May-June 2020 edition of Gulf Agriculture magazine

ISSN 1751-8407 MAY

JUNE

2020

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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African Marigold Marvel IIâ„¢ Series

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Export Demands Increases Interest to Biopesticides

32 Greenhouse

Farming vs.

Vertical Farming

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Irrigating with Mobilize Increases Yield

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WANT TO REDUCE SPILLAGE OF UNTRIMMED LAYING HENS?

Contents Editor Megha Mary 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

20 Cover Photo Courtesy: Humintech GmbH, Germany

News

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Flower Seeds

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Peat

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Planter Bags

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Biopesticides

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Research

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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.

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 MediaŠ Intl. Ltd.(U.K.) 2020

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38 Greenhouse

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Farming Techniques

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Agriculture Machinery

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Irrigation 36

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Poultry

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Livestock

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News ADDED INTRODUCES 15 NEW ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES FOR SMALLSCALE AGRICULTURE PRODUCERS The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has introduced 15 new economic activities for small-scale producers in the agricultural sector in Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), bringing the total number of economic activities to 46 in this field.

The latest package of activities is aimed at small-scale producers who cultivate wheat, corn, barley, leguminous vegetables, oil seeds, vegetables, roots, tubers, melons, flowers, buds, palms, fruits, citrus fruits, nuts, and fruit seeds from which spices and

aromatic plants are extracted.

H.E. Rashed Abdul Karim Al Balooshi, Undersecretary of ADDED, emphasized that the launch of the new package of agricultural activities reflects the Abu Dhabi Government's commitment to support the agricultural boom witnessed by the UAE, that contributed to increasing the local production of various vegetables and fruits with more than 70 types of highquality agricultural produce.

H.E. Al Balooshi explained that the latest set of economic activities in the agricultural sector will contribute to strengthening Abu Dhabi’s efforts to introduce and adopt new high-yielding crops after ensuring their compatibility with the local environmental conditions. In line with this, around 27 citrus crops were recently produced, following

evaluation and approval. He highlighted that the move helps enhance the sector's contribution to the emirate's gross domestic product (GDP).

Abu Dhabi is home to the largest number of farms in the UAE. Against this backdrop, ADAFSA is taking necessary actions to prepare an annual agricultural plan to organize the work of the emirate’s farms, in line with the needs of the market and consumers. The Authority is keen to introduce and adopt new high-yielding crops after ensuring their compatibility with the local environmental conditions. These include figs, olives, papaya, pineapple, cranberries, raspberries and blackberries.

Around 27 citrus crops have been successfully produced so far, after thorough evaluation and approval by ADAFSA.

WORLD-LEADING COFFEE HARVESTING TECHNOLOGY COMES TO SOUTH EAST ASIA WITH CASE IH COFFEE EXPRESS

South East Asian coffee growers will soon have access to a new, worldleading coffee harvesting machine thanks to the launch of the Case IH Coffee Express® 200 Multi. The Coffee Express delivers the same levels of innovative product engineering, efficiency, service and support that for decades, grain, sugar and cotton growers around the world have come to expect from Case IH.

Coffee Express harvesters have been manufactured by Case IH for many years, and are well-proven in other markets around the world, such as in Central and South America. The machines are now available to coffee growers across South East Asia, an increasingly important coffee-growing region.

Potentially the Coffee Express will find a place in Vietnam and Indonesia, currently the region’s most significant coffee growing countries, as well as in Laos, Cambodia and the ‘Golden Triangle’ of north-west Thailand.

According to Case IH Asia, Middle East and Africa Product Marketing Manager, Michele Monzio, the brand’s coffee harvesting equipment employs

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the world’s best in bean harvesting technology.

“Our exclusive design executes high performance harvesting with the lowest damage to plants and less pulling off of leaves,” Monzio said.

“As well as the gentlest handling, this unique system provides greater versatility, allowing the producer to choose selective or full harvesting.

Equipped with a fuel-efficient engine and easy maintenance, Case IH harvesters benefit from reduced operating costs, increasing profitability for producers.”

With the Case IH Coffee Express 200 Multi, harvesting efficacy, while preserving the health of the plant, is second to none. Plant damage is minimised thanks to a pair of vertical rollers, revolving at up to 0.5 turns/ minute, which are fitted with nylon fingers to gently remove the coffee cherries.

May-June 2020

News WITH VALAGRO e-HUB, OVER 3,500 SOLUTIONS FOR CROP NEEDS ARE NOW JUST A CLICK AWAY Valagro, a leading company in the development and sale of biostimulants and other speciality nutrients, announces the opening of its solutions on e-Hub to registered users on the platform.

With just one click, customers, partners and farmers can access over 3,500 solutions, available in English and in the languages of 15 local markets, quickly and easily using the mobile app and the website ehub.valagro.com.

This reinforces Valagro's ability to support farmers' decisionmaking by providing them with an increasingly versatile and easy-to-use tool to help them obtain more abundant, better quality and more sustainably sourced harvests. The solutions, carefully tailored to each market, offer information on how Valagro products are applied in each phenological phase of many different crops.

The idea behind e-Hub is to make Valagro's know-how on biostimulants and plant nutrition available to distributors, farmers, and users in general.

On e-Hub, as well as solutions, you can find articles about agriculture written by Valagro experts, scientific publications in the Ag-articles section, a social section to share experiences in the field or ask for support, and a utilities section. What’s more, e-Hub is updated with new content every month.

With the launch of its crop solutions for registered users on the e-Hub platform, Valagro boosts its capacity to support farmers in their efforts to combine productivity and sustainability in the field.

May-June 2020

SICIT AND SYNGENTA STRENGHTEN THEIR COLLABORATION ON BIOSTIMULANTS TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE SICIT Group and Syngenta strengthened their collaboration to promote an

even more sustainable agriculture. The agreement provides for, on the one hand, a 15-year exclusive supply contract for ISABION and HICURE biostimulants and, on the other, for the further development of collagen-based biostimulants.

As natural and eco-compatible products that make it possible

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News to optimise the use of crop protection products and chemical fertilisers, the use of biostimulants in the agricultural sector is growing rapidly. The benefits of their use are many and range from increased tolerance to abiotic stresses to improved nutrient assimilation, thus leading to an increase in yield and crop quality, while favouring a more efficient use of water.

With a global presence of over 20 years, ISABION is one of the leading products in the biostimulants market and helps plants mitigate the impact of abiotic stresses like cold, heat and transplant shock. ISABION delivers consistent results as well as a high return on investment for vegetable, fruit and specialty crop growers in different geographies and growing conditions. ISABION also helps growers to minimize the impact of climate change, fulfilling increased demands of high quality yields.

BIOME MAKERS OPENS ITS ADVANCED SOIL HEALTH TECHNOLOGY TO RESEARCHERS, FARMERS AND AGRONOMISTS fields4ever is a global initiative for the conservation and monitoring of soil health, promoted by Biome Makers, biotech startup specialized in the identification and understanding of the microbiome via DNA and Intelligent Computing technologies. For the first time, Biome Makers is opening this advanced technology to the global research community, farmers and agronomists in order to support around 200 soil health action projects contributing to the scientific, technological or economical break through of agriculture in relation to the soil bioactivity and functionality.

The first action within fields4ever consists in the monitoring of up to 1M acres (0.4M ha) in the next 18 months, which will result in a detailed

insight into the soil health status.

Specifically, the initiative pursues the following goals: to unravel the soil health status of agriculture fields and to restore their health; to sequester 0.5M metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions; to reduce by 5M pounds the nutrients loss to the environment; and to save 1M metric tons from soil erosion.

As its first contribution to fields4ever, Biome Makers has contributed with 10,000 of these monitoring tools, valued at €4 million that will be granted via this open call to researchers, besides additional open calls and initiatives involving agricultural players worldwide.

“We are really delighted to promote fields4ever; it is the best way to support our researcher colleagues by giving them open technology for their soils project.

This will help them to provide important and specific data related to the soil analysed. The projects under fields4ever initiative will help to resolve our soil health

DENSO AND CERTHON ESTABLISH DENSO AGRITECH SOLUTIONS DENSO Corporation (DENSO) and Certhon Group (Certhon) announced they have established on May 29, 2020, DENSO AgriTech Solutions, Inc., (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo, President: Osamu Shimizu) a sales company focused on providing innovative horticulture solutions.

The joint venture will offer customers DENSO’s agricultural products, such as the Profarm T-cube, and Certhon’s world leading horticulture products and service.

Moreover, it will provide nextgeneration turn-key horticulture solutions, including agronomy consulting and after market-services tailored to customer needs. Supported by a business collaboration with Toyota Tsusho Corporation, DENSO

AgriTech Solutions will strengthen sales of greenhouse solutions in Japan and other Asian countries.

