Sept Oct 2011 of Gulf Agriculture

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SEPTEMBER

ISSN 1751-8407

OCTOBER

2011 TM

YOUR GATEWAY TO THE MIDDLE EAST AGRIBUSINESS

HORTIFAIR

SAUDI AGRICULTURE

NOVEMBER 1-4, 2011, AMSTERDAM

SEPTEMBER 19-22, 2011, RIYADH

IPM DUBAI

SEPTEMBER 26-28, 2011, DUBAI

FABULOUS ASSORTMENT OF YOUNG PALMS

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BIODEPOSIT: SAPROPEL & PEAT BASED PRODUCTS

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ZAGRO ANIMAL HEALTH: LEADING THE WAY

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RAPID THERMOPHILIC DIGESTION TECHNOLOGY

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WANGARA WOVEN PLANTER BAGS

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CONTENTS

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Cover photo courtesy: WAFEX, Australia

NEWS UPDATE SAUDI ARABIA CONTINUES TO BE THE LARGEST AGRICULTURAL MARKET ALYASEEN AGRI. OPENS A NEW CHAPTER OF GROWTH REGION’S LARGEST TRADE SHOW FOR PLANT BUSINESS GLOBAL MEETING PLACE FOR HORTICULTURE SINGAPORE'S BEST AND MOST RELIABLE ORCHID GROWER AND EXPORTER BOTANICAL PARTNERS READY TO PROVIDE UNIQUE PLANT MATERIAL RIJNPLANT: PRODUCERS OF ANTHURIUM, BOUGAINVILLEA AND CALATHEA AIR PLANTS FOR ARID CLIMATE SUPPLYING GLOBAL FLOWER TRADE WITH QUALITY AUSTRALIAN GROWN FLOWERS NETHERLANDS: A WORLD-CLASS PLAYER IN FLORICULTURE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY BOOSTS MF CENTORA PERFORMANCE CASE IH LAUNCHES NEW PRECISION FARMING TOOL THE BENEFITS OF HUMINTECH-PRODUCTS HYBRID SEEDS FROM ITALY RELIABLE AND MORE EFFICIENT FILTERS IRRITEC & SIPLAST — IRRIGATION SYSTEMS SINCE 1974 NEW POTATOES WITHSTAND DESTRUCTIVE WIREWORMS GROWING CROPS AND SAVING WATER IN THE WEST

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Editor in Chief Mohammed Nasser Editor Marie Matthew Associate Editor Andrew Thomas Graphic Designer Elizabeth John Marketing Manager Shibu Vargis Production Manager Abdul Shareef Contributors Neville J. Chandler, P.K. James, Douglas Bott, Shakeeb Kolakadan, Dr. Terry Mabbett Head Office Matt Media International Ltd, Woodgreen, London N22 5AR, UK. E-mail: gulfag@emirates.net.ae, Web site: www.gulfagriculture.com Middle East Office Al Saad Advertising & Publishing L.L.C., P O Box 25694, Sharjah, UAE, Tel:+971 6 5639494, Fax:+971 6 5639449.

Gulf Agriculture 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 whole salers of food and agri inputs.

Printed and published by Matt Media© Intl. Ltd.(U.K.) 2011 All rights reserved. The opinions and views expressed in this 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 reader’s particular circumstance. The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for any error or omissions contained in this publication.

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SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

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www.ifat.de

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NEWS UPDATE Biotech crops gaining ground in Canada

The area seeded to biotech crops in Canada has increased in recent years, reaching roughly eight million hectares (19.8 million acres) in 2011, according to a report from the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service.

That compares with 6.9 million hectares (17 million acres) seeded to biotech crops in 2010.

Biotech crops account for 58 per cent of the corn, 46 per cent of the soybeans and 80 per cent of the canola grown in Canada, according to the report.

"Canada's strong research system and proximity to the U.S. facilitate collaboration and advances in biotechnology," the FAS report said.

Canada is one of a few countries, along with the U.S., Australia, Mexico and South Africa, which allows for stacked traits, or up to three traits in one crop.

Janice Tranberg, vice-president for Western Canada with CropLife Canada, a trade association for the plant science industry, estimated actual area seeded to biotech crops may already be larger than the FAS estimates.

Over 90 per cent of the canola grown in the country consisted of genetically modified varieties while soybeans were around 65 per cent and corn 60-70 per cent.

"Since plant biotechnology was first introduced in Canada (15 years ago) it has consistently been increasing, not only in Canada but also around the world, and we expect that trend to continue," she said.

The focus in biotechnology moving forward will be on developing crops that have increased cold and drought tolerance, allowing them to be grown in new areas, Tranberg said.

Inspiration at FloraHolland Trade Fair Aalsmeer

From Wednesday 2 November through Friday 4 November, FloraHolland flower auction is hosting the FloraHolland Trade Fair Aalsmeer. For three days, this international trade fair will be the place for the floriculture industry to do business.

Exporters, wholesalers and their domestic and foreign customers can find a comprehensive range of flowers, plants, product concepts, trend presentations and new products.

The FloraHolland Trade Fair guarantees an abundance of inspiration. As well as inspiring concepts at the Trends and Concepts Plaza, this year will see the return of a pavilion kitted out with a display of innovative options for the consumer market. Furthermore, visitors can pick up ideas from the extensive range of plants and flowers on display at the growers' stands, and national and international suppliers to FloraHolland will be showing their latest varieties, available for immediate or future orders. The fair will be accommodating around 650 growers' stands. A number of added-value suppliers will also be presenting their latest articles at the fair.

Several exporters will be manning a Trade Plaza (Handelsplein) showcasing practical applications for the concepts seen at the Trends and Concepts Plaza.

This trade fair at Aalsmeer will be open on Wednesday 2 November from 9.00am to 7.00pm; on Thursday 3 November from 9.00am to 5.00pm; and on Friday 4 November from 9.00am to 2.00pm. Entry is free for trade professionals.

The FloraHolland Trade Fair falls during 6

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NEWS UPDATE

International Horti Week - a week jointly organized by FloraHolland, the Horti Fair and the IFTF to reinforce the standing of the horticulture industry nationally and internationally. Trade fair visitors from home and abroad will thus be able to visit three fairs in the same week, giving them a comprehensive overview of the state of international horticulture and developments in production, sales, Technology & Transport, and services.

Reverse Damage on Imprelis-Injured Trees

A simple liquid solution of Growth Products' Essential® Plus, Companion® Biological

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Fungicide, and Micrel Total® Chelated Micronutrient solution helps reverse the tree damage caused by Imprelis® (aminocyclopyrachlor) an other herbicides such as Sahara®.

The trees commonly reported as showing damage caused by DuPont's Imprelis are Norway spruce, white pines, willows and poplars. Because the herbicide does not bind with the soil, it can be quickly absorbed by these shallow-rooted trees.

Initial signs of damage include withered needles or brown leaves on branch tips; serious damage or tree death can quickly follow.

Doug Fenner, of Banner Sales and Consulting in [city, state], used the Essential,

Companion and Micrel Total mixture to successfully treat trees damaged by the herbicide Sahara® in 2009.

New fund for livestock biodiversity management

Germany, Norway and Switzerland have contributed a first donation of $1,000,000 to a new, FAO-managed fund designed to help developing countries conserve and sustainably use their livestock breeds.

The fund will provide financing for individual projects submitted by countries in support of the internationallyagreed Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources.

The plan, adopted by all FAO member countries in 2007, has become a key instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of animal genetic resources at global, regional and national level.

Any developing country may put forward projects for financing by the fund, which is due to become operational in September. "The money will be disbursed on the basis of letters of agreement between applicant countries and FAO, following an innovative, transparent and impartial selection process led by FAO's Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture," says Linda Collette, the Secretary of the Commission.

Some 21 percent of the world's more than 8000 livestock breeds are classified as at risk of extinction. But since the Global Plan of Action went into force, countries' reporting on breeds' population status is improving and points to a slowing of the reported rate of extinction.

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SAUDI AGRICULTURE PREVIEW

SAUDI ARABIA CONTINUES TO BE THE LARGEST AGRICULTURAL MARKET

SAUDI ARABIA HAS BEEN A MAJOR DESTINATION FOR REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SUPPLIERS AND MANUFACTURERS IN THE FOOD PRODUCTION VALUE CHAIN BECAUSE OF THE ENORMOUS GROWTH POTENTIAL OF THE SAUDI FOOD MARKET.

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Saudi Agriculture 2011 serves as an ideal business-to-business platform for major agricultural producers, manufacturers, dealers, agents and distributors along with key policy makers and high-ranking officials from the Saudi Agriculture Ministry. Other key areas of focus of the trade event include Fisheries & Fish Farming, Greenhouses, Handling & Transport Systems, Irrigation & Landscaping Equipment, Machinery & Spare Parts, Organic Farming, Packaging Systems & Products, Pesticides, Pumps & Pipe Systems, Seeds & Soil Nutrition Products, Spraying Machinery, Water Treatment, Water Management Systems, and Warehousing.

Saudi Arabia accounts for up to 63 per cent of the GCC's USD 9 billion food and beverage market, easily establishing the country as a major business and investment destination for key players in the food production value chain. The country's burgeoning population, which is expected to double by 2023, has been a key factor in Saudi Arabia's rapidly increasing food requirements, as per capita food consumption is expected to increase by 31.24 per cent by 2014, according to BMI statistics. Saudi Agriculture 2011, held under the patronage and support of the Saudi Ministry of Agriculture, is being organised to help shore up ongoing investments in food and beverage production and enable the country to meet its increasing, long-term food requirements.

"Saudi Arabia has been a major destination for regional and international suppliers and manufacturers in the food production value chain because of the enormous growth potential of the Saudi food market. Saudi Agriculture, the country's prime agricultural trade event for the past 30 years, certainly serves as a major entry point for investors and other key industry players from the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and Asia to expand their presence in the Saudi food sector and contribute in addressing the country's long-term food security challenges," said Khalid Daou, Project Manager of Saudi Agriculture at Riyadh Exhibitions Company.

