H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment & Water, opens Agra Middle East, VET Middle East

More than 300 local and international exhibitors showcase latest agriculture, veterinary products and services

Dubai, UAE, 25 March 2014: His Excellency Dr. Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, has opened AGRA Middle East and VET Middle East today (25 March), the region’s specialist agribusiness and veterinary trade events.

Taking place until 27 March at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, AGRA Middle East is the region’s largest agriculture business exhibition, further reinforced by an impressive 26 per cent year-on-year growth in floor space.

The three-day event is hosting more than 250 agriculture, poultry, fishing, and horticulture businesses from 35 countries, and also features the Agribusiness Outlook Forum today, where experts discuss the latest developments in GCC food security, food preservation, and low cost sustainable farming.

The forum will also discuss the challenges related to agriculture and animal welfare in the Gulf region, as climate change, ground water scarcity, population growth and a higher standard of living contribute to the mounting food import bill across the region.

Other highlights at AGRA Middle East includes the Poultry Outlook Forum on Wednesday 26 March, which will offer valuable information on the latest advances in poultry research, science and technology, with a core focus on farm management, production, and nutrition.

While more than 5,000 visitors are expected to pass through the halls of AGRA Middle East over the next three days, its partner event, VET Middle East has also enjoyed remarkable success in 2014, having sold out of exhibition space months ahead of the opening today.

The fast-growing event for the burgeoning Mid East veterinary industry has witnessed a 71 per cent growth in visitors since 2010, and this year will bring together more than 50 international manufacturers and suppliers of veterinary products and services with a highly targeted regional audience.

Held alongside VET Middle East is the free-to-attend Veterinary Outlook Forum on Wednesday 26 March, where leading regional and international veterinary experts will discuss various topics including diagnostics, therapy, and treatment of domestic, farm and exotic animals.

Organised by Informa Exhibitions, AGRA Middle East and VET Middle East are held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water. AGRA Middle East is supported by the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water, and sponsored by platinum sponsor Al Dahra Agriculture, while official supporters of VET Middle East include Conference Sponsors Eithad Cargo and IFT Animal Health; and Lanyard Sponsor Agthia.

Opening hours for the two events are from 10:00am – 6:00pm daily.  For more information visit: www.agramiddleeast.com, or www.vetmiddleeast.com.