DENSO and Certhon formed a capital alliance in March 2020 with the objective of uniting DENSO’s automotive technology and Certhon’s horticulture technology to meet diverse demand of agricultural solutions globally. By establishing the sales company, DENSO and Certhon will build a sustainable agricultural business by providing the cuttingedge technologies to global growers.

Through global expansion of next-

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generation greenhouse technology, DENSO will contribute to sustainable agricultural production as well as aim to create the food value chain business providing new value for food-agro sector.

DENSO and Certhon will contribute to achieving the SDGs by helping resolve social issues through their business operations.

May-June 2020

News problem, to improve the worldwide food quality and to prevent the effects of climate change,� explains Alberto Acedo, co-founder of Biome Makers. fields4ever open call for researchers, farmers and agronomists grants free of charge services from the fields4ever partners. In this specific call, the research beneficiaries will access to BeCropŽ tests, an advanced soil microbiome testing technology developed by Biome Makers. Researchers will also receive digital data coming from soil samples including full microbial profiles (bacterial and fungal species) and functional soil data in the form of different agronomic indexes to support their research and help to achieve their goals.

May-June 2020

HOW VERTICAL FARMING DISRUPTS THE FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN The traditional supply chain for fresh produce is notoriously complex and opaque. In the US, about 35% of the produce on supermarket shelves is imported, with the rest coming from California and Florida. Currently, the average item travels about 2,000 miles to reach stores, taking up to two weeks to get there and passing through several middlemen along the way. Not only does this mean that produce in stores often loses quality and freshness, but it also risks contamination. Hundreds of people in the US have been hospitalised over the last few years following E. coli outbreaks

stemming from contaminated produce.

Vertical farming could help overcome these problems. It is a process where crops are grown indoors under carefully controlled environmental conditions, enabling growth for 365 days a year, with yields hundreds of times higher than traditional agriculture. By setting up vertical farms in and around major urban population centres, companies could significantly cut the distance travelled and time taken for produce to reach consumers, cutting out many of the middlemen in the supply chain, with local farmers directly supplying retailers or consumers.

However, growing produce indoors using artificial lighting and environmental controls is not

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News cheap and vertical farming companies charge a premium for their produce – Bowery Farming kale retails for $3.99 for 4.5 oz in New York City Whole Foods, about three times more per lb than Whole Foods Organic baby kale.

Could the potential for supply chain disruption help vertical farms reach price parity with conventional agriculture? Is this even the right approach, when vertical farms are growing a product clearly superior to conventional produce? “Vertical farming: 2020-2030”, a new report from market intelligence company IDTechEx, explores and compares the supply chains and economics

of conventional agriculture and vertical farming, evaluating whether vertical farming has a future and identifying the key factors that could lead to the success of the industry.

COBB-VANTRESS LAUNCHES NEW BIOSECURITY RESOURCE HUB Cobb-Vantress’ ability to achieve critical genetic progress relies on uncompromising biosecurity — a commitment Cobb has made for decades. Now, customers from around the globe can

better tap into Cobb’s biosecurity expertise through a new resource hub. Available at cobb-vantress.com/biosecurity, the hub includes a wide range of free resources, such as videos, posters and articles, all available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Italian, French, Turkish and Chinese.

This new biosecurity section was built to be simple and provide a great user experience.

“In the middle of a global health crisis, the importance of protecting our product and our team members is

FARMVEST SEALS MORINGA CONTRACT, EYES GLOBAL MARKET Farmvest Agricapital a SA based company with Operations in Zimbabwe and South Africa announced that they have sealed a 5-year offtake agreement contract for the production and processing of Moringa in Zimbabwe and South Africa with a Big regional exporter of Moringa. In addition to the off take agreement Farmvest has also sealed a deal to grow and process Moringa for a South African based manufacturer who is currently producing Moringa Powder, Capsules, Tea and are currently developing Moringa Pellets to be used as feed supplement for Livestock.

The Global Moringa Market is currently a $5.8 Billion Market growing at over 9% per year and it is estimated to be a $10 Billion market by 2025. The market is driven by several factors such as a growing need for nutritional supplements, improving health awareness among people and shifting focus towards organic medication and with current events happening in World like the rapid spread of COVID 19 has encouraged people to re-evaluate their lifestyles and diets.

The Moringa Tree also is known as the tree life is a good source of iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and riboflavin and has notable amounts

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of potassium, vitamin A, vitamin E, and magnesium. In fact, the leaves contain 2 times the Protein of Yoghurt, 3 times the Potassium of Bananas, 4 times the Calcium of Milk, 7 times the Vitamin C of Orange. It is also known to contain 92 Nutrients, 46 Antioxidants, 36 Anti-Inflammatories, 18 Amino Acids, 9 Essential Amino Acids.

That means moringa can contribute to strengthening your Immune System, Promote Healthy Circulation, Support Normal Glucose Levels, Natural Anti-Aging Benefits, Provides Anti-Inflammatory Support, Promotes Healthy Digestion, Promotes Heightened Mental Clarity, Boosts Energy Without Caffeine, Encourages Balanced Metabolism, Promotes Softer Skin, Provides Relief From Acne, Supports Normal Hormone Levels amongst a wide range of other things.

Moringa has the opportunity to transform communities all across the country. Farmvest will be working exclusively with small scale farmers and cooperatives. They will provide training and extension services to our Outgrower Farmers.

May-June 2020

News paramount, and we know our customers share this priority,” said Roger Vessell, senior director of global marketing at Cobb. “We created this hub on our global website to share our rigorous biosecurity program, guidelines and recommendations with our customers and provide them access to our top experts’ knowledge, regardless of where they are in the world.”

The hub features expert advice from poultry industry veterans on topics ranging from best practices on house hygiene to animal welfare.

The best practices included in this content have a long history of helping prevent the introduction of disease to

produce healthy, disease-free chickens in a safe and secure environment, while also helping to protect employees operating in the same facilities.

“Biosecurity is nothing new for Cobb, as it has been part of a core tenet of our business for decades,” said Dr. Aldo Rossi, vice president of research and development at Cobb. “From required disinfection of the interior and exterior of all Cobb trucks to mandatory showers for all personnel entering our farms and hatcheries, we have an extensive biosecurity program at Cobb. We’re excited to have a vehicle to better share these resources with customers and distributors

around the world.”

EU AGRI-FOOD EXPORTS TO GCC INCREASE AS COVID-19 ACCELERATES CONSUMER DEMAND FOR HEALTHY AND TRACEABLE FRESH PRODUCE When it comes to F&B exports to the GCC region, the COVID19 crisis has stressed the need for open trade, international safety standards and greater industry collaboration to address the challenges of a more sustainable global food system. This was the view of expert panelists gathered for the European Union’s webinar: “Beyond COVID-19: Rethinking

MSD ANIMAL HEALTH LAUNCHES NOBIVAC® MYXO-RHD PLUS VACCINE FOR PET RABBITS IN EUROPE MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA, introduced NOBIVAC® Myxo-RHD PLUS vaccine to reduce mortality and clinical signs of the three most common viral diseases in rabbits: myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) caused by both classic (RHDV1) and variant (RHDV2) strains.

Rabbits have become increasingly popular as a companion animal and are now the fourth most popular pet in Europe, after dogs, cats and birds.

Rabbits are meticulously clean animals and are easy to housetrain. Also, much like a dog, a pet rabbit can be taught to respond to his/her name, sit in your lap, and do simple tricks.

“MSD Animal Health is proud to introduce NOBIVAC Myxo-RHD PLUS, the first and only single injection vaccine to protect pet rabbits against the three most common, and often fatal, viral diseases affecting rabbits, as part of our ongoing commitment to innovation that improves the health and welfare of animals,” said Ingrid Deuzeman, Global

Lead Companion Animal Vaccines at MSD Animal Health. “With one vaccination, pet rabbits can now be protected against these diseases.”

Myxomatosis, a leading cause of death in rabbits, with up to 100% mortality, is caused by the myxoma virus and spread between rabbits by close contact and biting insects such as fleas and mosquitoes. The virus typically causes severe tumor-like swelling around the eyes, nose, mouth, ears and anogenital region, as well as immunosuppression leading to secondary bacterial infections that can cause severe respiratory disease.

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD), a highly infectious and widespread disease, is caused by either classical or variant strains of the RHD virus (RHDV1 or RHDV2 strains respectively).

The RHD virus causes an acute necrotising hepatitis and a widespread coagulopathy resulting in haemorrhages in

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many organs which can very rapidly lead to a high level of mortality in susceptible animals. The variant strain (RHDV2), which has spread throughout Europe since 2010 causing disease in both wild and pet rabbits, often results in a longer course of disease with a lower overall mortality; surviving and subclinical animals can potentially shed the virus for two months. Unlike RHDV1, very young rabbits (<6 weeks of age) are also susceptible to disease caused by RHDV2.

May-June 2020

News Food for the Future.”

Organised by the EU as part of its More Than Food communication campaign, the event was held recently and was attended by more than 150 F&B industry professionals from the GCC region.

