by enhancing yields and recuperating some rejected product for sale at lower grades.

It was only logical, then, that Sustenir should transition from manual to mechanical sorting.

Logical, too, that the business should consider acquiring a machine from TOMRA Food, the industry leader which combines world-class expertise with locallevel customer support. And when Sustenir's senior managers witnessed a live online demonstration of a TOMRA machine sorting baby leaf vegetables, with results precisely quantified, their minds were made up: this was a musthave.

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

39

Agricultural Machinery

NEW HOLLAND EXTENDS VARIABLE CHAMBER BALER OFFERING WITH PREMIUM PRO-BELT BALER

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ew Holland Agriculture extends its variable chamber round baler offering with the new Pro-Belt Series. This premium round baler is a versatile, high-performance and durable baler that delivers excellent bale shape in all crops and conditions.

Simon Nichol, Head of Hay & Forage Product Management (Self-Propelled Windrower, Cutting & Crop Preparation, Variable Chamber Round & Small Square Baler and Bale Wagon), stated: “We developed the Pro-Belt Series to meet the specific needs of contractors and farmers who clock up a

40 Gulf Agriculture | www.gulfagriculture.com

high annual use of their balers.

Its dependability is a key success factor for them, as it performs equally well when the harvesting windows are anticipated or postponed. It stands out for its exceptional productivity in all crop conditions, delivering high bale density that helps maintain the nutritional properties of the freshly harvested crop. What’s more, this outstanding versatility and performance comes in a stylish, streamlined design.”

The Pro-Belt has been designed based on feedback New Holland collected through numerous customer test-

drives conducted across the world – from North America to Australia, New Zealand and Europe, collectively producing 150,000 bales.

Participants clearly expressed the performance characteristics they considered fundamental: crop versatility, capacity, and bale density and appearance. The new baler delivers on all counts with outstanding performance.

The new baler has been developed for reliability and durability, with a split gearbox for high mechanical efficiency and robustness and a streamlined design

May-June 2022

Agricultural Machinery with fewer, stronger components and moving parts. The heavy-duty 520 mm-diameter rotor in combination with the active drop floor provides constant feedback to the operator, enabling them to maximize productivity with high throughput and non-stop feeding. It performs equally well in silage and dry straw, producing consistently high bale density and perfectly formed, firm bales for easy handling and stacking. With a capacity up to 30 tons per hour and 140 kg/m3 in straw, the Pro-Belt will enable customers to bale their crop faster, finishing their field in less time with fewer bales.

May-June 2022

New Holland will preview the new Pro-Belt Series in demonstrations and local events in France, Italy and the UK during the first half of 2022, in preparation for the official launch to the

public in November at the SIMA show in Paris, France and Eima exhibition in Bologna, Italy.

For more information, visit www.newholland.com

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

41

Feed Solutions

NEW DOUBLE-ENCAPSULATION TECHNOLOGY SECURES PERFORMANCE OF BROILERS IN CHALLENGING CONDITIONS Author Dr. Stephanie Ladirat R&D Director at Nuqo Feed Additives

Gut Health: The new paradigm in food animal production With the continuous increase in the world population and the consequent demand for animal protein worldwide, the search for new strategies to optimize the efficiency of food production has become a major focus. With respect to agricultural animals, optimization of animal health is a key component of improving production efficiency. During the last decade, there has been new emphasis placed on the gut of the animal and in particular gastrointestinal health as gut health can influence animal development, health and susceptibility to disease, and nutrient metabolism. Optimal gut health is of vital importance to the performance of production animals.

Understanding the interactions between these diverse physiological features emphasizes the extent of areas encompassed by gut health and the ability to regulate

42 Gulf Agriculture | www.gulfagriculture.com

animal production (Kogut, 2016). Furthermore, public concerns about the industry’s dependency on the use of growth-promoting antibiotics (AGPs) have resulted in the ban of AGPs in several geographies, pushing nutritionist to look for new potential technologies to improve animal health and nutrient absorption. Thus, current research is focused on alternatives to antibiotics for sustainable food animal production. Various technologies have been evaluated, with different molecules and more or less advance release technologies.

A double-encapsulation technology for sequenced release of active ingredients Various types of feed additives have been evaluated, for their effect on gut health, such as phytogenics, organic acids, pre/ pro/post-biotics, …. These solutions have generally some positive effects on gut health as they can exhibit positive impact on microflora, immunity, gut integrity, … In the meantime, the form of these products can vary a lot, from simple powders or mixes, to more sophisticated formulations.

Some molecules may not require any kind of protection while others might be degraded before they even reach their target in the gut of animals. The variability in product forms and uncontrolled release then results in poor or inconsistent results or eventually higher dose and costs for producers. As a

Dr. Stephanie Ladirat

matter of fact, scientists need to work on new active molecules but also new technologies that guarantee the accurate and exact release in the animals.

Recently, a biotech company developed a new technology, based on an exclusive formulation and a new double encapsulation approach (NUQO). With expertise in micro-encapsulation technologies and also the right facilities and infrastructures to prototype, scale up and produce such solutions, the company worked on one advanced concept: This new approach relies on one exclusive and original formulation with, on one hand a combination of phytogenics and phycogenics (active molecules from plants and algae) with proven effect on digestibility and immunity, and on the other hand a core of organic acids, with proven stabilizing effects on gut microflora. Furthermore, the new product relies on a double encapsulation to enable, not just a slow release, but an accurate and precise controlled

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Feed Solutions released of ingredients in the gut health. Thanks to this double-encapsulation, active compounds are released specifically between the duodenum up to the colon, with fractionated or sequenced release of the different ingredients, so that every compound gets released on spot to enhance digestive functions and control gut microflora.