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SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

audi Agriculture 2011 - The 30th International Agriculture, Water & AgroIndustry Show, will run from September 19 to 22, 2011, at the Riyadh International Exhibition Centre. The trade show, which is accredited by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, will be held concurrently with Saudi Agro-Food 2011 - The 16th International Exhibition for Food Processing and Packaging.

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SAUDI AGRICULTURE PREVIEW

ALYASEEN AGRI. OPENS A NEW CHAPTER OF GROWTH

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Mahdi Y. Alramadan Chairman

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LYASEEN Agri has completed 31 years of age during which it has achieved a steady annual sales growth with an annual average for the past five years of about 15%. It has became a prominent player and one of the leading agribusiness companies in the Saudi agricultural market, thanks to the vision, mission, and values it had adopted and to the way it conducted its business to attain customers' satisfaction and their strong loyalty.

The Saudi Agricultural sector is now passing through a critical juncture of its history that may impose deep modifications on the business environment affecting both the farmers and their suppliers.

Water Security has became of paramount national concern and for that matter the Saudi Government has taken serious measures to address this issue.

The "Agricultural Bank", the supplier of loans to farmers, is to become now “Agricultural Development Fund" with a new mandate to use powerful financial incentives to help sustain agriculture, to subsidize efficient irrigation systems, and to further increase the value adding of agricultural sector to the national economy. Saudi Arabia is also implementing schemes whereby all the governmental bodies who are involved in either agriculture or water policies have to cooperate, among other ways, towards a concerted effort to sustain agriculture through improving water efficiency use.

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Due to the vast expansion of farming in Saudi Arabia during the past 3-4 decades and due to knowledge and technology transfer from world markets and because of the openness of our market, unfortunately new insects and diseases and other problems had also been brought from outside countries. These aspects further complicated the agricultural scene. On the other hand, the Saudi farmers due to the farming experiences they have gained during the same period which made many of them easily comparable to the world class farmers, withstood all the challenges they confronted.

ALYASEEN Agi., having acquired a wealth of market and field experiences and having kept abreast with all the major changes and challenges which the agricultural sector had faced and also being very close to the customers' actual needs and requirements, has always came up with very viable and feasible solutions to serve the customers' needs.

ALYASEEN Agri is very well equipped at this stage and ready to take a strong role and open a new chapter in its growth cycle to resonate with the new market developments and to participate in rectifying some of its customers problems.

Along this line, it had taken several useful steps.

First, further stressed on and employed its mission: "Provide effective and cost-efficient solutions to our customers" to stimulate its technical staff to provide better services.

Second, had restructured its internal setup to better position itself to deal with the new challenges and to render better services to the customers. It had recently filled some key positions with qualified staff; a PhD. holder in agronomy to become the Technical Manager, a specialist in material handling to become the Stock Manager, added a new Sales Manager, and a Financial Manger.

Third, expanded its presence in the market through its 11 branches in all the agricultural areas. Each branch is managed by 3 capable and well experienced agronomists.

Fourth, added new trucks to its fleet to improve material delivery to customers.

Fifth, implemented a scheme to enhance its services to the customers by arranging with its international suppliers to give lectures on technical aspects to its customers in different areas of Saudi Arabia.

Sixth, associated with new international suppliers in the field of IPM to overcome the threats of new insects such as “tuta absoluta” on tomatoes and “date palm red weevil" using advanced insect pheromones trap systems. Finally, established a 7-Ha trial station to do field trials and test all new technologies before marketing them.

Opening the new chapter, ALYASEEN Agri. is very well positioned now to be the leading Saudi Agricultural company to serve both its customers and its international suppliers.

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IPM DUBAI PREVIEW

REGION’S LARGEST TRADE SHOW FOR PLANT BUSINESS

I Tarek Sibai

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PM DUBAI, the international trade fair for plants, technology, floriculture, sales promotion as well as plant care and logistics, is continuing to grow. On over 6,000 square metres at "Airport Expo Dubai", international companies will show their products and services at the most important plant fair in the Gulf region from September 2628, 2011.

This year many companies from new countries have announced their participation.

The organisers Messe Essen and planetfair Dubai are

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expecting to surpass the record results of this year.

Participants will showcase a wide variety of flora, including indoor and outdoor plants, cut flowers, ornamental plants and tree nursery goods.

This year's IPM Dubai, say organisers, will be hosting an array of plant producers, breeders, seed traders, landscape gardeners, retail centres, wholesalers, real estate developers, local government figures and representatives from the hospitality industry. The aim of the exhibition is to increase trade in the region, and to

establish Dubai as a global hub for horticulture.

“The Middle East is one of the fastest growing regions in the world, and as such has been experiencing phenomenal development across various industries,” said Tarek Sibai, Project Manager of IPM Dubai.

“Horticulture is no exception, and we expect to see even greater expansion and even greater successes for this segment in the coming years.”

He added, “You can see the growing demand here in Dubai, which has a number of billiondollar development projects that

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IPM DUBAI PREVIEW

involve landscaping activity, public parks and private gardens. The market is growing for both indoor and outdoor plants, along with technology.�

The latest technology and techniques in landscaping, irrigation, plant protection and seed plantation will also be on display, along with floristry accessories and sales promotion items.

Flower demonstrations, workshops and seminars will take place throughout the course of the threeday event.

WOP Dubai World of Perishables, the new fair for temperature-sensitive goods which is also being organised by Messe Essen and planetfair Dubai, will take place parallel to IPM DUBAI. At Airport Expo Dubai, companies will present their products and services from the fields of production, goods security, technical equipment, transport, trading and services for fruit and vegetables.

In 2010 IPM DUBAI, featured more than 160 international exhibitors from 20 countries from the fields of flowers, plants, technology, floristry, sales promotion, plant maintenance and plants logistics.

Trade visitors included plant producers and breeders, seed traders, landscape gardeners, retail centres and wholesalers, real estate developers, local government and the hospitality industry.

Visitors arrived from the GCC, Levant, Kenya, South Africa and Asia.

The show included participation from leading companies in the UAE such as Alissar T&C, Al Lokrit, Arabian Agriculture, Mirak Agriculture, Gover Horticulture and others. Seminars and live demonstrations held every day and the Association of German Florists (FDF) presented internationally acclaimed floristry design. The latest technology and techniques in landscaping, irrigation, plant protection and seed plantation were on display, along with floristry accessories and sales promotion items.

Organised by planetfair Dubai LLC and Messe Essen GmbH, Germany, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports, the highlight of the trade show were the participation of national pavilions of Egypt, Germany, Kenya, United States and the United Kingdom.

In 2010 IPM show attracted over 3,000 trade visitors which clearly shows that the demand for flowers and plants and their related products and services remains strong despite the global SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

THIS YEAR'S IPM DUBAI WILL BE HOSTING AN ARRAY OF PLANT PRODUCERS, BREEDERS, SEED TRADERS, LANDSCAPE GARDENERS, RETAIL CENTRES, WHOLESALERS, REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS, LOCAL GOVERNMENT FIGURES AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. THE AIM OF THE EXHIBITION IS TO INCREASE TRADE IN THE REGION, AND TO ESTABLISH DUBAI AS A GLOBAL HUB FOR HORTICULTURE.

financial conditions. According to a recent report, twenty seven million flowering plants were planted throughout Dubai meaning the Emirate is getting greener every year.

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MARTEX® PLANTING BAGS AND CONTAINERS THE COMPANY FROM POLAND OFFERING PRODUCTS FOR NURSERY SECTOR, AND FOR ORNAMENTAL, FRUIT, FOREST PLANT RAISING OR RECULTIVATION

Parking and transportation of planting bags, other types of containers, mulch mats and rings

Mulch mats for weed protection

Small mulch mats

Elastic mulch mat

Packing and transportation

Arrangement and transportation

Arrangement and transportation

Packing and transportation

Metal trunk shaping rings

ARBO®-STRONG

ARBO®-SAUNA

100% jute container in 270-360 g/m2 density

MARTEX® - TEXTILE PRODUCTS FOR RAISING OF ORNAMENTAL, FRUIT, AND FOREST SEEDLINGS, OR FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECULTIVATION Products commonly applied at nurseries, both in temperate and hot climate Used for raising trees in the forest, idle land, semi-desert area, steppe …….

Excellent for tree planting by the road and highway, useful for the purpose of general cleaning works, composting, and in any similar applications…….

AUTHORISED DISTRIBUTOR FOR UAE: ARID LAND DEVELOPMENT CO. LLC, P.O.BOX: 5294 ABU DHABI Tel: 00971 2 6319244 Fax: 00971 2 6318366 Email: aridland@emirates.net.ae

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HORTI FAIR PREVIEW

GLOBAL MEETING PLACE FOR HORTICULTURE

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he new Horti Fair is radically changing course. The addition of new elements is giving an extra dimension to the four-day

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international trade fair, which is growing into a substantive communications and network event as a consequence. The response to this implementation

has been good.

It is clear to the organizers of the Horti Fair that the new strategy is generating a lot of enthusiasm, so that companies SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

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HORTI FAIR PREVIEW

THE ADDITION OF NEW ELEMENTS IS GIVING AN EXTRA DIMENSION TO THE FOUR-DAY INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR, WHICH IS GROWING INTO A SUBSTANTIVE COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORK EVENT AS A CONSEQUENCE. THE RESPONSE TO THIS IMPLEMENTATION HAS BEEN GOOD.

are not only feeling the incentive to take part, but are also contributing lots of new ideas. The Horti Fair team is working flat out to put these into practice and their efforts are starting to bear fruit.

Hall 8 is completely dedicated to fresh produce and fresh handling. Registration has started for the recently taken SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

over Horti Fair Fresh and is being well received by exhibitors. Besides the participating companies, a major Cooking Event will be located here featuring celebrity chefs. The Foodlog Community will be giving stimulus sessions and inspirationals there, as well as bringing partners together under the FoodLab sign to GULF AGRICULTURE

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HORTI FAIR PREVIEW

consider innovative business cases.