Panelists included: Taina Sateri, Trade Counsellor at the Delegation of the European Union to the UAE; Miguel Angel Povedano, Chief Commercial Officer, Majid Al-Futtaim Retail; Monique Naval, Senior Analyst Euromonitor International; and Mohammed Nasser, Chief Executive Officer, NRTC Group. The session was moderated by Caterer Middle East editor Simon Ritchie.

Discussion focused on the impacts of COVID-19 on consumer demand and food related businesses across the GCC, as well as what the European Union is doing to ensure the region is supplied with high quality and safe agri-food products.

According to Euromonitor International, the GCC countries have fared well in terms of adequate food supply, helped in part by national food security measures put in place well before the crisis. However, the pandemic has accelerated the implementation of these measures to secure supply chains and saw immediate action centred around four main response nodes of business continuity, labour planning, logistics and communication.

European Union farm exports to the GCC during the height of the coronavirus pandemic have sufficiently met the needs of the region, growing 25% in the first quarter compared to Q1 2019.

May-June 2020

BÜHLER PARTNERS WITH BIG IDEA VENTURES TO ACCELERATE SUSTAINABLE PROTEIN REVOLUTION Bühler and Big Idea Ventures are joining forces to accelerate the success journey of promising start-ups creating great tasting alternatives to animal-derived

protein products.

Big Idea Ventures, the global venture capital fund focused on solving the world’s greatest challenges by supporting the world’s best entrepreneurs, recently launched the New Protein Fund. The Fund will invest in and accelerate up to 100 plant-based and cell-based companies globally.

Big Idea Ventures runs four accelerator programs annually in

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News New York and Singapore.

"We are glad to have Bühler join Tyson Ventures, Temasek and our other strategic investors in the Big Idea Ventures’ New Protein Fund. Together we can support the growth of the new generation of leading plant-based companies in North America, Asia and ultimately, the planet. Bühler and Big Idea Ventures will work together to build great companies responding to consumer demands for great tasting food that is good for them and good for the planet," says Andrew D. Ive, Founder of Big Idea Ventures.

Bühler is a family owned, 160-year-old company, supplying processing solutions globally and playing a critical role in global food value chains. "Providing safe,

nutritious, pleasurable and affordable food to a population of 10 billion people by 2050 and doing that within the planetary boundaries is a formidable challenge," explains Ian Roberts, CTO at Bühler Group. "There is an urgent need for wide-scale collaboration if we are to make an impact on the climate and nutrition challenges within the next decade. Academics, start-ups, and established companies need to come together to innovate and find more sustainable ways to produce food. This is why we are partnering with Big Idea Ventures: to accelerate the journey for promising start-ups, to reinforce partnerships and start-up ecosystems in Singapore and the US, and to do this with a clear

focus on creating a more sustainable food supply for the future."

FIRA 2020 GOES 100% VIRTUAL FOR 3 DAYS How to bring together agricultural robotics experts from all over the world, given the current context?

To achieve this, GOFAR, the association organizing FIRA, has decided to arrange a virtual version of its annual event, from 8 to 10 December, 2020. Through its recognized platform, FIRA will provide international participants with online live access to speakers, stand tours and interactions with exhibitors and other participants, and will thus become the social network for

STRUBE SIGNS A PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT TO DEVELOP INNOVATIVE AGRICULTURAL ROBOTICS SOLUTIONS

German breeder Strube D&S GmbH, European seed referent, Fraunhofer Development Center X-ray Technology EZRT and Naïo Technologies, leader in agricultural robotics solutions, announce a new partnership. Create a sustainable agriculture through innovation is the objective of this cutting-edge partnership.

Together, Strube, Fraunhofer EZRT and Naïo Technologies share the same goal: contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices aligned with the current societal, environmental and economical

expectations.

This is the next step for Strube in the announced company strategy called VisionBlue.

“Strube, as a responsible supplier of the sugar-beet value chain, has decided to develop progress not only in breeding but also in new methods of beet cultivation. We are convinced that precision farming and robotic will play an important role to face the challenges of tomorrow”, emphasizes Martin Reisige, managing director from Strube D&S. By signing this partnership with Strube, Naïo Technologies shares its expertise in agricultural robotization, serving a new crop, that of sugar beet. "Based on our respected experience gained on vegetable, we

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are delighted to use now our expertise for new type of cultures.

Our cooperation with Strube will result with a robotic mechanical weeding solution for their beets’ fields”, explains Aymeric Barthes, CEO of Naïo Technologies.

The long-term cooperation between Fraunhofer EZRT and Strube has led to a successful development of a wide variety of systems for sugar beet research.

"We are pleased to contribute our extensive competencies in the fields of cognitive sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to this important and future-oriented research field," explains Prof. Dr. Randolf Hanke, Divisional Director of Fraunhofer EZRT. This collaboration highlights a common desire to adapt to the new weeding methods. The first outputs of this partnership will be presented in upcoming months.

May-June 2020

News agricultural robotics.

This 3-day new format combines innovation and quality online experience for a sector that has a key role to play to address the current environmental, economic and social issues.

Since its first edition, robot manufacturers, agri food companies, agro businesses, producers, researchers, investors and solution providers from all over the world meet in Toulouse during FIRA, the International Forum of Agricultural Robotics.

For its 5th edition and considering the ongoing particular context, FIRA goes virtual, and aspires to gather more than 3.000 participants worldwide from December 8 to 10 (compared to 850 participants in 2019 for its live version). This virtualization will serve as a wonderful opportunity

May-June 2020

for the sector to increase its attractiveness and to offer all agricultural robotics professionals, wherever they are, the possibility to take part in this new deal of the agricultural world, while limiting its carbon footprint.

Conferences and round tables will be available live online and “on demand” as soon as they are completed, so as to allow participants, wherever they are in the world, to avoid time zones constraints.

As for the stands, they will be accessible and will offer the possibility to browse through the videos, brochures and photos of the exhibitors, and to chat with them using chat or video.

The 2nd edition of the RobAgri Scientific Workshop is also part of the program. It will be held in a dedicated room and will provide

presentations of technical and scientific research projects with view on the poster area of these projects.

VALOYA ANNOUNCES ITS SPECTRUM TECHNOLOGY LICENSING PROGRAM Valoya, the research driven LED grow light manufacturer has announced a licensing program making their patented technology available to LED manufacturers and horticultural LED fixture providers.

Valoya’s extensive patent portfolio in the field of horticultural LED lighting is a result of significant innovation and investments into R&D over the past 11 years. The patents are in the field of light spectra for plant

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News cultivation and lighting applications. At the moment, the portfolio consists over 100 patents, all of which can be reviewed at valoya.com/patents.

'We have always been curious about the possibilities of light and how its potential could be pushed further to make cultivation of crops we use for food or medicine production more efficient. When we started in 2009, LED meant

piercing purple light produced by red and blue chips. We were the first to apply wide spectrum LED light to plants in our experiments and to introduce wide spectrum light to the market. We are now in a business phase where we can extend this intellectual property and know-how to other companies wishing to produce premium quality horticultural LED luminaires through our licensing program'

comments Lars Aikala, the CEO and Co-Founder of Valoya.

The research and development at Valoya does not stop. ‘After having conducted over 600 plant trials on over 300 plant varieties / species, we have an understanding of plant response to light, unmatched by other LED companies in the market. The focus remains on advancing horticulture through developing

SMART ACRES VERTICAL FARMING COMPANY SET TO LAUNCH IN UAE THIS 2020 Expected to launch in the third quarter of 2020, Smart Acres will be the UAE’s latest addition to the hydroponic vertical farming industry, set to bring a green and efficient way of producing a new set of clean crops locally. Currently in the proof-of-concept stage, Smart Acres is located in Abu Dhabi on the Armed Forces Officers Club, with the aim to soon expand across the Emirate.

With the mission of improving food security within the United Arab Emirates and developing the country’s farming capabilities, Smart Acres will provide a solution to potential socioeconomic threats, such as pandemics, and climate limitations the Middle East currently endures. The vertical farming company developed by a team of experts, CEO Abdulla Al Kaabi, Director Sean Lee, and Lead Project Manager, Aphisith Phongsavanh, Smart Acres is set to be a one-of-a-kind

agriculture system which will produce some of the highest yields of crops within the UAE vertical farming industry, whilst introducing a new future for producing clean foods and allowing for both B2B and B2C sectors to locally source produce. In collaboration with n.thing, a South Korean vertical farming technology company, Smart Acres has been able to design farm modules using an award-winning IoTbased technology system to grow and monitor their produce, a system that not only consumes less resources but generates ultra-high quality crops.

With a vertical farming design that won their technology the CES 2020 Innovation Award, their IoT-based vertical farming method provides a solution to many common impediments within the agriculture industry such as water waste, depletion of nutrients in soil, infestation of insects, and more. The company is committed to generating an impressive grade-A set of crops through a unique growth process and strict in-house procedures.