Maintain and support performance in ‘the real life’ This technology is designed to not only boost performance in standard conditions but also to secure performance in challenged conditions for monogastrics. Indeed, based on this exclusive formulation and double-encapsulation technology, this new concept is designed to address 3 main objectives: • Support digestive functions (digestion & absorption) • Trigger antioxidant effect and immune modulation • Ensure pathogen control (Clostridium, E.coli, Salmonella) Numerous field trials have proven and quantified the positive effects of this new technology on poultry performance and profitability in modern poultry meat production. Several trials, in Asia, Europe and North America, have showed a significant increase of performance. In some recent trials performed in Europe, it has been tested at 400 g/ton of feed in broilers. The technology triggered a better growth due to better intestinal health (BWG +3.8 %in average), a better feed conversion ratio (FCR -3.1 % in average), but also less enteric problems, better control of Gram+ and Gram- bacteria (coli

May-June 2022

bacteriosis, clostridium, salmonella etc.). Additionally, the product increased drymatter content of feces resulting in dry litter, and consequently in lower occurrence of footpad dermatosis, and finally a reduction of ammonia.

Prevent health challenges and ensure consistent performance This new technology is primarily designed as a tool for nutritionists to prevent the drop of performance in case of health challenges or adverse conditions. Indeed, various trials have shown how this double encapsulation technology could prevent performance decrease in case of challenge or lead to more consistent results over the time. It supports better growth and feed efficacy but also foremost a better health status of animals.

As an example, two trials performed in North America highlighted the effect of the new technology to better support performance and improve gut health during a coccidiosis challenge, in comparison with classic solutions such as phytogenics.

Despite different impacts of the Eimeria strains (E.acervulina, E.Maxima and E.tenella) on lesion scores between the two trials, a consistent efficacy of the technology was observed on growth, feed efficiency and lesion score. In both trials, the positive impact on lesion scores due to E.tenella was significant, indicating the direct consequences of the targeted release of the active ingredients along the gut.

Of course, such solution does not represent a ‘silver bullet’ but should be part of a

holistic approach to reduce risk of health challenges and its detrimental effect on performance and profitability of animals. As such, this doubleencapsulation technology, based on a unique formulation of phytogenics, phycogenics and organic acids, offers an opportunity to support gut health of animals and trigger more consistent performance, especially in adverse conditions, thanks to its unique ‘sequenced release’ of ingredients in the intestinal tract.

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

43

Feed Safety

THE IMPORTANCE OF FEED SAFETY FOR SAFE FOOD

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ver the last years, the feed sector started gaining the attention of the food sector regarding its role towards food safety.

Even though we are talking about two sectors (feed and food) with similar characteristics and complexity, there is one big difference regarding who is the end user of the output of each sector. For the feed sector, the end user is the food-producing animal which, on its turn, will be the main input for the food sector. On the other hand, the end user for the food sector is the “human”.

The quality and safety of feed for animals intended for human consumption will have a direct impact on the quality and safety of the food produced from these animals.

Given the anticipated growth of the world’s population to around 9 billion people by 2050, and the associated higher demand for animal proteins, it is vital that the feed industry, as well as the wider agricultural chain, can meet this challenge in a sustainable and safe way.

From a regulatory perspective, regulators over the last decade started to be more attentive to the feed hygiene requirements. In 2003, the Feed Hygiene Regulation – EC 183/2003 laying down requirements for feed hygiene – was introduced in Europe. The breakthrough of this regulation was that HACCP became a mandatory regulatory requirement for the feed sector.

Following the implementation of the Feed Hygiene Regulation, a number of sector specific

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schemes (deriving from different feed industry sectors) was developed with the view to support the feed industry in implementing this regulation.

Gradually, other regions like Australia, Canada, and U.S.A. started developing further their regulatory requirements for the feed sector.

Feed safety risks have changed as to their likelihood to happen, and a holistic approach regarding how to manage those risks is necessary. Given that the feed sector today is part of the global value chain, additional effort for the management of these feed safety risks is required. The implementation of a feed safety management system provides the necessary assurance that the associated feed safety risks will be managed properly. An example of a feed safety management scheme for the sector of Specialty Feed Ingredients can be found in the FAMI-QS Certification.

Recent scandals in the worldwide food and feed sector have highlighted the need to strengthen fraud prevention measures across the entire supply chain. Not only is this necessary to protect the health of consumers, but corporations and regulators both know that trust is the foundation upon which efficient, functioning markets are built. In addition, there is public concern that the food or feed sector is being used for intentional acts that could harm an individual or the public for ideological or financial purposes.

Emmanouil Geneiatakis, FAMI-QS Secretary General

Third-Party Certification (TPC) and particular feed schemes are becoming an important feature of the global feed chain. Nowadays, Feed Business Operators’ operational activities take place in a rather complex legal and business environment. Today we have moved from local sourcing to global sourcing. This affects the level of controls which are required. Although TPC is voluntary, it is an important requirement for a Feed Business Operator to gain market access and to communicate all aspects related to the safety of the feed ingredient, in a uniform language.

FAO defines the food chain approach as: “Recognition that the responsibility for the supply of food that is safe, healthy & nutritious is shared along the entire food chain – by all involved with production, processing, trade and consumption”.The same approach can also be applied to the feed chain.

TPC eg FAMI-QS could be seen as a mechanism for the development of feed safety culture, minimising risks entering the feed/food chain, enforcing feed safety regulatory requirements and supporting global fair trade.

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