Hall 10 has been assigned to floriculture. The take-up rate has been good since registration started and market leaders are homing in on this location. The Flower Catwalk at a central location in hall 10 is guaranteed to be a source of spectacle, with models showing the most magnificent of flower and plant combinations. The Horti Fair is also receiving a lot of registrations for the technology halls.

Now everybody can watch how the halls for the Horti Fair 2011 are filling up and where special events will be taking place. You can download the provisional floorplan at www.hortifair.com. In the coming weeks, this is where you will also find the current status of the agenda for the International Horti Congress and the seminar and exhibition programme. The team will be adding even more surprises for you in the coming weeks.

The Horti Fair is a leading international horticultural event, consisting of a trade fair for greenhouse technology, (plant)propagation and cultivation techniques (the

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Horti Fair), a trade fair for the fresh handling industry (Horti Fair Fresh), an International Horti Congress and many symposiums and seminars. The strategy for the Horti Fair is the result of cooperation with visitors, exhibitors and chain parties. The Horti Fair will be taking place in the Amsterdam RAI from 1 to 4 November 2011.

Horticulture realizes solutions for global challenges like food scarcity, clean energy, water, health and well-being.

Water is the key element of the first International HortiCongress 'Solutions for global issues'.

Top speakers from the United States, Africa and the Middle East, and from the Netherlands of course, address the importance of the waterefficient production of food, the production of horticultural crops in arid areas, and the technological innovations these solutions require.

The International HortiCongress is taking place in the Forumzaal of the Amsterdam RAI during the Horti Fair. The congress starts at 15.00 hours and ends at 19.30 hours, followed by the Horti Dinner.

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PLANTS AND TREES

SINGAPORE'S BEST AND MOST RELIABLE ORCHID GROWER AND EXPORTER

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stablished in 1990, Premium Orchids is reputed as Singapore's best and most reliable orchid grower and exporter. With a decade's experience in cut flowers, we possess the expertise and know how to produce top quality orchids with optimum vase life for export.

Premium Orchids also counts on a group of independent small and medium growers that produces orchids of best quality to help us meet worldwide demands.

Furthermore,we also tailor our production strategies to market requirements with our farm in Malaysia.

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On the logistic front, everything is carefully planned. By offering competitive prices to target markets with the most flight arrivals from Singapore, we deliver our orchids to customers all over the world.

Our cold storage and packing facilities can bundle up to 100,000 stems per day.

Specially selected varieties such as Dendrobium, Aranda, Mokara, Aranthera, Oncidium, Cut Foliages and Orchids plant. New varieties are constantly being developed to meet market changes and trends.

Be it a bulk shipment or simply a gift, daily International flights from Singapore to more than 60 destinations worldwide end user delivery of fresh, dewy orchids.

Our production base in Malaysia consist of a total of 120 acres with 4 packing facilities in both Singapore and across to Johor Bahru in Malaysia and 6,000 sq. ft. cold

room, thus underlies our commitment to our customers.

In addition, we have the capacity to deliver more than 100,000 stalks a day, seven days a week.

To give the best product, the best services in term of delivery, pricing by remaining lean and competitive, and to continually improve the effectiveness of the quality management system.

Premium Orchids' Product Quality Control is in accordance to the world required standard under the Accredited Certification Scheme audited by the Agri Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore.

Premium Orchids' quality management system has been awarded the ISO 9001:2000 certification in compliance to the standard certified in Growing, Processing, Packing and Exporting of Fresh Orchids and Fresh Foliages In year 2008, Premium orchids had awarded for the best commercial cut orchids in the Singapore Orchid show.

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Plants for all seasons Oliviya believes in quality rather than quantity. We provide the highest quality of native, coastal, arid-zone plants for your outdoor landscaping. We devote our entire expertise and years of experience to ensure that you get the best from our nursery.

OLIVIYA AGRO HORTI TRADE WING EST. P. O. Box 46212, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. Tel: +971-2-4432140 Fax: +971-2-6433554 Mob: +971-50-9192735 / +971-50-6167664 Email: oliviya@eim.ae / mefarook@hotmail.com

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PLANTS AND TREES

BOTANICAL PARTNERS READY TO PROVIDE UNIQUE PLANT MATERIAL

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otanical Partners is broadening its international sales efforts by offering a unique spectrum of plant material to discriminating buyers for wholesale landscape projects.

Botanical Partners, home of Bamboo Headquarters, has one of the largest selections of bamboo species in the U.S. Inventory includes aloes, agaves, cycads, palms, and exotics, and a premium selection of architectural plants. In order for a plant to be showcased and offered for sale, it must be distinctive, durable, and water-wise.

You will find bamboo plants from all over the world, ranging from dwarf runners to giant timber bamboos and everything in between. Many rare collectors' items are available in limited quantities.

The unparalleled collection of bamboo species offers an

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extensive selection of bamboos for privacy screening and the creation of landscaping accents.

Botanical Partners was established by owner, Ralph Evans, in 1994, specializing in palms, flowering trees, and exotics, and quickly grew to include 270 species of bamboo as well. The objective was to offer a plant palette of less common items to the wholesale trade. This vision continues today as many new species are added to the palette each year, most recently featuring sculptural plants and water-wise choices. The demand for drought-tolerant plants has been steadily increasing in many areas of the world, and Botanical Partners offers a significant selection of those plants needing less supplemental irrigation.

Evans has over 45 years

experience in the sale of plant material, on the international level, including turfgrass, bedding plants, ground covers, trees and shrubs as well as plant tissue culture production and sales. He is quick to add, “If I don't grow it, I will find it for you.�

The growing grounds for Botanical Partners currently comprise 17 hectares in Vista, California near San Diego.

Available sizes range from 1 gallon to 48" box sizes for commercial landscapes.

International shipments have been successful to Hong Kong, Bermuda, Germany, Singapore, Oman and Kuwait to name a few.

Botanical Partners is pleased to welcome Abdi Seirafi as their export representative. Please contact him to discuss your wholesale plant needs.

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RIJNPLANT: PRODUCERS OF ANTHURIUM, BOUGAINVILLEA AND CALATHEA

L

eo Van Rijn Sr founded the company Rijnplant in 1944 in Delft. The first Greenhouse was built in 1956 for growing tomatoes and later on cucumbers.

Currently RijnPlant has 3 hectares of young plant production,18 hectares of finished plants, her own laboratory for R&D, more than 400 commercial varieties that are worldwide protected and a subsidiary company in China. Besides that RijnPlant also set up a RijnPlant group in Europe in which all

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

ALL TOGETHER THE RIJNPLANT GROUP PRODUCES ANTHURIUM ON 42 HECTARES, WHAT GIVES THEM A CURRENT MARKET SHARE OF 57% IN EUROPE AND MAKES THE RIJNPLANT MARKET LEADER. growers that grow 100% RijnPlant products can participate, with the goal to function as one large supplier in Europe. All together the RijnPlant group produces anthurium on 42 hectares, what gives them a current market share of 57% in

PLANTS AND TREES

Europe and makes the RijnPlant market leader.

RijnPlant always had a leading role in the horticulture sector. The focus of all activities together is to create a worldwide larger market share of Anthurium, Bougainvillea and Calathea of young plant material, finished pot plants, cut flowers and prefinished plants. The way RijnPlant is achieving this goal is by expanding and improving the current facilities and production methods, controlling methods and service levels.

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PLANTS AND TREES

AIR PLANTS FOR ARID CLIMATE

O

rnamentales B &G. is a leading producer and exporter of ornamental plants. Their plant farms are located in Guatemala, Central America, where the great weather and diversity of micro climates permits the cultivation and growth of native and introduced species.

The most outstanding plant varieties in this farm are the eccentric and unique types of Tillandsia Xerographica, Tillandsia Ionantha, Yucca Rostrata and Beaucarnea Guatemalensis (Pony Tail).

The beauty of all Tillandsias which, is known

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

THE MOST OUTSTANDING PLANT VARIETIES IN THIS FARM ARE THE ECCENTRIC AND UNIQUE TYPES OF TILLANDSIA XEROGRAPHICA, TILLANDSIA IONANTHA, YUCCA ROSTRATA AND BEAUCARNEA GUATEMALENSIS (PONY TAIL). as the King of air plants, is the Tillandsia xerographica; some with their tight rosette and leaves ending in beautiful curls. This plant is an epiphyte that originates from the semi-deserts of Guatemala. The Tillandsia Xerographica, appears

today in the appendix 2 of the Washington Protection Agreement which is known as CITES, because this plant is in danger of extinction.

The genus Tillandsia is a member of the family of the Bromeliceae. The Ttillandsia Xerographica are epiphyte plants, which mean that normally they grow without soil with other plants of the same kind. They depend on air, dust, debris of rain and other plants to live. The Genus Tillandsia was named

by Carolus Linnaeus, in memory of the Swedish Dr. Elias Tillandz.

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LANDSCAPING

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SUPPLYING GLOBAL FLOWER TRADE WITH QUALITY AUSTRALIAN GROWN FLOWERS

E

stablished in 1991, WAFEX is Australia's leading exporter and importer of fresh and dried flowers and this year celebrates 20 years supplying the global flower trade with quality Australian grown flowers.

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GULF AGRICULTURE

With offices and company owned packing facilities in Perth and Melbourne, WAFEX has developed a supplier base of over 200 flower growers across both east and west coasts of Australia's vast continent.

WAFEX Managing Director Craig Musson explained the benefits of Australia's size and wide range of climatic zones. “…Australia's position as a supplier to the global flower market is built on filling niches and gaps in supply. We have growers strategically located in regions which aim to match supply shortages from our Asian and northern hemisphere trading partners….”

Musson continued, “…. Our high labour and freight costs to market requires a strong focus on supplying high demand crops in periods of peak demand…..”

The Australian export flower industry has been predominantly built on the back of a product range featuring Australian native flower and foliage genera such as Chamelaucium, Thryptomene, Banksia, Anigozanthus, Ceratopetalum and Boronia.