These include the elimination of

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any pesticides or toxic solutions on the products, mandatory anti-contamination air showers for personnel prior to entering to prevent unwanted pathogens, and providing the UAE with the cleanest, safest, and most nutritious foods boasting of the highest quality.

Not only do the modules and technology produce high quality crops, but they are also able to with stand the extreme weather conditions of the region making it possible for year-round cultivation, harvesting crops 12-folds per year. The technology of the modules is also able to detect, track, and adjust the humidity and temperature of the environment in order to maintain the health and process of the crops.

Over the years, the UAE has seen a number of companies enter the vertical farming industry, however, through their proof-of-concept phase, Smart Acres has successfully dominated a system of cultivating and harvesting mature species of lettuce at industry-targeted weights.

The company is in the midst of producing a variety of lettuce and herbs such as Green Glace, Oakleaf, Lollo Rosso, and Shiso, with plans to eventually grow baby spinach, mature spinach, and baby arugula.

Smart Acres’ vision is to expand to meet the demand of popular produce in the region such as strawberries, with a shift and emphasis on cultivating potato seeds.

May-June 2020

News even better spectra and helping our customers grow. We are happy we get to share this expertise with other companies now’, comments Nemanja Rodic, Marketing Director of Valoya.

EVONIK BECOMES EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR OF PROPHORCE™ SR 130 IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

healthy animal growth without the use of antibiotics,” Mamabolo added.

The activities of butyric acid are well researched and go beyond simple manipulation of gut pH. Butyric acid has been shown to improve pathogen control, provide energy for cells lining the gut wall, enhance secretion of enzymes and improve intestinal cell

proliferation, differentiation, and maturation.

All of these attributes mean that ProPhorce™ SR 130 has great potential to assist animal producers in reducing the impact of enteric challenges; in maximizing utilization of the nutrients provided in feeds; and both improving animal welfare and reducing environmental impact.

Evonik has agreed with Swedish manufacturer, Perstorp, that it will be the exclusive distributor of ProPhorce™ SR 130 in Southern Africa.

ProPhorce™ SR 130 is a butyric acid product that is a safe, easy to handle and costefficient solution for in-feed application in livestock management. Butyric acid is a key ingredient for optimal digestion as it favours gut wall integrity which is important for performance.

The product complements the mode of action of Evonik’s probiotics and shows beneficial effects that can bring added value to customers when the products are used together.

“The partnership between Evonik and Perstorp started with the announcement of our R&D collaboration last year. This additional distribution agreement is part of our ongoing endeavours to offer our customers holistic solutions for gut health issues in animal nutrition,” said Cuthbert Mamabolo, Regional Business Director for Evonik Animal Nutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“We are seeing a growing demand in the Southern African markets for alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters which increase human resistance to antibiotic medication. Evonik, especially with this new collaboration, offers a great range of solutions that promote

May-June 2020

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

15

News EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN PRIVA AND ARANET TO INTENSIFY WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY IN HORTICULTURE Priva and Aranet have entered into an exclusive partnership to enable integrated wireless technology in greenhouses. The growing interest in data and with that, the growing demand for more and new sensors to generate data is the main driver of the collaboration between Aranet and Priva. This partnership will bridge the gap between wireless sensors platforms and other data sources in greenhouses.

The integration of Aranet sensors with Priva systems

enables growers to analyze all their greenhouse processes and to create new insights based on that data. Patrick Dankers, Product Manager at Priva says: “I am really happy to announce this partnership. Now we can help growers from all over the world take advantage of all the opportunities that wireless technology can offer today. In the current way of working, growers spend too much time organizing data and too little time analyzing data. With this cooperation, we can solve this issue. That means a grower can really start to benefit from wireless technology and focus on new insights to optimize the daily operation.”

This cooperation makes it possible to offer industry-leading

wireless monitoring systems for the horticultural market. Gints Antoms, Sales Director of Aranet IoT Solutions at SAF Tehnika JSC says: “We at Aranet are very excited about the partnership with Priva because of the tremendous synergy potential made possible by complementary know-how from the parties. We are confident that extensive wireless competence of Aranet in combination with Priva’s in-depth knowledge of horticultural customer needs will ultimately result in a best-in-class wireless sensor offering towards the horticultural market, now and in the future.”

With this partnership, Priva can offer a complete solution towards the market: integrated controls

BAYER TO PROVIDE CROP RELIEF TO TWO MILLION SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IMPACTED BY COVID-19

To assist smallholder farmers in Asia, Africa and Latin America who are facing additional challenges resulting from COVID-19, Bayer, as part of its societal engagement activities and through its new “Better Farms, Better Lives” initiative, is providing seeds and crop protection inputs as well as assistance with market access and support for health and safety needs.

“Better Farms, Better Lives” is in line with Bayer’s overall aspiration to help build a world where there is Health for All, Hunger for None. The initiative focuses on providing smallholder farmers with the assistance needed to

address the additional challenges they may be facing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The COVID pandemic has caused logistical issues for many farmers globally due to enforced lockdowns which has limited access to seeds, crop protection inputs and labor. As a result of disruptions to food supplies, consumers may ultimately see higher food prices, ironically at a time when many farmers are seeing reduced incomes due to disruptions in the supply chain and the subsequent lack of market access.

Bayer is committed to helping more than 100 million smallholders in lowand middle-income countries by 2030.

The immediate COVID-19 response through the “Better Farms, Better Lives” initiative complements on-going smallholder support which will aid in mid-term recovery as well as long-term resilience. Additionally, in collaboration with others and to ensure the greatest successful impact for smallholders,

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Bayer will work and expand its partnerships with governments, internationally recognized NGOs and local organizations; create a Smallholder Center of Excellence for sharing successes; provide accelerated access to digital farming tools to increase capabilities; scale up existing and new value chain partnerships and further expand value chain partnerships across Asia-Pacific countries.

Of the estimated, 550 million smallholder farmers worldwide, it’s estimated that 97 percent work on farms that are smaller than 10 hectares or 25 acres and produce more than 80 percent of the food in developing countries.

These farms are often family-run businesses that have a long history in the communities where they live.

For more information on Bayer’s “Better Lives, Better Farms” initiative and its commitment to smallholder farmers, visit www.bayer.com.

May-June 2020

MY Exhibiion Co., Ltd. Taipei : Tel 886-2-25875802 Fax 886-2-25982650 E-mail: info@taiwanagriweek.com

Kaohsiung: Tel 886-7-3418002 Fax 886-7-3413332 Oï¬&#x192;cial Website

News and a one-stop-shop. Priva and Aranet believe they can make environmental monitoring wireless, together.

PROTIX AND AGRIFIRM TAKE NEW STEPS TOWARDS A CIRCULAR FOOD SYSTEM Agrifirm and insect ingredient leader Protix have taken another step towards a circular food system. Following the

announcement of the collaboration in November 2018, parties now have started blending in insect lipids in chicken diets.

The collaboration with Protix results in the launch of various new formulas using insect based ingredients at Agrifirm. “Due to the unique and outstanding quality of the insect fat LipidX by Protix we have been able to identify various opportunities, for example in our poultry diets”,

according to Dick Hordijk, CEO of Agrifirm. “Functionally we expect several interesting propositions to be launched in the coming period but the potential to drive down the footprint of our feed production has already led us to include a substantial amount of LipidX in our poultry feed solutions. The biggest advantage that we see? This fat has a 50-70% lower carbon footprint that palm fat, the regular fat base. Besides that, it is produced using organic

URBAN FARMING PARTNERS SINGAPORE AWARDED FUNDING TO BUILD STATE-OF-THE-ART DUTCH TECHNOLOGY INDOOR FARM IN SINGAPORE Urban Farming Partners Singapore (UFPSG), a unique partnership between Singapore and the Netherlands, has been awarded funding support by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) under the Agriculture Productivity Fund (APF), enabling the urban farming initiative to take the next step towards strengthening Singapore’s food supply chain and paving the way to food security.

With Singapore’s ambition to produce enough food locally to meet 30% of the country's nutritional needs by 2030, the Republic's strategies towards achieving long-term food security is more urgent than ever. As a total solution provider for urban farms, integrating proven patented technologies and expert-backed worldwide operations, UFPSG’s vision is to contribute considerably to food security in Singapore, as well as Asia.

“We started our journey since 2017 when we presented our grand vision for food sustainability and food security in and around cities globally at the World City Summit in Singapore,” said Wouter Vos, director and founder of the Urban Farming Partners Holding in the Netherlands and he has since taken steps to actualize this vision together with Henk van Eijk, his fellow director.

