UAE Companies lead the way in providing Sustainable Agriculture Innovations

Abu Dhabi Farmer’s Services Centre, Al Ardh Agricultural Soil Conditioners, Globcom and Resysta strong contenders in AgraME Awards

Dubai, UAE, 11 March 2014: Four UAE-based agro-industry companies are in the lead for their sustainable agriculture innovations, as the shortlist for the 2014 AgraME Awards is announced.

From the Abu Dhabi Farmer’s Services Centre (ADFSC) to Al Ardh Al Khadra Agricultural Soil Conditioners and Globcom General Trading to Resysta Building Materials, the 2014 AgraME Awards finalists represent the diversity and resilience of the country’s sustainable agriculture industry. 

The award organisers have released the shortlist of 14 projects across six categories, with the winners to be announced at a gala ceremony on Tuesday 25 March at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.  The AgraME Awards are a major highlight of the AGRA Middle East exhibition which takes place from 25-27 March.

Globcom General Trading is a major contender of the AgraME Awards with three nominations in the Farm Innovation in Agriculture, Best New Poultry Product for the Gulf, and Best New Landscaping Product for the Gulf categories.  Its ecological irrigation system Poritex exudes water uniformly through a porous fabric tube resulting in water saving by up to 50 to 80 per cent compared to other irrigation systems.

ADFSC follows with dual nominations for their agriculture investment fund for Abu Dhabi farmers in the Farm Innovation in Agriculture and Farm Innovation in Poultry categories.  The agriculture investment fund is used for investments in hydroponics, a soilless farming method that reduces water consumption by up to 80 per cent and helps farmers learn sustainable and water efficient farming techniques to maximise the profitability of farms in the Emirate.
Other prominent shortlisted finalists for the AgraME Awards include Al Ardh Al Khadra Agricultural Soil Conditioners for its organic soil conditioners in the Best New Agriculture Product for the Gulf category, and Resysta Building Material in the Best New Landscaping Product for the Gulf category for their sustainable outdoor furniture that uses rice flakes as the main material.

Richard Pavitt, Exhibition Director for AGRA Middle East, said: “The shortlist reflects how strong and diverse our farming industry is in the UAE.  These companies share a commitment to protect and preserve the UAE’s resources while continuing to provide exclusive agricultural products for the country and across the region.

“These companies are changing the way food is grown and it seems the sky is the limit when it comes to projects to increase locally grown, sustainably produced food.  Many congratulations to those who have been selected and we’re all looking forward to celebrating their successes on the awards night.”

Held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, AGRA Middle East is sponsored by platinum sponsor Al Dahra Agriculture and supported by the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water.  The three-day event is co-located with VET Middle East, the leading event for the burgeoning veterinary industry in the region.

Categories for the AgraME Awards: 
1. Farm Innovation Award – Agriculture
2. Farm Innovation Award – Poultry
3. Best organic farm in the region
4. Best New Product for Gulf Market – Agriculture
5. Best New Product for Gulf Market – Poultry
6. Best New Product for Gulf Market - Landscaping