In addition, Australia has always been a strong supplier of South African origin genera such as Protea, Leucadendron, Leucospermum and Serruria.

WAFEX's key fresh flower export markets include The Netherlands, Japan, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.

Whilst exporting for 12 months of the year WAFEX's main export crop volumes are in the July-December window.

In addition to its strong fresh flower trade, WAFEX also has positioned itself as the leading exporter of dried flowers from down under.

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

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LANDSCAPING

ESTABLISHED IN 1991, WAFEX IS AUSTRALIA'S LEADING EXPORTER AND IMPORTER OF FRESH AND DRIED FLOWERS AND THIS YEAR CELEBRATES 20 YEARS SUPPLYING THE GLOBAL FLOWER TRADE WITH QUALITY AUSTRALIAN GROWN FLOWERS. mix. This includes hot and cold dyed flowers, preserved product, small consumer pack sizes, bar coding and mixed boxes across its core dried products including Banksia, Stirlingia, Ixodia. We also market some very exotic nuts and cones which are highly desired by floral and interior designers across the world‌.�

The Australian domestic market also plays a very

products. A serious clamp Craig Musson outlined the down by government development of the Australian environmental authorities has dried flower industry and how drastically reduced the volume WAFEX has developed high of wild harvested product and value global markets through a at the same time we identified range of strategic value add the need to provide a more processes at its Perth packing consumer friendly finished and processing facility. product to our clients‌â€? , said â€œâ€Ś. In the 1970s and 1980s Musson.

Australian dried flower exports Musson said â€œâ€Ś.We now were predominantly wild harvested with little or no value provide our dried flower clients Helix Australia gulf.ai 1to 20/06/2011 PM a very customized product add techniques applied the 9:46:16with

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LANDSCAPING important role in WAFEX's overall business strategy. With a population of around 23 million people and an estimated cut flower farm gate value of AUD$500 million, the Australian domestic cut flower market is very well developed with central markets in most capital cities and a thriving wholesale distribution system.

In addition, distribution of cut flowers via supermarkets is an expanding market sector with two of Australia's major supermarket chains estimated to hold over 40% market share for retail cut flower sales.

“Supply to local flower market enables WAFEX to trade 12 months of the year whereas exports tends to be concentrated in a just a 6-8 month window”, WAFEX Eastern State's director Adrian Parsons said.

Parsons explained, “… our supply to the local market is both a mix of our core native flower export crops in addition to a range of imported flower

32

GULF AGRICULTURE

WAFEX'S KEY FRESH FLOWER EXPORT MARKETS INCLUDE THE NETHERLANDS, JAPAN, USA, CANADA, SWITZERLAND, TAIWAN, HONG KONG, SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA. IN ADDITION TO ITS STRONG FRESH FLOWER TRADE, WAFEX ALSO HAS POSITIONED ITSELF AS THE LEADING EXPORTER OF DRIED FLOWERS FROM DOWN UNDER.

crops from supplier networks in Kenya, Holland, Vietnam, South Africa, Taiwan and New Zealand.

In addition to its strong trading presence across local and export markets, WAFEX is now active at a growing level having acquired two flower farms in the past 3 years. One farm is located near Perth and features crops such as Waxflower, Banksia, Protea and Scholtzia plantings.The second farm located at Longford 3 hours south east of Melbourne includes Banksia, Serruria, Waxflower, Leucospermum, Leucadendron, Erica, Boronia and Flannel Flower.

Parsons said, “… Our move into cut flower production was based on securing our supply

base for the next 10 years. We had observed many growers exiting the industry or reducing their investment in new plantings. Our two farms will enable us to continue our growth plans and apply our internal logistics expertise for more farm direct sourcing with our customers locally and overseas…”

As outlined in the July/August edition of Gulf Agriculture, Wafex directors Craig Musson and Adrian Parsons have recently established a new company called Helix Australia which specializes in the breeding, release and marketing of new Waxflower varieties for both cut flower and landscape application.

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

NETHERLANDS: A WORLD-CLASS PLAYER IN FLORICULTURE

T

he cultivation of flowers and plants accounts for only around 4% of horticultural land use in the Netherlands.

However, floriculture under glass is extremely intensive.

Thus the floriculture sector generates over EUR3000,000,000 - half of the total production value of Dutch horticulture. Gradual economies of scale and movement from mass market products to exclusive flowers and plants can further increase the production value. The rapid expansion in the market for flowers and plants has

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

induced many vegetable growers to switch to floriculture. In fact, they often opt to grow flowers for the cut flower market. Cut flower growers in turn are moving into the production of pot plants. This trend has led to a further increase in the share of the Dutch floriculture sector in the total production value of Dutch horticulture.

At least 70% of Dutch production is exported. The Netherlands is thus a world class player. It also dominates the market in the cultivation of starting material. Dutch cuttings and young plants find their way

NETHERLANDS UPDATE

into all the flower-growing countries in the world.

Other key players in ornamental floriculture can be found in Africa, South America and the Far East. These countries have only started to grow ornamentals in the last few decades.

Dutch producers of starting material and cut flower growers have often contributed to the development of the sector in these countries.

A substantial proportion of the world horticultural production finds its way to the customer through auctions in the Netherlands. Tons of

GULF AGRICULTURE

33

NETHERLANDS UPDATE

Asiatic, African, and South American flowers and other plants are flown into Schiphol (Amsterdam airport) everyday.

The great majority is destined for through transport. In this way the Dutch flower auctions serve as the hub for around half of the world production of flowers and plants. Prices set here are often adopted as guide prices for international trade.

The Dutch wholesalers who re-export the imported flowers and plants often provide added value. They have bouquets made up to the specifications of the customers and provide the flowers with labels and special sleeves.

The supply of foreign flowers and plants is extremely important for Dutch wholesalers and exporters. They are well aware that customers want to make a selection from a complete range. However, there are certain periods when Dutch growers cannot supply particular products, but foreign growers often can, because of their completely different climatological conditions.

Together they ensure that the broad range required for trade and export is available all year round.

The Netherlands also plays an important role in supplying the world-wide ornamental flower market. Our supply industry often extremely specialized and well-equippednot only serves Dutch ornamental horticulture, but also exports its products and know-how to the world.

Dutch glasshouse construction companies, for example, operate on all continents. Their activities are often turnkey projects. Dutch climate control, computerization and mechanisation systems can SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

be found all over the world.

Biological crop protection products are also finding their way to floriculture companies world-wide.

Cut flower growing under glass The production of cut flowers under glass is the largest sector in floriculture

with a production value of over Euro two thousand million and covering an area of 3,757 hectares (1999 figures).

The major cut flower crops are roses, flowers grown from bulbs, chrysanthemums, freesias and gerberas. A full assortment of other cut flowers is also grown.

GULF AGRICULTURE

35

NETHERLANDS UPDATE

FABULOUS ASSORTMENT OF YOUNG PALMS AND SPECIALITIES

H

olland is world famous of its Horticultural industry, but unknown was that the company Aardam Youngplants produced a with range of palms (young plants). This assortment of Palms and other speciality's is really unique. They can produce over a hundred var. of palms, indoor and outdoor.

Arthur Spruit (director of Aardam) explains that they are for many years one of the biggest producers of Chamadorea and Areca. The last years they abroad the assortment with a large scale of indoor and outdoor palms. According of the way the plant develops his roots, they use different sizes of tray's.

According to the increasing demand of assortment of palms we have been started with the production of the exclusive variety's like Parajubaea, Latania, Brahea, all kinds of Trachycarpus and many others. We know that many well known palm growers are looking for top quality young plants. Because of the cooperation with the company Tropicalseeds we use the best world wide contacts and we can be sure that we get the best seeds. This is the first step to healthy young plants. With our special treatment we have total controle of the germination of the seeds, hereby we can germinate the most difficult species in the shortest time.

Besides this with range of palms we also are specialists in the production of Aglonema, Coffea, Nolina, Zamioculcas, Allocasia, Calathea, Cordyline, Hamanomela, Musa and Syngonium.

A special skill in hardening Tissue culture plants from different sources is developed , in order to supply our customers a wide range of young plants propagated by laboratories al over the world. We also participate in a initiating laboratory in order to develop new varieties.

We always listen to the demands of our clients and see that we can offer them a special SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

product, where they can start their production with. Because of our long experience we are able to produce the poducts for our clients where they are looking for.

If you have special demands you always can contact Mihai Sginca and Carl keijzer.

GULF AGRICULTURE

37

SOIL CONDITIONER

SAPROPEL AND PEAT BASED PRODUCTS FOR SOIL VITALITY Giving soil new life and helping food grow

that can assist in tackling the issue of damaged humus.

O

Products of lake energy The basis of the BioDeposit products is sapropel (limnological sediment of freshwater lakes) and peat.

The term â&#x20AC;&#x153;sapropelâ&#x20AC;? name derived from the Greek sapros and pelos - meaning putrid and silt, mud and was introduced in 1901 by German scientist Robert Lauterborn to describe the silts that accumulate over the millennia in clean fresh water lakes.

Organic fertilizers traditionally consist of manure or humus compost and when applied to the soil contribute to the accelerated formation of

f all the planets in the universe, only Earth has a living, breathing skin, formed over the course of countless millennia and made up of the elements released in the fertile layer of the soil. Humus! Humus is the living matrix of all terrestrial life on Earth as it nourishes all forms of life it is also full of life, a handful containing tens of millions of microorganisms.

Do you care for this precious resource? BioDeposit team does! We never stop exploring this outermost layer of our planet and now offer to the market a range of products

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GULF AGRICULTURE

humus in the soil. Sapropel achieves the same but is 15-20 times more effective than these traditional products! Specific microorganisms and enzymes contained in the sapropel are able to revive "dead ground" reactivating soil functions and to give it highly fertile properties by forming humus.