This year, UFPSG will initiate construction of a $3m state-of-the-art indoor farm in Singapore, which will be partially funded by SFA. It will be located inside the premises of HSL Waterfront@Penjuru at 42D Penjuru Road in Singapore, where all types of lettuce, baby leaves, herbs as well as other crops like spring onion and fennel will be produced in a fully-controlled indoor growing environment. This indoor urban farm is a first in Singapore that utilises Dutch technology. “’Local for Local’ and ‘The Circular Economy’ are no longer just buzz words. The COVID-19 pandemic makes it even more apparent that we need to restructure our critical systems globally more than ever. It is time to make a notable difference with our way of life with food,” said Grace Lim, UFPSG’s Director and project representative in Singapore.

This farm can potentially produce 33 Tonnes of healthy and fresh, ready-toeat produce for the Singapore market.

Circular processes like the harvest of

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rainwater and solar power are examples of sustainable proven technologies that will be included in the overall design of the urban farm.

“We are glad to see strategic collaborations between our local agrifood industry and their overseas counterparts, as this results in the transfer of innovative and productive technology to Singapore,” said Mr Melvin Chow, Senior Director of SFA’s Food Supply Resilience Division.

“Harnessing technology to grow more within our constraints will need to be the new norm for our agri-food industry as we strive towards ’30 by 30’. We will continue to support farms that are keen to develop technological capabilities.”

May-June 2020

News residual streams of the food sector, making it a prime example of a high value circular raw material”.

These kind of steps are the hardest for us as we deal with both the technical aspects and the concepts towards our customers.

However, we see an increase in demand for circular solutions and we decided now is the time to step in. The consumers of the future demand us to go beyond the obvious and therefore we need to take daring steps. That’s why we have started to blend in this great and exciting new product”.

Today’s unprecedented times painfully reveal the urgency to restore the balance with nature.

Sustainable ingredients play an important role in this.

“Sustainability is no longer a buzzword and no business or government can afford to sit and

May-June 2020

wait”, according to Kees Aarts, founder and CEO of Protix. “At Protix we were born from sustainability and after 10 years we see bold actions like these popping up everywhere. We believe the step made by Agrifirm is a great sign for the industry but also a very smart step forwards.

Sustainability ís the economy and our road to zero-footprint foods will enable us to shift towards a bright future again. The planet is in a hurry and steps like these will answer to that.”

MUNTERS TURNS 65 On its 65th birthday, Munters is more relevant than ever and in a unique positioned to tackle today’s global challenges. When Carl Munters founded his company in 1955, he brought with him innovative solutions for

creating the best indoor air for people and industries. Today, his air treatment solutions are more critical than ever.

One area where Munters’ products can play an important part is to reduce the world’s energy consumption.

“There are many industries where we see the potential to achieve a lot with our technology,” says Klas Forsström, President and CEO of Munters. “For example, the world’s food production must increase and become more efficient in the future as the population grows.

Otherwise, there is a risk of food shortages and that emissions from production become too large. With our products and solutions, farmers use much less energy and animals live in better conditions which minimizes the use of antibiotics.”

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

19

Flower Seeds

AFRICAN MARIGOLD

MARVEL IIâ&#x201E;˘

SERIES T

his new intermediate-type African marigold offers improved branching, earliness, flower size and a brighter flower colour. The series is uniform under both short and long days. Sturdy stems hold up in shipping and poor weather.

Marvel II is an improvement compared to the previous Marvel series because it flowers a week faster under long days. Its tighter flower structure is also an improvement over the old Marvel and the competitor series.

Marigolds are pretty, low maintenance and can help protect other garden plants from pests.

They do best in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. In very warm regions, the plants need some shade during the hottest times of the day, plus moisture monitoring to prevent wilt. They perform equally well in landscape beds, garden borders and containers, and they make a great mixed combo component or garden cut flower for fresh arrangements. Once established, they will bloom all Summer and make a great Fall annual, bringing colour to the garden late into the season, plus they fill in landscaping gaps or borders quickly.

Best grown in 4-in./10-cm to 6-in./15-cm containers, these bright annuals make a striking impression in landscape plantings, providing height and attention-grabbing colour. They are often used in commercial and municipal landscape design providing fast growing effective colour for high contrast with minimal investment. They should be spaced at 20 to

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25 cm/8 to 10 in., and will flower more quickly when the daylength is 12 hours or shorter. When grown at daylength longer than 12 hours, it will take an additional 10 to 14 days to flower. These bright mass planting staples are the perfect solution when a low mounding, easy-care colour explosion is required.

Marvel is the taller African Marigold series of PanAmerican Seed and it is ~ 20% taller than Taishan. Marvel is an excellent choice for landscapers looking for a taller marigold series. The series consists of three colours: Yellow, Gold, and Orange, and a formula mix of the three.

For detailed culture information, refer to the African Marigold Grower Facts at panamseed.com

May-June 2020

Flower Seeds

Marvel II Gold

Marvel II Yellow

May-June 2020

Marvel II Mixture

Marvel II Orange

Marvel II Gold

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

21

Peat

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. has 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.

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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

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Peat

distribution, moisture 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

May-June 2020

your mix for a specific rate of CRF 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

23

Planter Bags

WANGARA HORTICULTURAL SUPPLIES “NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH”

W

HS Australia is debuting its World Wide Launch in the Gulf Countries with a product specifically designed with the MENA region’s climate in mind.

Introducing the Innovative and Patented Desert Bag™. This new product is exclusively available through WHS Australia and is the product of engineering and manufacturing advances that allow for a Grow Bag that is produced specifically for the Middle East growers and tree farms.

This new and exciting product will allow growers to keep their trees in Grow Bags for a longer period of time.

It will also allow for safer transportation of trees and inspection of the root ball at all stages of the plants life. The design includes: Sun protected handles that are wrapped in a fabric that will break down over time, but will keep the integrity of the handle intact.

An extra band at the top diameter ensure the handles do not come away from the Grow Bag. A double layer material around the entire bag ensures that Sun Damage is limited to the outer layer,

while leaving the structure of the bag untouched.

A new perimeter belt ensures the bag stands up solidly and supports the root ball.

One model of the Desert Bag™ includes a side opening that allows for inspection of the root ball, easy removal of the tree from the Grow Bag as well as

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the opportunity to Re-Use the Grow Bag. The company has announced that existing customers will be receiving sample Desert Bags™ in the next few weeks to begin growing Better Trees and Bigger Profits. There is also an opportunity to register your interest for a sample by sending your details to info@whsaustralia.com.au

May-June 2020

Cold Storage

COMMITTED TO PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED REFRIGERATION SYSTEM SOLUTIONS

N

ingxia Wishlong Refrigeration Technology Co., Ltd. is a refrigeration system integration service provider specializing in consulting, planning, design, installation and maintenance of various large and medium-sized cold storage, freezing, and preservation projects in China.

The company is a national high-tech enterprise with 26 national utility model patents and one software copyright; listed to establish the Cold Chain Branch of the China Communications Logistics Planning and Design Institute; it has been rated as China's excellent cold chain product by the Cold Chain Committee of the China Federation of Logistics and

May-June 2020

Purchasing Application case "Golden Chain Award"; awarded "Excellent Cold Chain Logistics Technology Service Provider", "High Quality, Good Quality, and Excellent Price' Three Excellent' Cold Chain Technology Service Provider" by China Cold Chain Logistics Alliance; awarded by China Food Industry. The association and the food logistics professional committee were rated as "excellent cold chain equipment enterprises in the entire food industry chain"; "Best User Word of Mouth Award"

by China Cold Chain Industry Integrity and Mutual Aid Alliance; "Best Application Promotion Award" by German Bitzer Equal title. Since 2006, it

has signed strategic cooperation agreements with internationally renowned refrigeration brands such as Bitzer, Danfoss, Siemens, and GEA. Focusing on refrigeration for 20 years, Wishlong Refrigeration Technology Co., Ltd. is committed to providing users with customized refrigeration system solutions such as consulting planning, project design and construction, operation management, and cold chain temperature monitoring.

The company provides personalized refrigeration system solutions for enterprises in the logistics field, agricultural field, biological products field and commercial field.

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

25

Biopesticides

POTATO PRODUCTION IN EGYPT: EXPORT DEMANDS INCREASES

INTEREST TO BIO PESTICIDES

A

griculture is not the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear about Egypt.

Meanwhile, Egyptian agriculture represents about 12% of GDP, valued around $250 billion, which includes various fields and cash

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crops. Being mostly a plain lifeless desert, Egypt is currently the biggest supplier of potatoes to the EU! Surprisingly, all these results have been achieved with low inputs usage - the average annual consumption of pesticides there much

lower than the international average! So, how do they do this?

The GROPRO team wants to break the stereotypes and show the results of our investigation concerning the potential of Egyptian agriculture. Our company

May-June 2020

Biopesticides made an exciting trip to Egypt in March 2020. Now we would like to share some insights to prove that Egypt is a highpotential agri sector.

Egypt, mostly a desert, has put together an effective agricultural production, especially in the specialty crops segments. The agricultural region in Egypt was confined to the Nile Valley and Nile Delta, with a few oases and some arable land in Sinai.

Egypt’s entire crop area is irrigated, except for some rain-fed areas on the Mediterranean coast. Due to the poor quality of Nile water crop protection on the irrigated areas is the most important condition of future harvest quality (and quantity!).

Most Egyptian farmers/ landholdings are not big, with the average size of the farm is about 1 ha. The total area farmed annually is about 4,83 million ha. The government is working to implement a major investment plan to increase agriculture areas by adding 1.2 million ha through reclamations in the south.

Over the past four decades, the area of 370,000 ha of newly reclaimed land has been added to Egypt’s agricultural base.

Egypt is turning deserts into agricultural lands using drip irrigation and new agri technologies. Annual production of fruits and vegetables in Egypt was about 35 million tons in 2018 (FAO). Among vegetables, tomato, onions, and potatoes are the leaders in production. Egypt is a major exporter of ware potatoes.

In 2018, Egypt exported over 759,200 tonnes of ware potatoes and became the 5th largest exporter, supplying potatoes primarily to Russia

May-June 2020

and the EU. In 2019 Egypt took 5% of the global potato export market, Egyptian potato exports were 259.6 million USD in 2019. Egyptian potatoes are well-known for their good quality because Egyptian potatoes grown in clay or sandy soil. Also the Egyptian potatoes are liked by customers for its ability to long shelf life due to the appropriate level of solidity and sugar. Egyptian potatoes exporting season: starts from middle of January till the end of May. Taking into account huge exports of Egyptian crops to the EU, the quality of Egyptian potato becomes the main question; the European market has very strong regulation about the usage of chemicals for food products.

Despite rapidly growing interest, biopesticides currently are not widely used in Egypt. We hope, this will change soon and Egypt will be able to use more biopesticides to produce high-quality crops.

Currently, vegetable producers and exporters are the driving force of the Egyptian market for bio crop protection products.

Talking about main issues for crop protection, we have learned that the main problems in Egypt are the following: mite, soft body insects, nematodes, whitefly, grey mold (grapes, strawberry), powdery mildew, etc. We are excited to see how GROPRO products will work for solving these issues in the Egyptian environment, and we are ready to provide wide educational support to local distributors and producers.

So, the list of the most suitable products of GROPRO products for Egyptian potato producers:

• Vigilance Nematicide, which protects roots but also adds no stress to the whole plant. Trials show that potato plants treated with Vigilance are visibly healthier above the ground and have no evidence of stress after treatments. Also, it is proven effective in multiple nematodes species and safe on beneficial microbes. This product is a fumigation replacement option.

• Reckoning - it is a control and preventive material that is highly effective for control of fusarium, bacterial rot, and many other bacteria-based diseases that affect potatoes.

Reckoning has a zero PHI and is MRL exempt allowing for control and safety ensuring a clean superior potato harvest.

• Wrath was built to control all soft body insects. Wrath has a high efficacy on leafhopper, aphids, psyllids, and whitefly.

As with all GROPRO control materials Wrath is MRL exempt and has a zero PHI. This allows our potato growers the opportunity to spray when they need not before. Wrath works on eggs, nymphs, and adults providing a total life cycle control.

Egypt is constantly increasing areas of potatoes production and extending export positions. To be competitive in the global market Egyptian exporters/ farmers should have access to the modern technologies and best inputs. Especially in bio/natural farming. We believe that bio crop protection products will help to develop the Egyptian potato industry to improve the effectiveness of crop production by better quality and higher yields.

For more information, visit www.groproag.com

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

27

Research

GLOBAL RESEARCH AWARD BOOSTS OMNIA’S AGRICULTURE OFFERING

A

global partnership between Omnia Group (Omnia), the University of Edinburgh and the African Centre for Gene Technologies (ACGT) has won a prestigious global research grant. The collaboration aims to boost agriculture productivity in SubSaharan Africa, delivering profits for farmers and driving sustainable agriculture development. ‘’Within a context of high levels of food insecurity, investment into research and development that delivers innovative solutions, is more important than ever before”

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said Seelan Gobalsamy, CEO at Omnia. “The grant is a huge compliment for our business and affirms our competency within the field of agriculture as well as our commitment to relevant adaptions, all aimed at better serving the interest of our customers, country and the global supply of food”.

It’s estimated that by 2050, the planet will have 3 billion more people to feed than it had in 2010, with the same amount of arable land. Doing so will require constant innovation in agricultural products.

The project that won the

award is titled “Novel plantgrowth-promoting rhizobacteria for improved cultivation and nutrition of maize crops”. It aims to improve understanding of biological farming products, which support the symbiotic relationships between plants and the microorganisms within the root zone.

“Omnia’s programmes sustainably enhance the productivity of farmland through new technologies,” said Omnia R&D manager Johan Huyser. “Collaborating with international universities like the University of

May-June 2020

Research

Johannesburg (UJ) and The University of Edinburgh (EU) gives us access to sophisticated, world-leading laboratories and knowledge in specialised fields like metabolomics.”

The award is funded from the Department for International Development (DFID) as well as the Global Challenges Research Fund and is delivered by Innovate UK. The research project is designed to provide an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of plant responses to modern microbial and biological products, for improved cultivation and nutritional values of crops. The research relies on a collaboration with South African company, Omnia and will be based on high throughput metabolomics conducted at UJ and the EdinOmnics platform at UE, as well as in field trials with Omnia’s Agronomists.

“Winning this grant will help us to further understand how microbial products work in interactions with

May-June 2020

plants,” said Research Scientist and Omnia Chair in metabolomics at the University of Johannesburg.

“That knowledge will guide the development of precision agricultural programmes and improve farming practices across Africa, and the world. A better, scientifically based understanding will help us determine the ideal applications of these microbial products for optimal drought resistance, nutrient uptakes, improved nutritional values and higher yields.”

The partnership is a reciprocal relationship which allows Omnia to develop commercial biological products to enhance yields without harming the environment, while the universities will get to carry out impactoriented research, provide industry-relevant training and produce students who can be assets to the agricultural sector.

“Microbials are complex living organisms and they have to be applied at a specific time and at a specific rate to be effective,” said Huyser, OmniBio™ Manager at Omnia Fertilizer.

“Understanding their impact on plant metabolism allows us to design programmes that ensure precise, consistent results, making farming more profitable and mitigating the risks of stress events. More knowledge enables a defined, targeted and holistic approach to farming. The better informed we are, the better equipped we are to make decisions that affect the entire food value chain.”

Huyser adds, “Our biological solutions are based on academically supported, peer-reviewed scientific principles, to

ensure that farmers can trust them. This grant enables us to gain a deeper understanding of how our products deliver benefit.

Winning the grant is an investment in the South African knowledge economy and will ensure that the insights it produces will be used in Africa and globally to enrich our farming industry.

“Our aim is that after harvesting, the soil should be in a better condition than before. Grants like this provide better knowledge, for better programmes and better productivity while protecting the environment for a better world,” Huyser adds.

Because of climate change and the changing demands being placed on agriculture, cutting-edge precision products and agriculture programmes are becoming indispensable to help farmers deal with issues like drought, extreme temperatures, declining soil fertility and salt stress.

Omnia constantly invests in the development of sustainable new solutions and technologies. The grant will help understand the underlying mechanisms of how biological products work and will help the company speed up and scale the process.

“This initiative aligns with our priority Sustainable Development Goals of Zero Hunger (SDG2), Industry Innovation (SDG9) and Partnerships (SDG17). As a Group we are focused on supporting and driving initiatives which will enable us to realise our vision of a better world ” concluded Group CEO, Gobalsamy.

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

29

Greenhouse

MONITORING AN IMPORTANT GREENHOUSE GAS

S

cientists at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands have employed Vaisala carbon dioxide sensors in their research greenhouses for over a decade. Carbon dioxide is an extremely important measurement parameter in plant science, not just because plants need carbon dioxide to grow, but also because environmental emissions contribute to climate change, so enormous threats and opportunities surround this gas. As a world renowned research organisation, the value of the institute’s work is partly dependent on the accuracy and reliability of sensors, so it is important that its researchers do not compromise on sensor quality.

Wageningen has been one of the driving forces in research and technology development for greenhouse horticulture in the Netherlands. The institute’s expertise in the greenhouse cultivation of ornamental, fruitand vegetable crops is unique, and together with growers and technology partners, it has developed new

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cultivation systems, climate control systems, revolutionary greenhouse cover materials and other innovations. The application of these new technologies has made greenhouse horticulture in the Netherlands a world leader.

The Plant Research Institute operates over 100 greenhouse compartments at its Bleiswijk site, which means that researchers are able to generate a wide variety of environmental conditions.

Typical environmental variables include light, water, growing medium, nutrients, (biological) pest/disease control, temperature, humidity and of course carbon dioxide (CO2); all of which have significant effects on crop yields.