All new organic fertilizers and soil conditioners are generally biologically active substances and contain many nutrient elements. Sapropel varies from these other products by making available these elements in their raw natural balanced form, and has high levels of organic matter humification.

Plants and animals easily assimilate mobile forms of SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

SOIL CONDITIONER

potassium, phosphorus, and hydrolyzable nitrogen, which sapropel is rich in. Sapropel is also rich in natural vitamins, contains carotene (provitamin A), B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, E, C, D, P and folic acid. Sapropel contains the largest quantity of amino acids (histidine, glutamic acid, glycine, valine, arginine, aspartic acid, alanine, serine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, lysine, methionine, threonine, cystine), enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, reductase, protease).

Through the technology used, BioDeposit products contain the widest variety of natural and biologically active materials that is not met in this range in any other product on the market. The results of tests carried out in several Middle East countries show that the productivity of some crops after the use of BioDeposit is increased by 200300%. Biologically active components available in BioDeposit fruitfully influence soil for a long period of time (from 3 to 5 years). Agronomic crop that are grown on soils with BioDeposit products are ecologically pure.

has no offensive odour and should be used 2 times per season with an interval of 14-15 days.

Both products are targeted to naturally increase crop yield by stimulating wellness within the soil and plant root systems, and are designed to be complimentary to each other, although can both be used individually. active peat. It is highly recommended for use on depleted, saline and eroded soils with damaged structure and soils treated with chemical and mineral fertilizers for a long period of time. BioDeposit Agro remains fertile in the ground for several years, so for annual plants it should be once in 3-4 years.

BioDeposit速 Elixir is a sustainable, water soluble, biologically active plant growth enhancer produced from specially prepared peat. It is a black color concentrate that initiates plant growth and development.

BioDeposit Elixir is a highly concentrated product, 1 litre of it should be diluted with 2000 litres of water before irrigation. Elixir

News We are happy to let our dear customers know that as of this year we have increased our production capacity with brand new facilities and best of all a greatly reduced pricing policy.

BioDeposit Group is now very active all around the world, especially in Saudi Arabia, UAE and South Africa, where our unique products are about to get the state registration. The best and most experienced agents have been chosen by BioDeposit Group in the mentioned countries to assist you in improving soil health and getting higher yields, no matter if you are a big farmer, landscaping designer or an amateur gardener.

For further information please contact us: BioDeposit Group Ltd. Lielirbes str. 17A-19, Riga, LV1046, Latvia ph./fax.: +371 67451295, mob.: +371 29158676 info@biodeposit.lv, www.biodeposit.lv

Currently BioDeposit Group offers two products under the BioDeposit brand: BioDeposit速 Agro is a biologically active soil conditioner produced from natural ingredients: sapropelic colloid and

OUR HELPFUL BIODEPOSIT速 AGENTS: Saudi Arabia Rowa Trading Est. CR 1010306200 Riyadh 11428, P.O Box 32220, Saudi Arabia Tel: +96612423450 Fax: +96614126888 Mob: +0505 995 878 essaaj@gmail.com SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

United Arab Emirates Green Globalscape Landscaping Office No.1205 MAI Tower, Al Nahda 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates POB 234549 Ph.: +971 4 254 7544 Fax: +971 4 254 7644 info@greenglobalscape.ae

South African Republic Dr. Arrie van Vuuren P.O. Box 66801, Highveld, Centurion 0169, South Africa, 36 Valley Crescent, Centurion Residential & Golf Estate Phone/fax: +27126675329 mob.: +27825732923 arrievv@telkomsa.net GULF AGRICULTURE

41

AGRICULTURE MACHINERY

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY BOOSTS MF CENTORA PERFORMANCE

T

he latest Massey Ferguson CENTORA range, still the only eight straw-walker combine available, receives a host of new features for harvest 2012 that boost productivity and cut running costs. As well as the latest, most economical SRC engine technology, they also receive other significant upgrades.

“The MF CENTORA, with its unique eight straw-walker separation system, is renowned for being one of the largest capacity conventional combines on the market. It delivers the capacity and great straw quality many users demand, along with very cost effective operation,” says Adam Sherriff, Manager Powered Harvesting. “For next season both models will also benefit from the addition of advanced technology, first developed for the high capacity MF 9280 DELTA Hybrid combine.”

The latest AGCO SISU POWER engines, with Generation 2, Selective

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GULF AGRICULTURE

Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhaust after-treatment, develops a maximum power @ 1,950rpm of 379hp on the MF 7280 plus a further 25hp power boost. The MF 7282 CENTORA has a maximum power of 404hp. The MF DELTA power remains at maximum 500 hp.

By treating the exhaust gases after combustion the SCR process does not add any complexity or additional cooling packages, required by mechanical systems. The latest Generation 2 system now also employs a Diesel Oxidation Catalyser (DOC), which includes the AdBlue dosing injector nozzle. From here exhaust gases receive further treatment by SCR Catalysers and 'slip cats'.

A new Engine Drive plate is an important addition to both CENTORAS. Developed for the Hybrid combine 7 cylinder engine, the new unit ensures smooth and consistent power delivery. By removing shock loads, the new plate will increase driveline durability.

To further increase capacity on the CENTORA combines, the concave can now open wider - to 40mm to handle extra throughput. This is set and adjusted via the DataVision screen in the cab. A wide concave setting not only allows more crop to flow through, but on easy to thresh crops, such as oilseed rape it also helps cut power and fuel consumption. Opening up the concave in other small grain crops, such as wheat, prevents over-threshing and provides more crop-on-crop threshing to separate more grain from the straw.

Increasing the grain preparation pan angle and motion now increases the capacity to deliver more grain to the pan and improve the sample in the tank. A greater grain pan incline allows for more material flow from the main concave. Also, a much more aggressive shaking motion speeds up the transportation of the grain from the concave to the cascade cleaning system.

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

AGRICULTURE MACHINERY

CASE IH LAUNCHES NEW PRECISION FARMING TOOL

P

art of the appeal of precision farming is that it's not an all-or-nothing proposition. Depending on what a customer wants to achieve controlled traffic, yield mapping, prescription seeding/fertilising, for example - the upfront investment doesn't need to be huge.

In-cab displays that enable the farmer to monitor and control the vehicle's functions are a key precision farming tool. Case IH made a huge leap forward in precision farming when it launched the Case IH AFS Pro 600 touch screen in 2006. Since then, the AFS Pro 600 screen has been included as standard on the Axial-Flow combine and Patriot Sprayer range and as a factory fit option on the Puma, Magnum and Steiger tractor ranges.

During 2011, selected Case IH tractors, sprayers and combines, as well as all Case

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

IH Austoft sugar cane harvesters that come with Autoguidance systems, will gradually change to the new AFS Pro 700 display.

The new AFS Pro 700 display is an exciting upgrade that delivers a huge increase in functionality. Like its predecessor, the new AFS Pro 700 display has a 10.4-inch colour touch screen that can be used to monitor and control Case IH vehicles, guidance systems and implements. On top of that, because it is ISO 11783 compliant, it can also monitor and control other ISO 11783 compliant implements and machines. This means that the AFS Pro 700 can be used across a large number of machines, automatically recognising the machine it's in and adjusting the settings to match those last used in that machine. The touch screen display shows vehicle

information and enables you operate the implement and record data to create tools such as yield maps. You can then use those yield maps in the AFS Pro 700 to manage your prescription seeding or fertilising program.

We have reduced the size of the display, so that it is physically smaller than the AFS Pro 600, but we have kept the same screen size, making for a lighter, sleeker and more compact design. And, although it is smaller and lighter than the previous model, the AFS Pro 700 packs a much bigger punch. The new screen weighs less than half as much as the AFS Pro 600 but contains four times as much computing power.

GULF AGRICULTURE

43

FERTILIZERS

THE BENEFITS OF HUMINTECH-PRODUCTS Humintech is a German technology enterprise, based in D端sseldorf, which ties in with the longtime tradition of scientific research of humic acid and their usable properties in Germany. Humintech is mining up to 70 million year old raw material under license of the worldwide largest lignite mining company RWE/Rheinbraun. Experienced geologists select the mining areas of the well-known outstanding German lignite sources with respect to a low pollutant content and a high oxidation degree, which are of crucial importance for the bioactivity of the raw material.

T Dr. Yasser Dergham Technical & Sales Manager

44

he intensive monoculture and the intensified application of inorganic mineral fertilizers since beginning of the 20th century continuously decreased the rate of organic matter in soils so that agriculture reached a blind alley. Consequently of this many problems aroused, like the salinisation and calcination of soils, the decrease of the soil fertility, the destruction of useful soil micro organisms, the increase of the erosion and desertification, rising plant diseases and the accumulation of toxic residues in soils, e.g. herbicides.

In combination with humic acid NPK fertilisers can work optimally. By addition of our products the efficiency of NPK fertilizers can be increased up to 30% respectively at the same yield the application of fertilisers can reduced, the environment preserved and costs saved.

Effect in soils Compacted clay soils Humic acid aerates compacted soils and improves their structure. Thus water, nutrients and roots can penetrate the soil more easily.

Light sandy soils In sandy, poor in humus soils, humic acid coats the sand particles, increases the cation exchange capacity (CEC) and increases the ability of the soil to retain nutrients and water.

Nutrients, in particular nitrate, are not leached out to the

GULF AGRICULTURE

groundwater but together with water retained in the soil, so that they remain available for the plants.

Acidic soils Due to its high buffer capacity humic acid neutralises acidic soils. Acid caused stress for the plant roots is reduced.

Elements harmful for plants, especially aluminium and heavy metals, are bound firmly and immobilized by humic acid.

Thus their toxicity is reduced and phosphate bound by aluminium is released.

Alkaline soils As a result of the high pH value many essential nutrients and trace elements are not present in plant-available form.

Humic acid buffers the high pH and converts nutrients and trace elements into plant receptible form by complexion. Phosphate bound by calcium is resolubilised and made available.

Eroded soils The addition of humic acid accumulates the organic matter in the topsoil. The erosion is effectively reduced by intensified root formation and stabilising clay-humus complexes.