The Dutch horticultural sector aims to be climate-neutral by 2040. The Wageningen researchers have therefore recently built a new demonstration greenhouse ‘Greenhouse 2030’ for the cultivation of vegetables, fruit and flowers in an effort to find ways to reduce CO2 emissions as well eliminating the need for crop protection chemicals and

optimizing the use of water and nutrients. Pests and diseases are preferably tackled biologically, and the energyefficient greenhouse reuses water and nutrients as much as possible; leading to cleaner cultivation and improved yields.

Carbon Dioxide in Greenhouses Carbon dioxide is a by-product of many processes in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries, but it is also required by plants to grow through photosynthesis, so Dutch greenhouse operators have collaborated with the country’s industrial sector to utilise this by product and there by contribute in the fight against climate change by lowering the country’s net CO2 emissions.

Globally, many greenhouse operators burn natural gas to generate CO2, but this also generates heat that may not be needed in the summer months, so the utilisation of an industrial by product is significantly preferable.

Carbon dioxide was first delivered to Dutch greenhouses in 2005 via a pipe

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Greenhouse

network established by the company Organic Carbon Dioxide for Assimilation of Plants (OCAP). Commercial greenhouse operators pay for this CO2 supply, which is largely derived from a bio ethanol plant. A key feature of the Institute’s research is work to optimise the utilisation of CO2, along with other plant growth variables. For example, the Institute has developed a simulation tool for CO2 dosing: the “CO2-viewer.” This programme monitors and displays the effects of a grower’s dosing strategy. For instance, it enables the evaluation of CO2 dosing around midday compared with dosing in the morning. The computational results of such an evaluation take all relevant greenhouse building characteristics and climate control settings into account.

Monitoring Carbon Dioxide After around 10 years of operation, the institute isreplacing around 150 of the older model probes with a newer model. The calibration of all probes is checked prior to

May-June 2020

the commencement of every project, utilizing certified reference gases. It is important that calibration data is traceable, so each probe’s calibration certificate is retained and subsequent calibration checks are documented. A portable CO2 monitor (a Vaisala GM70) with a GMP252 CO2 probe are also used as a validation tool to check installed probes, even though further calibration is not necessary.

Currently, the Institute’s installed probes provide 4-20 mA signals which feed into ‘climate computers’ that are programmed to manage the greenhouses automatically. This system also raises alarms if CO2 levels approach dangerous levels for any reason.

CO2 Sensor Technology Carbon dioxide absorbs light in the infrared (IR) region at a wavelength of 4.26 μm. This means that when IR radiation is passed through a gas containing CO2, part of the radiation is absorbed, and this absorbance can be measured. The Vaisala CARBOCAP® carbon dioxide sensor features an innovative

micro-machined, electrically tunable Fabry-Perot Interferometer (FPI) filter. In addition to measuring CO2 absorption, the FPI filter enables a reference measurement at a wavelength where no absorption occurs. When taking the reference measurement, the FPI filter is electrically adjusted to switch the bypass band from the absorption wavelength to a nonabsorption wavelength. This reference measurement compensates for any potential changes in the light source intensity, as well as for contamination or dirt accumulation in the optical path. Consequently, the CARBOCAP® sensor is highly stable over time, and by incorporating both measurements in one sensor, this compact technology can be incorporated into small probes, modules, and transmitters.

The CARBOCAP® technology means that the researchers don’t have to worry about calibration drift or sensor failure.

Carbon Dioxide Plant Science Research Two projects are currently underway evaluating the effects of different CO2 levels on plant production. One is studying soft fruit and the other tomatoes; however with CO2 playing such an important role in both plant growth and climate change, the value of accurate measurements of this gas continues to grow. Most of the greenhouses are now connected to the institute’s Ethernet and a wide variety of new sensors are continually being added to the monitoring network; providing an opportunity to utilise new ‘smart’ sensors.

For more information, visit www.vaisala.com

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

31

Farming Techniques

GREENHOUSE FARMING VS. VERTICAL FARMING: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

W

hen you make the decision to start farming indoors, you’ll have to consider if you want to start a greenhouse or vertical farm. Each of these farming techniques are unique and beneficial in their own ways.

Choosing either one will depend on your specific farming needs.

In this article we’re going to cover greenhouse farming vs. vertical farming and their differences to help you decide which method is best for you.

What is Greenhouse Farming?

Greenhouse farming is done indoors in a well-suited environment with access to direct sunlight. With this method, you will grow your crops, vegetables, or fruits in a horizontal line, so they can have equal sunlight exposure.

Greenhouses require quite a bit of space and are mainly found in suburban and rural areas. They provide farmers with a controlled environment and help them pull more yields all-year round compared to traditional farming methods.

What is Vertical Farming?

Vertical farming is also done indoors in a controlled environment. This system relies on artificial light and a vertical

32 Gulf Agriculture | www.gulfagriculture.com

layering system for the plants.

Because of its vertical layers, these systems can be implemented in dense urban areas and cities since they don’t require a lot of space. These systems tend to cost more to operate; however, they produce greater yields per square meter.

Vertical farming systems also allow for year-round growths and high yields.

Greenhouse Farming Vs. Vertical Farming Factors to Consider

Both of these farming methods are done indoors. But there are some main differences that will help you decide which technique is best for you and your business.

Lighting: Do you want to rely on artificial light or natural sunlight to grow your plants?

Either of these options are optimal for plant growth. But, if you don’t have the means to afford an artificial lighting system, then you may be more inclined to go with natural sunlight. For this reason, greenhouse farming systems would be more down your alley.

Space: Do you have a spacious place where you can place your indoor farm? Or do you live in the city and you don’t have a lot of room to grow your crops? Greenhouse farms require lots of room since the plants are in a horizontal position. If you don’t have acres of land, then this option isn’t the best for you. It’s better to go with a vertical farming system since they can be located in cities and don’t require much room.

Both of these systems allow you to produce yields all-year round and are highly efficient and innovative. You will be more in control of the environment in which the plants grow in.

However, if you need a costeffective solution and you have the needed space, it makes sense to go for a greenhouse farm. If you’re in a city and can afford the artificial lights for the vertical system, then it’s better to go with a vertical farming system as this is an innovative approach to farming within dense populations.

For more information, visit www.nickgreens.com

May-June 2020

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Agriculture Machinery

VALTRA AND ELISA INTRODUCE REMOTECONTROLLED TRACTOR MAJOR STEP TOWARDS AUTONOMOUS DRIVING

V

altra and Elisa have joined forces to innovate a 5G solution which enables the remote operation of a tractor with the 5G network and a 360 camera. The solution is the first of its kind in the world.

In March, Valtra and Elisa unveiled a remote-controlled tractor, utilising new-generation

34 Gulf Agriculture | www.gulfagriculture.com

5G network technology. The collaboration was featured at the opening event of the Elisa 5G Showroom. The prototype solution enables the real-time, safe control and operation of a tractor hundreds of kilometres away. “Radio-controlled tractors have been in use for years, but it’s always meant staying within sight of the

machine. 5G revolutionises this, as now a tractor can be driven remotely from anywhere,” says Mikko Lehikoinen, Vice President, Sales and Marketing Valtra.

“Elisa is a forerunner in 5G technology, both in Finland and internationally. The remote-controlled tractor that’s been developed together with Valtra and

May-June 2020

Agriculture Machinery introduced at Elisa 5G Showroom has generated a lot of interest. 5G services and solutions are going to bring efficiency and innovative new ways of operating for businesses and people. The remote-controlled tractor is a very real example of this, as the driver no longer needs to physically sit in the cab. We want to build a sustainable future through digitalisation, and developing 5G services is part of making that a reality,” says Kimmo Pentikäinen, Vice President, Business Development at Elisa.

REMOTE CONTROL TO IMPROVE SAFETY The remote control was achieved through an integrated 5G connection and a roof-mounted 360-degree camera. The 5G network enables the remote

May-June 2020

driver’s VR glasses to receive a 4K view of the environment in real time. The driver can examine the tractor’s surroundings simply by turning their head. The remote control sends its control signal through Elisa’s commercial, high-security 5G network.

“When you drive your tractor and turn its wheels, you need to get immediate feedback to give the feeling of driving.

With 5G, the low latency makes this possible”, says Lehikoinen.

Remote control is a key step towards fully autonomous driving, which could become a reality for many end users within the next decade.

Remote control can be utilised for instance to operate driverless tractors in challenging sites or tasks that would be dangerous in manned operations. This makes a tractor an even more

versatile solution and tool.

CONNECT ALREADY USES 3G Valtra has previously piloted remote-controlled tractors with airport operator Finavia. ”We will continue our work in researching and developing remote control solutions. Next we plan to figure out how to adjust picture quality according to each task, and how remote operation could be further enhanced with sensor data useful to the operator,” says Lehikoinen.