Dry soils Humic acid increases the ability of the soil to retain water. Thus water is available for the plants in dry periods too.

That way drought caused stress situations to the plants are avoided and the wastage of precious water is reduced.

Salinised Soils Salts are split up by the high cation exchange capacity (CEC) of Humic acid. Cations (e.g. Ca and Mg) are bound and chelated. The high osmotic pressure within the root area is reduced.

Pesticide, herbicide and fungicide-charged soils Humic acid increases the effectiveness of pesticides, fungicides and herbicides and immobilizes their harmful residues.

Effects on plants Seeds The treatment of the seeds with diluted humate solution stimulates the cell membranes as well as the metabolic activities and increases thereby the germ rates.

Roots The capacity of the root to take up nutrients is increased by the cation exchange capacity and thus the yield is increased up to 30%.

Plant growth The plant's sugar and vitamin content increases by enhanced cell assimilation and photosynthesis.

Fruit and grains The enhanced ratio of dry matter in fruit improves their taste, shelf life and transportability. Calcium, which is important for the swelling of the cell walls and the root health, is transported into the root zone by complexation and made plant available.

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

FERTILIZERS Diseases Humic acid promotes the activity of the plants and thus their immunity against penetration of parasites into the cells. In addition the activity of useful microorganisms in the soil (Mycorrhiza and antagonists) is encouraged and a biological balance the root zone is provided.

sandy soils. Thereby the water demand can be reduced up to 50% and thus precious water is saved in arid areas.

Quantitative and qualitative yield increases Regular application of highquality humic acids accumulates their effect in soils and increases continuously the quantitative and qualitative yield increases.

Humintech-products optimise the quality of soils and benefit the plant growth.

Soils and plants witness the quality of Humintechproducts. They capitalise on the ameliorant properties of humic acids too. You can only benefit economically and ecologically from the application of humic acids.

Typical areas of application - Substrates - Hydroponics - foliar applications - soil applications - seed treatment - soils poor in humus - compacted clayey soils - light sandy soils - open land agriculture - forestry - re-cultivation of slopes - land reclamation Impacts on the environment Reduction of nitrate entry into the groundwater Humic acid binds nitrate and keeps it within the root zone of the plants and thus prevents that nitrate is leached out into the groundwater. In this way drinking water reserves are preserved - Reducing of the salination - Binding of the organic and inorganic harmful residues - Diminishing of the undesirable smell of liquid - Organic fertilizer - Effectively reducing of soil erosion Economical benefits Increase of the nutrients' efficiency The addition of humic acid can decrease the need of fertilisers up to 30% and thus reduce the production costs substantially.

Reduction of water demand The accumulation of organic matter by humic acid binds the seeping water especially in SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

GULF AGRICULTURE

45

ITALIAN UPDATE

HYBRID SEEDS FROM ITALY

L

a Semiorto Sementi is one of the leading companies in Italy offering a variety of hybrid vegetables.

Boston Boston, mid-late variety for fresh market, also appreciated for industry. It can be cultivated in different conditions (even in hot climate) and it produces slim and smooth pods, dark green coloured, with uniform size, 14-15 cms long. Boston is straight and vigorous, with big quantities of long, tender and smooth pods. It has a very long harvesting period.

Growers Giant A variety of prickly endive with elongated leaves and wide, white stems. Produces heads that are about 40 cm, in diameter. The external leaves are shiny green

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GULF AGRICULTURE

and the white heart is abundant, compact and naturally blanched. The leaves are very crunchy and fleshy. The central stem is wide and flat. This variety is suitable for autumnwinter production. It is to be sown from June onwards.

Pizzullo A plant of medium height with vigorous growth with good foliage cover and high productivity. The fruit has a diameter of 5 cm and is a 12-13 cm long, of conical shape, with brilliant red colour. It weighs about 100g. The flesh is dense and very consistent.

We can sow in the nursery from November to January and directly from January to April.

Hybrid F1 RN 016 Its resistance to winter colds means that this plant gives crops of excellent quality.

Compact and bulky head that is round, bright white and protected by wide leaves. The plant is erect with good leaf coverage. Compact heart and short stem. Sow between 25 July and 10 August for harvesting in January-February.

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

RELIABLE AND MORE EFFICIENT FILTERS

A

RAG, leader in spraying and irrigation systems presents DYNAMIC II, the new computer-controlled selfcleaning filter. After the successful first version, the R&D team has designed a new product, even more performing and reliable compared to the previous version.

DYNAMIC II can be installed in banks controlled by just one computer and, thanks to its shape, in any position without affecting its working operations.

DYNAMIC II is available with 3â&#x20AC;? threaded coupling and

DYNAMIC II CAN BE INSTALLED IN BANKS CONTROLLED BY JUST ONE COMPUTER AND, THANKS TO ITS SHAPE, IN ANY POSITION WITHOUT AFFECTING ITS WORKING OPERATIONS. in 100, 120 and 150 mesh versions, with a 2090 sq. cm filtering surface and a high flow rate of 60 cu. m/h at 10 bars. The separated drain valve allows for optimum assembly under any installation conditions. The new internal scanner system further decreases wash intervals frequency resulting in filter

ITALIAN UPDATE

continuous duty cycle and ensuring the best efficiency levels without stopping spraying.

With the same body, ARAG also offers manual selfcleaning filters that operate in a similar way but are cleaned by the operator, through a lever on filter head. Then we have filters of the 332 and 334 series that are the static versions and are available with mesh cartridges or disc screens. A reliable and efficient range of filters that will certainly meet the requirements of every user, even the most demanding ones.

INNOVATIVE AND EFFICIENT SOLUTIONS FOR HEALTHIER LIFESTYLES AND ENVIRONMENTS OUR MISSION Applying scientific research to natural resources (Geapower technology).

THE VALUES OF A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS The success of Valagro stems from its great attention to the needs of the market of agricultural production and the search for answers through the application of strategies, processes and products that are developed and work in harmony with man and nature.

Looking for distributors in the Middle East

NO BOUNDARIES Valagro is present worldwide in over 80 countries through its subsidiaries and distributors.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CREDIBILITY Valagro products are designed to be used in different climatic conditions and on different terrains.

info@valagro.com SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

www.valagro.com GULF AGRICULTURE

47

ITALIAN UPDATE

IRRITEC & SIPLAST â&#x20AC;&#x201D; IRRIGATION SYSTEMS SINCE 1974

I

n a world where water is used universally and continually and because of the benefits it brings to our whole planet, the use of optimal irrigation systems becomes a question of major importance both for increasing the quality and the quantity of agricultural production and for safeguarding the ecosystem. To put this concept into effect, Irritec & Siplast focus their entire

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GULF AGRICULTURE

AMONG THE FIRST SOCIETIES WHICH HAVE INTRODUCED MICROIRRIGATION PRODUCTS IN ITALY 30 YEARS AGO, IRRITEC & SIPLAST, APART FROM THEIR 3 LOCAL PLANTS, NOW HAVE PRODUCTION PLANTS IN SPAIN, MEXICO AND CALIFORNIA, SO BECOMING AN INTERNATIONAL POINT OF REFERENCE IN THE FIELD OF IRRIGATION.

production and commercial activity on products for irrigation and aqueducts, such us: driplines, tapes, PE pipes, connectors, valves, compression fittings, valve boxes, quick coupling valves, manifold systems, controllers, filters.

Among the first societies which have introduced micro-irrigation products in Italy 30 years ago, Irritec & Siplast, apart from their 3 local plants, SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

ITALIAN UPDATE

now have production plants in Spain, Mexico and California, so becoming an international point of reference in the field of irrigation.

Thanks to an efficient production network made up of various associated societies and to an extensive commercial organisation, the products and services offered pass through a network reaching up to 50 nations throughout the world. The service also includes a technical guidance from a staff of qualified agronomists who are able to advise clients in all the stages leading up to the realisation of an irrigation system or an industrial plant, made-to-

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

measure to satisfy the client's individual needs.

Aided by the professionalism and competence of over 500 employees throughout the world, Irritec & Siplast are a point of reference for growers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers in all segments of the market, from agriculture to gardening, from landscaping to aqueduct plants. The passion for water and the continual comparison with major International competitors have all contributed to the growth of our know-how, expressed through the vast range of products and services which are able to totally satisfy our clients' needs in the field of irrigation.

The continual search of innovative technology pushes us to be always adjourned with all the highest international standards of quality in agreement with the criteria set out by ISO 9000.

This is demonstrated through the reliability of our products and through the certification we have been awarded worldwide.

Our company takes into great consideration the improvement of our environmental management system by the study of specific aspects of our sector and respecting all the international regulations regarding the ISO 14000 requirements.

GULF AGRICULTURE

49

USA UPDATE

NEW POTATOES WITHSTAND DESTRUCTIVE WIREWORMS

The potato is the vegetable of choice in the United States. ARS scientists are now working to develop potato varieties with resistance to wireworms.

W A wireworm feeding on potato tubers and causing obvious damage.

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ireworm feeding damage is easy to spot, says Rich Novy, an Agricultural Research Service plant geneticist seeking to shore up America's $3.3 billion potato crop. The damage resembles a nail hole that has been punched into the spud, pitting its surface and making it less appealing for use in freshpack or processing markets.

Although organophosphate-

and carbamate-based insecticides are available for use against wireworms on potato, the continued registration of some of these insecticides is uncertain, say Novy, who is in ARS's Small Grains and Potato Germplasm Research Unit in Aberdeen, Idaho. Plus, the chemicals don't always eliminate the slender, brownish-orange pests, which as larvae can survive beneath SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

USA UPDATE

the soil for as long as 5 years before emerging as adult click beetles.

Over the last several years, Novy, ARS plant pathologist Jonathan Whitworth, and former University of Idaho associate professor Juan Alvarez have looked for a solution to the problem in the form of genetic resistance. In particular, they've focused attention on two wild relatives of cultivated potato obtained from Chile and Bolivia: Solanum berthaultii and S. etuberosum. Taking their cue from previous studies showing that the wild potatoes are resistant to Colorado potato beetles and green peach aphids, two disparate pests, the researchers decided to pit the plants against hungry wireworms as well.

To do this, the team crossed germplasm derived from the wild potatoes with a cultivated variety and then selected 15 top-performing plants from 3 generations of progeny. The researchers' next step was to plant the progeny lines, called â&#x20AC;&#x153;breeding clones,â&#x20AC;? in wireworm-infested field plots in southern Idaho and compare the feeding damage they sustained to that of flanking rows of Russet Burbank potatoes treated with or without an insecticide commonly used for controlling wireworm.

As the researchers had hoped, the resistant clones fared as well as-and sometimes better than-the insecticidetreated Russet Burbank potatoes.

At this time, the mechanism of resistance to wireworm has not been determined, but it may be related to glycoalkaloids. These naturally occurring chemical compounds SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

in potato tubers are known to deter some insect pests. Total concentrations of glycoalkaloids in many of the resistant clones are at levels suitable for human consumption, which may open the door to their use in the development of wirewormresistant commercial varieties.

The team has submitted a paper on the research to the Journal of Economic Entomology.-By Jan Suszkiw, Agricultural Research Service Information Staff.

Rich Novy and Jonathan Whitworth are in the USDAARS Small Grains and Potato Germplasm Research Unit.

GULF AGRICULTURE

51

USA UPDATE

GROWING CROPS AND SAVING WATER IN THE WEST

C

olorado is typical of much of the western United States in that the era of expanding irrigated agriculture has come to an end.

In fact, the number of irrigated acres is declining.

The State of Colorado estimates that this decline will continue, because the current number of irrigated acres requires an amount of water that falls short of supplies by 10 percent.

Municipal and industrial users in cities along the Rocky Mountains are buying up farmland to get its water rights, then leaving the land idle-a practice called “buy and dry.”

An alternative to this is to have farmers limit their irrigation and sell or lease only the rights to their unused water, rather than sell the land as well.

But that requires documentation of water saved that is sufficient for Colorado's “Water Court” and approval by the State Engineer's Office.

For this reason, Tom Trout, research leader of the Agricultural Research Service's Water Management Research Unit (WMRU) in Fort Collins, Colorado, is measuring crop water-use efficiency not by the traditional measure of crop Agricultural engineer Walter Bausch (left) and engineering technician Ted Bernard measure reflectance, canopy temperature, and ground cover of corn with their mobile platform. The wheels of the platform roll between the rows of fully mature corn while the sensors on the end of the telescoping boom look down on the crop from 15 feet above the corn canopy.

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SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

USA UPDATE

yield per drop of irrigation water applied, but rather by yield per drop of water actually taken in by the crop. That measure is called a “crop water productivity function.” It eliminates all water that does not enter a plant's roots.

“This shows the actual strain on ground-water supplies, because water used by crops is effectively lost, while most unused rain and irrigation water returns to ground water or flows into streams for use downstream,” Trout says.

Trout is in the third year of a study to determine how much water four crops common to the High Plains region-corn, wheat, sunflower, and pinto beansactually use. He is growing these crops in rotation and using drip irrigation on a 50-acre limited irrigation research farm

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

near Greeley, Colorado. ARS operates the farm collaboratively with Colorado State University (CSU) at Fort Collins, which is about 30 miles northwest of Greeley.

Trout's ARS colleagues in this study include agricultural engineer Walter Bausch and plant physiologists Dale Shaner and Lori Wiles, all at WMRU. The data from this study will be used by the ARS Agricultural Systems Research Unit in Fort Collins to develop a computer “decision support” model to provide farmers with documentation of water savings and information on the economic viability of limited irrigation, crop by crop, to help farmers make decisions.

Water as a Crop Regenesis Management Group, LLC, in Denver,

Colorado, has signed a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) with both research units to create monitoring instruments and software for a web-based application being designed by the company and known as “SWIIM,” for Sustainable Water and Innovative Irrigation Management. This would allow farmers to treat water as a commodity, like corn, while sustaining economic and environmentally sound irrigation.

As part of the CRADA, the study will be expanded to include one of the main irrigation methods farmers use: running water down furrows between crop rows. ARS and CSU scientists have installed instruments on a 15-acre

GULF AGRICULTURE

53

USA UPDATE

furrow-irrigated field to measure irrigation applications, runoff, and water percolating down through the soil. Regenesis Management Group will partly fund the research with the goal of developing the underlying science to legally support water transfers.

Will Limited Irrigation Save Water?

Farmers using limited irrigation do not give crops the full irrigation amounts needed for maximum yields. Instead, they use partial irrigations timed to critical growth stages.

Trout and colleagues

designed the original study to see whether limited irrigation is best economically for each of the four crops and to help farmers with irrigation timing and amounts and other options.

The four crops are being grown with six levels of irrigation, from full irrigation down to only 40 percent of full.

The research farm was set up to enable precision water control and accurate field measurements of water consumed. Use of drip irrigation eliminates the many variables found in furrow and overhead sprinkler irrigation. A series of meters and valves measures irrigation amounts.

A field weather station helps scientists predict the rate at which water is consumed-both transpired through plant leaves and evaporated from the soil surface. Actual soil water depletion is measured by moisture sensors down to 6 feet.

Irrigation timing is based on both the predicted rates of crop water use and the soil water depletion measurements.

A â&#x20AC;&#x153;high boyâ&#x20AC;? platform with digital cameras, infrared detectors, and an infrared thermometer is driven through the plots weekly to monitor crop growth and leaf temperature, an indicator of crop water deprivation.

So far, Trout has results for three seasons of limitedirrigation studies. For example, he found that corn yields varied from 210 bushels an acre for full irrigation down to 130 Agricultural engineer Tom Trout checks instruments on a weather station that predicts water consumption through soil surface evaporation and transpiration through plant leaves.

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SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

USA UPDATE

bushels for the lowest irrigation level.

Sell One Bushel of Corn or 2,500 Gallons of Water?

Trout found that the corn plants on 1 acre of land need to consume about 600,000 gallons of water-from irrigation and rain-to produce 200 bushels of corn. “After an initial amount of water to get the corn growing, the consumption rate stayed about the same through all six levels of irrigation-about 2,500 gallons per bushel of corn,” he says.

This flies in the face of the traditional belief that crops use water less efficiently as they get more of it. But in this experiment, Trout found that while that is true in terms of drops of irrigation water

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

applied, it is not necessarily true in terms of drops of water consumed. In other words, there is no reduction in the amount of water corn takes in to produce each bushel, despite the reduction in the amount of irrigation water applied. This may make limited irrigation less attractive financially, at least for corn in this region.

“Corn farmers might do better financially to use full irrigation on a portion of their irrigated acres, rather than limited irrigation spread over all the acres,” Trout says.

“They could then sell or lease the water rights on the nonirrigated acres. Another option would be to grow a different crop that requires less water, if the economics of

limited irrigation work for that crop.”

These results are preliminary and may vary with changes in the timing of water applications, type of crop, or variety of corn.

The scientists plan to use computer models to test the results beyond the climate and soils on the research farm to a wide range of conditions throughout the central High Plains.

Irrigated agriculture in the central High Plains will continue and will help meet the food needs of a growing world population, but it must be carefully managed to maximize crop yields for each drop of water that passes through a plant.-By Don Comis, Agricultural Research Service Information Staff.

GULF AGRICULTURE

55

SINGAPORE UPDATE

ZAGRO ANIMAL HEALTH: LEADING THE WAY HEADQUARTERED IN SINGAPORE, ZAGRO'S PRESENCE IS FELT IN MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD MAINLY: INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, PHILIPPINES, VIETNAM, TAIWAN, SRI LANKA, NETHERLANDS, SPAIN, AUSTRALIA, AFRICA, MIDDLE EAST AND THE AMERICAS.

Z

agro is a brand leader of animal health, crop care and public health products in the Asia Pacific. Starting off as a division under the prestigious Swiss-based Zuellig Group in 1953, the company was brought to public on the Singapore Stock Exchange in 1996. Over the years it has proven to be one of the leading industry players catering to the needs of farmers and offering the most innovative and value for money agrisolutions all year round.

Headquartered in Singapore, Zagro's presence is felt in many parts of the world mainly: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Spain, Australia, Africa, Middle East and the Americas. In the ASEAN markets, it sells products directly to customers. However elsewhere, it works through its well-appointed and trusted distributors and partners arranged through its regional offices.

Animal Health Division The growth of Zagro's Animal Health division has dictated and expedited the need for improved quality and productivity. Each year new production lines are added to cope with the unchanging demand. The work flow, health environment and safety of the facilities are continually studied and enhanced as all these inevitably contribute to higher productivity.

Over the years Zagro has heavily invested in business systems and processes with the objective of ensuring business continuity and tighten supply chain management. Its production facilities in Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam reinforce Zagro's drive in winning over competition and strengthening its global footprint position.

Animal Health Business Zagro's Animal Health business caters to the needs and healthcare of livestock, poultry and aquatic animals. It manufactures and distributes a wide range of nutrition and protection products to ensure that these animals are protected and given the essential nutrition for growth.

Animal Nutrition As a premix manufacturer, Zagro caters specifically to the animals' needs with customized formulations developed by a team of dedicated veterinarians and nutritionists. Its series of probiotics and enzymes products have altogether

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SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

ZAGRO MANUFACTURES AND DISTRIBUTES A WIDE RANGE OF NUTRITION AND PROTECTION PRODUCTS TO ENSURE THAT THESE ANIMALS ARE PROTECTED AND GIVEN THE ESSENTIAL NUTRITION FOR GROWTH. gained popularity all over the world. These products are known to improve overall animal health and farmers' output as they are perfect replacement for antibiotics growth promoters.

For aquatic animals, Zagro's specialty formulations improve the defense systems of fish and shrimps against stressful conditions thereby advancing productivity and enabling farmers to meet the ever-growing demands for them.