Valtra tractor technologies already supports remote control, which will facilitate the implementation of remote control features. For example, the Valtra Connect telemetry solution which uses the 3G signal is in use in over 3,000 Valtra tractors across the world. or more information, visit F www.valtra.com

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

35

Irrigation

IRRIGATING WITH MOBILIZE INCREASES YIELD WHILE LOWERING COSTS

M

odern growers have a very different attitude toward water than their grandfathers had. In the past, growers either grew crops that did not need irrigation, or they focused their attention on ways to get water from a river, lake, pond, well, storage tank, or even a municipal water source to their plants. They carried it in buckets, directed it in ditches, pumped it from aquifers.

But today, irrigating crops is not just about the logistics of buckets and digging wells. Now the recognition of water as a resource that is neither free nor infinite has shifted the focus to how to irrigate crops so that water waste is minimized, but crop yield and quality is maximized. Davis has made the

36 Gulf Agriculture | www.gulfagriculture.com

process of managing modern, efficient irrigation easier with EnviroMonitor and Mobilize.

Growers who irrigate their crops see not only increased yields and higher quality products, but they can also extend their growing season.They can grow high-value specialty crops that might otherwise not be feasible.

They can increase profits of animal products by assuring the forage supply, and they can improve crop rotations.They can manage fertilizer, pest control, and seed planting so that they use the least and safest amount of these resources as well.

Up to 70% of the planet’s freshwater withdrawal goes to irrigation – up three times from just 1970. Irrigated agriculture represents 20% of total

cultivated land but contributes 40% of the total food produced worldwide. As we face changes in our climate and increases in our population, the global demand for water for irrigation in agriculture is forecasted to increase at least another 20% by 2050. In many places in the world, water for agriculture is already in competition with water for people’s everyday uses, and some rivers and groundwater sources are being tapped dry. Water is no longer a resource that can be taken lightly, overused, or wasted, and modern growers know this from both personal ethics and financial pressures. If a farmer irrigates crops, they must know exactly when in the crop’s growth cycle to start and stop

May-June 2020

Irrigation irrigation, how much water to apply, and when to apply it.

That’s where the Davis team can help. EnviroMonitor and the Mobilize app, along with the grower’s own experience, let them make these decisions based on real-time data, not guesswork.

It all starts with a Vantage Pro2 GroWeather station, which reports data from the grower's field with its own microclimate that may differ greatly from nearby locations. The station reports two data points that are especially key to irrigation decisions: rainfall and Evapotranspiration (ET).

Understanding how these parameters affect irrigation decisions is crucial.

Next come sensors installed in EnviroMonitor Nodes. Real-time data from soil moisture, leaf wetness, soil salinity, pressure, flow meters and depth sensors uploads automatically to the WeatherLink Cloud and the Mobilize app. In the Mobilize app,

May-June 2020

Crop Management

growers input their specific crops and planting dates. The app then takes the data from the sensors and presents it to the grower and team members in the form of irrigation and crop reports.

Growers get easy access to the data in color-coded graphs that show soil water content by zone (saturation, good, stress, wilt) and by “irrigation on” and rainfall.

For more information, visit www.davisinstruments.com

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

37

Poultry

WANT TO REDUCE SPILLAGE OF UNTRIMMED LAYING HENS?

S

ince the introduction of the ban on beak trimming, untrimmed laying hens have had more difficulty drinking from the drinking nipples. They tend to spill more, and their water intake can decrease. This can ultimately have a negative effect on the health and performance of the hen. But

38 Gulf Agriculture | www.gulfagriculture.com

how can you prevent this?

Untrimmed laying hens drink differently than trimmed laying hens. In contrast to trimmed hens, untrimmed hens peck the nipple with a bent head. For this reason, they have to make more effort to drink water and ultimately spill more. As a result, some hens may not drink enough

water and perform poorly.

Monitoring water consumption can be a useful tool for determining whether the animals are drinking enough but, due to the spillage, these results may not be accurate and can ultimately mislead you. Walking through the house and observing the hensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; drinking behaviour with your

May-June 2020

Poultry own eyes is still one of the best ways to detect problems.

What to do in the event of excessive spillage

Here are several ways you can maintain the water intake of your untrimmed laying hens and reduce spillage.

1. The height of the drinking line

This can be an important point of attention, especially at the start of a new round. The height of the drinking line can be a problem for young, untrimmed laying hens.

Because they turn their heads to peck at the nipple, they have to reach further, and when the line is too high they will spill more. Lowering the lines, if possible, or placing an elevation of some sort below the drinking line makes it easier for the hens to reach the nipple.

2. 360 degrees drinking nipples

Impex has conducted extensive research and concluded that a 360 degrees drinking nipple, such as the I-Flex 14-SP, is the ideal nipple for untrimmed laying hens and results in considerably less spillage. Thanks to the manoeuvrable pin, the hens do not necessarily have to approach the nipple with a straight neck from below to activate it. They can also

May-June 2020

approach it with a bend head, making it easier for them to drink the water. Moreover, because this nipple closes faster than a normal nipple, the spillage is also significantly reduced.

will not release any water at all. When setting the water pressure, pay close attention to the hensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; preference to ensure optimum water consumption and reduce spillage.

3. Drip cups

5. Water quality

The use of drip cups reduces spillage, because the water the hens spill while drinking is collected in the cups. Hens who have difficulty drinking from the drinking nipples will gladly drink the spilled water from the cups. However, it is important to ensure that the drip cups are kept clean so the hens do not ingest contaminated water and thereby incur potential intestinal health problems.

Water quality can be easily monitored through use of a biofilm sensor, and you will be notified immediately if any biofilm formation is detected in the lines. These problems can be easily solved through the use of automatic flushing systems, such as the I-Flush. It is also advisable to regularly take samples from the water source to ensure that everything is as it should be.

Optimal production results

4. Correct water pressure

Incorrect water pressure can also cause problems.

Excessive water pressure will cause the water to spray out as soon as the nipple is activated. This increases spillage and makes it more difficult for the untrimmed laying hens to drink the water.

On the other hand, insufficient water pressure can result in the hens not drinking enough water, because too little water is being released. More importantly, if the water pressure is too low the water will not be properly distributed along the lines and the farthest reaches of the lines

Correct drinking water management is important to optimize the results of your poultry production. Although the water supply seems to be a very small part of a complete production, water is the most important nutrient for a laying hen to perform optimally. That is why it is also extremely important to devote sufficient time and attention to drinking water to ultimately achieve maximum results.

For more information, please contact Sabrina Kas, Marketing & Communication, Impex Barneveld B.V. sabrina@impex.nl

www.gulfagriculture.com | Gulf Agriculture

39

Livestock

FARMER'S APP TAILORED FOR WORKING IN THE BARN

O

rdering materials from their phone or tablet is often difficult for farmers.

That is why suppliers are looking for ways to simplify things for them. MS Schippers has recently launched a new app with this in mind. In contrast to many other applications, this app is fully suited to work both in and outside of the barns.

In recent years, suppliers in agriculture and horticulture have seen a sharp increase in digital ordering. This is also the case in animal husbandry, but the conditions in the barn are often far from optimal. For example, bad or no Internet and lack of time. That is why farmer apps functionality is receiving more and more attention from suppliers.

A good example is the new MS Schippers app. "We wanted a user-friendly app that suits the way cattle farmers order materials", said John van Beek, E-commerce manager at MS Schippers. The result is a seemingly simple but functional app that fits in seamlessly with the wishes of modern entrepreneurs in the livestock industry. After a year of development, together with IT company Incentro specialists, the

40 Gulf Agriculture | www.gulfagriculture.com

app has been available to MS Schippers customers since the beginning of this year.

According to Van Beek, the key to developing a good app is actually quite simple: You have to know what your customer wants.

That's why the app development is based on a large number of conversations with users. "A number of users indicated that they have no or bad Internet, and therefore no possibility to order online. We also found out from these conversations and from an analysis of buying behaviour that the majority of customers always orders the same products. One customer indicated: "I always use some type of shopping list that I take with me through out my barn. When a product is almost out, I add it to my list". Finally, a general perceived annoyance is

that customers often forget their password and have to request a new one.

To start with the password problem: Customers never have to log in the new app after the first time. Further more, when they open the app, they will see their recent order history. The entrepreneur clicks on the desired product, which is then directly added to the shopping cart. "It's a fast way to order. The way it usually works is that you first get information about the product and then you can place an order.

We do it the other way around."

As a result, a minimal number of finger movements is required and the risk of error is low.

To keep things clear, the app does not have a category classification. A search function allows entrepreneurs to quickly find a new product. To make it extra easy and to prevent confusion, an entrepreneur can scan the barcode of a product. "There are many different variants of some products such as needles," says Van Beek.

Thanks to the scanner in the barn, the customer doesn't have to remember anything and is sure to order the right materials.

For more information, visit www.schippers.eu

May-June 2020

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