Animal Protection Zagro markets a complete range of protection products covering a broad spectrum of animal diseases. The company has appointed professional veterinarians always available in any of its numerous offices to provide technical support and offer creative agrisolutions to any farming problem.

Zagro's ectoparasiticides, Neocidol速 and Steladone速, are well-sought after by farmers all over the world.

Together with the company's biosecurity products, farmers can be well-assured that their animals are enjoying a clean and healthy environment.

Quality & Productivity As it continues to grow, Zagro is dedicated to maintaining highest level of productivity and services.

Zagro is proud to announce that its production facilities have been awarded the following certifications: ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 (by UKAS) inclusive of HACCP Certification and in conformance to GMP requirement. In addition, through hard work and dedication it was recently granted SS 540:2008 and BS 25999:2006 for Business Continuity Management and FAMI-QS, the European Feed Additives and Premixtures Quality System. These achievements are a direct result of the entire organization working together in effectively developing and maintaining the quality system.

ZAGRO Promise Zagro is on its way to building long-term solutions to an ever increasing demand for higher quality products at affordable prices. It is constantly improving existing solutions whilst concomitantly developing new ones to feed its markets and satisfy its customers and distributors.

The company remains steadfast and faithful to its philosophy of delivering consistent Agrisolutions to farmers all over the world. Simply put, Total Customer Satisfaction at its best!

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

SINGAPORE UPDATE

BIOMAX RAPID THERMOPHILIC D

SINGAPORE HAS MANY THINGS TO OFFER TO THE MIDDLE EAST FARMERS. MANY SINGAPOREAN COMPANIES ARE ENGAGED IN AGRO-FOOD RELATED ACTIVITIES INCLUDING WASTE MANAGEMENT, ORNAMENTAL PLANT PRODUCTION AND SUPPLY AND TRADING OF ORGANIC FERTILIZERS. IN ORDER TO PROVIDE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN SINGAPORE'S FARMING SECTORS TO GULF AGRICULTURE MAGAZINE READERS, OUR MANAGING EDITOR MATT TRAVELLED TO SINGAPORE. DURING HIS THREE DAY STAY IN SINGAPORE, HE VISITED MANY FARMING AREAS, HORTICULTURE PRODUCTION CENTRES AND AN ORGANIC FERTILIZER PLANT WHICH CONVERTS WASTE INTO WEALTH IN SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA. HERE HE UNVEILS THE BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPED

BY BIOMAX TECHNOLGY PTE LTD., ONE OF THE LEADING BIOTECHNOLOGY COMPANIES BASED IN SINGAPORE. THE COMPANY IS INVOLVED IN THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, COMMERCIALIZING, AND MARKETING OF BIOTECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS. THE COMPANY AIMS TO PROVIDE PROFITABLE WASTE TO WEALTH INNOVATIONS. 58

GULF AGRICULTURE

B

iomax Technology Pte Ltd has developed an innovative technology namely Biomax Rapid Thermophilic Digestion Technology. With this technology, organic waste is converted into 100% pure solid organic fertilizer in one day.

The organic fertilizer produced is of good quality, odourless,

and free of pathogens.

“The technology works by combining our specially designed Biomax Thermophilic Digestor and BM1. Working together with BM1, Biomax Rapid Thermophilic Digestor provides the optimum environment and reaction dynamics to acceletrate aerobic fermentation”, says Anton SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

C DIGESTION TECHNOLOGY

SINGAPORE UPDATE

Gulf Agriculture Journalist with Biomax CEO Sim Eng Tong

(thermophilic process). The BM1 is specially formulated after years of research. It is a natural cocktail which contains enzyme such as proteinas, keratinase, lipase, cellulose, and other ingredients needed to accelerate thermophilic digestion process.

Wibowo, Vice President of the company. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Biomax Rapid Thermophilic Digestor is designed to be easily set up at a location to treat biomass waste.

This location serves as one-stop centre for waste collection, waste processing, and storage of end product. The user-friendly digestor uses a closed system to SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

treat agriculture wastes, thus reducing air-pollution and pests.

It is also durable and easy to be maintained. There are two capacities to suit different industrial needsâ&#x20AC;? he adds.

BM1 is able to reduce fermentation time (24 hrs or less) by activating fermenting microorganisms at high temperature region

Soil & Plant Conditioner The product of the rapid thermophilic digestion process is able to provide nutrients and food for both plants and soil. It naturally sustains long term plant growth and fertility of the soil.

Applications Biomax Rapid Thermophilic Digestion can be used to process organic waste from various sources such as animal, plantation, and industrial.

Land: The system does not GULF AGRICULTURE

59

SINGAPORE UPDATE

occupy large space (100 m2 for 3 ton per day processing), and can be easily set up.

Manpower: The automated machine requires lesser workers per treatment site to handle the machine, and also other operations such as trashing, loading-unloading, and packaging.

Product output Nutrients: The end of product is pure organic fertilizer with substantial NPK value to provide the nutrition for plants.

The low C\N ratio also helps restore soil structure and fertility.

Soil fertility: Upon soil application, the organic fertilizer improves the soil CEC (Cation 60

GULF AGRICULTURE

Exchange Capacity) which will reduce nutrient leakage.

Soil microorganisms: The optimum water and organic content of the fertilizer provides a healthy environment for the growth of soil microbs.

Smell: The compositing process removes offensive odour which causes pests pollution and diseases.

Consistency: The digestion system is in a closed and controlled environment which is independent of the SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

SINGAPORE UPDATE

it is an aerobic fermentation process.

Financial benefits Logistics: The more compact form of organic fertilizer reduces transport and handling cost.

Reduction: Continous application of organic fertilizer could replace up to 70% of

‘‘

THE TECHNOLOGY WORKS BY COMBINING OUR SPECIALLY DESIGNED BIOMAX THERMOPHILIC DIGESTOR AND BM1. WORKING TOGETHER WITH BM1, BIOMAX RAPID THERMOPHILIC DIGESTOR PROVIDES THE OPTIMUM ENVIRONMENT AND REACTION DYNAMICS TO ACCELETRATE AEROBIC FERMENTATION. BIOMAX RAPID THERMOPHILIC DIGESTOR IS DESIGNED TO BE EASILY SET UP AT A LOCATION TO TREAT BIOMASS WASTE. THIS LOCATION SERVES AS ONE-STOP CENTRE FOR WASTE COLLECTION, WASTE PROCESSING, AND STORAGE OF COMPOSTED PRODUCT. THE USER-FRIENDLY REACTOR USES A CLOSED SYSTEM TO TREAT AGRICULTURE WASTES, THUS REDUCING AIR-POLLUTION AND PESTS. IT IS ALSO DURABLE AND EASY TO BE MAINTAINED. THERE ARE TWO CAPACITIES TO SUIT DIFFERENT INDUSTRIAL NEEDS”, SAYS ANTON WIBOWO, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE COMPANY. SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011

Biomax executives with Gulf Agriculture Journalist

surrounding conditions such as weather.

Processing Time: Biomax Rapid Thermophilic Digestion system is able to complete the compositing process within 1 day.

Pollution: The digestion is carried out in a closed chamber, which removes smell and air pollution.

Harmful pathogens: High temperature digestion process is able to destroy all harmful pathogens, insect eggs and larvae.

Harmful by-product: There is no harmful by product because

chemical fertilizers in the long run.

Quality of crops: The use of pure organic fertilizer improves soil fertility, which produces healthier trees.

Return of investment: a combination of various benefits enables lucrative return of investment.

The company is looking forward to have suitable partners from Gulf & Middle East for their organic fertilizers and setting up of organic production facility with their innovative technology.

For more details, please visit www.biomaxtech.com GULF AGRICULTURE

61

AUSTRALIAN UPDATE

“WANGARA HORTICULTURAL SUPPLIES OFFERS HIGHEST QUALITY WOVEN PLANTER BAGS”

“U

ntil 15 years ago, all trees were grown in hard plastic pots or film grade poly bags and at that time there was no such product as a very strong planter bag with handles.

This was always a big problem for production nurseries as lifting plastic pots or planter bags increased the risk of back injuries to workers which in turn increased the cost of insurance premiums and workers compensation claims.

In 1992 Steve Turner, owner of Wangara Horticultural Supplies had several meetings with Australia's largest nursery to try and find a solution to this ever increasing problem. It was then that the first trials of woven planter bags with handles were done and after

one spring and summer season, the trial stock was inspected and to our amazement we found that the trees had a far healthier root system than others grown in hard plastic pots. We now had a far superior product as we had planter bags with handles to assist in lifting and an added bonus was the superior root formation that all but eliminated root spiraling.

Today woven planter bags with handles are used throughout the nursery industry in most countries because of the ease of handling and superior root growth.

From 1993 until 2004 the woven planter bag with handles was widely accepted because of its ease of handling and many other features but several nurseries could not work out how to fill them manually and still retain a

An inferior cheap copy of a woven planter bag

A top quality Easy-Fill planter bag on forklift 62

GULF AGRICULTURE

perfect cylindrical shape. In 2004 Wangara Horticultural Supplies decided to change the configuration of the planter bag from a commodity type of bag to a round bottom bag.

Now the Easy-Fill Planter Bag has all of the quality features of the past with a round bottom panel sewn in to the bag which now solves the problem of filling correctly and allows for perfect presentation. Easy-Fill round bottom planter bags are made from the finest quality raw materials in any size, shape, colour or configuration to suit the most astute nursery and have the highest quality and very expensive u/v additives to give a guaranteed long life in the worlds harshest climates.

Wangara Horticultural Supplies are the exclusive manufacturer of Easy-Fill round bottom woven planter bags with handles and warn potential users not to be fooled by cheaper copies of planter bags being offered in the market place as a planter bag is not cheap when you have to buy it twice.

Wangara Horticultural Supplies are a privately owned Western Australian family business who pride themselves on quality products and continued repeat business and were the first in the world to conceive the round bottom woven planter bags with handles and we thank everyone for their support in making it a very successful product.

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011