Gulf Agriculture Magazine (Jan-Feb 2015)

JANUARY

ISSN 1751-8407

FEBRUARY

2015 TM

YOUR GATEWAY TO THE MIDDLE EAST AGRIBUSINESS

A GLOBAL GATEWAY FOR FOOD TRADE

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HOLEX FLOWER, A WORLD OF FLOWERS

32

MARTEX OFFERS HIGH QUALITY PLANTER BAGS

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LOW COST TREATMENT OF THE RED PALM WEEVIL

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BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGAINST APPLE SCAB

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CONTENTS

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24

NEWS UPDATE

PAGE 04

SECOND EDITION OF 'GLOBAL FORUM FOR INNOVATIONS IN AGRICULTURE'

PAGE 18

GREEN SECTOR IS PROFITING FROM THE ECONOMIC UPSWING BY THE GULF

PAGE 22

EIMA 2014: A PHENOMENAL EDITION

PAGE 24

THE INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURE AND AGRICULTURE TRADE FAIR

PAGE 28

IRRIGATION SHOW BRINGS OVER 4,000 INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

PAGE 30

SENNINGER IRRIGATION INTRODUCES NEW DUAL NOZZLE FITTING

PAGE 31

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Editor in Chief Mohammed Nasser Editor Marie Matthew Associate Editor Andrew Thomas Graphic Designer Elizabeth John Marketing Manager Megha Mary Matt 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.) 2015 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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JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

®

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

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Mulch mats for weed protection

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Packing and transportation

Arrangement and transportation

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Metal trunk shaping rings

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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…….

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

NEWS UPDATE

Oilseed Congress debut brings exclusive content on oilseed complex in Europe/MENA to Barcelona HighQuest Group will expand its oilseed conference offerings with the debut of the new Oilseed Congress Europe/MENA in Barcelona, Spain, on 9-10 February 2015 at the Hotel Arts. The event will provide exclusive content on the current state and outlook for the oilseed complex in Europe and the Middle East/North Africa and how global trends are likely to affect the sector.

This one-and-a-half day event is fashioned after the company's successful U.S.based Oilseed & Grain Trade Summit, which is now in its tenth year and is highly regarded for providing timely content and outstanding networking opportunities for participants operating across the oilseed and feed grains supply chain.

As with the U.S. event, the content for the Oilseed Congress has been tailored to address the needs of its audience, focusing on issues that have a direct impact on importers and exporters, merchandisers and traders, service providers, and primary processors and downstream consumption markets in feed, food, biodiesel and industrial applications. Unique challenges and opportunities facing those active in this sector in Europe and the MENA region will be addressed, including: What factors will drive the trade of oilseeds and derivative products over in the next 12 months, primarily in Europe, but also in North and South America and Asia?

What trends are apparent in the quality level of oilseeds 4

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and their derivatives in the major origins?

What is the expected future competitiveness between different vegetable oils used in a range of applications (food, biodiesel and industrial) and how will this affect trade flows for vegetable oils?

The topics for day two of the conference include risk management strategies, freight market and trends, developments in trading rules and arbitration, and trade financing, including what kinds of innovative trade financing facilities are available in the European/MENA market today.

For more details, visit www.oilseedcongress.com.

Register for the event with a 10% discount using promo code: #3PR-OCE15. Also check out the agenda for the colocated Women in Agribusiness Summit Europe, which will provide insightful industry content, professional development skills and strategies for success for women across the agribusiness value chain.

Functional waters power ahead The global market for functional waters grew last year by 10% in volume to 4,800 million litres and by 8.5% in value to $6,500 million, according to a new report from leading food and drinks industry consultancy Zenith International.

The Zenith Report on Flavoured Functional Water Innovation identifies 8 key areas of focus for new product development initiatives since 2012 - natural ingredients, natural sweeteners, energy waters, beauty and wellness waters, vitamin waters,

innovative functionality, diversified flavours and minimalist packaging.

60 in-depth brand profiles offer product images as well as detailed information such as launch date, packaging type and size, pricing, ingredients, variants and marketing. These are analysed under 7 headings functional claims, functional ingredients, still waters, sparkling waters, children's waters, caps and closures, and innovation.

"Functional waters provide added benefits for health conscious consumers," commented Zenith Chairman Richard Hall. "Many people already appreciate the value of healthy hydration. The most common added ingredients are vitamins and minerals alongside herbs and fruit flavours. These are generally combined to provide a premium package of taste, convenience and lifestyle with a targeted wellbeing appeal.

"Our new report brings together all the latest in product development around the world and is intended to serve as an ideal reference for any company seeking to create or expand a presence in this rapidly growing market," he concluded.

Among other points highlighted in the Zenith report: China, the United States and Japan are the 3 leading national markets.

The top 3 brands are Mizone from Danone, GlacĂŠau Vitaminwater from Coca-Cola and Propel from PepsiCo. Both volume and value are predicted to continue growing by 8-10% a year.

The Zenith Report on Flavoured Functional Water Innovation contains profiles on 60 brands launched in 2012-14 across 5 regions under 7 JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

NEWS UPDATE

categories. Contact Zenith International on +44 (0)1225 327900 or e-mail mfedor@zenithinternational.com.

COMER INDUSTRIES, MENTION AT SIMA INNOVATION AWARDS 2015 On November 27 th, 2014 Comer Industries was recognized for its CENTRIPLUS system at the Avant-Première ceremony of the SIMA Innovation Awards, the international competition promoted from the Paris exhibition dedicated to Agriculture (scheduled in Paris, France, from February 2226, 2015).

Comer Industries' CENTRIPLUS solution improves the efficiency of internal oil wet discs by separation of the brake pack from the axle lubrication oil.

The system also provides a centrifugal lubrication in order to assure the correct oil quantity required by the friction material during the braking phase to prevent overheating. In this way it is possible to reduce the power loss or to increase the vehicle speed. This technical solution is simple, reliable, cost-effective and does not require any other external devices. CENTRIPLUS is patented and is suitable for application on differential axles for self-propelled agricultural machines, particularly telehandlers.

The ceremony, hosted by Dominique Chapatte, editor of Turbo - M6, took place at Museum Dapper in Paris; it was attended by Patrick Pérard, President of AXEMA, Jean- Marc Bournigal, President of IRSTEA, Martine Dégremont, Director of SIMA, Valérie Le Roy, Director Communication of SIMA. Receiving the award were 6

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Franck La Spina, Director, Didier Querval, Director Agri Sales and Sebastien Bresciani, Distribution Manager of Comer Industries Sarl French subsidiary.

“We are strengthening our vocation for excellence through an approach focused on innovation. With CENTRIPLUS, Comer Industries confirms its ability to face even more demanding markets and challenges with products that are more efficient and environmentally friendly.”, La Spina said.

The jury members addressed to Comer Industries their sincerest congratulations and wished every success to the marketing of this new product.

Cherrington Self-Propelled Screener for Animal Waste Collection Cherrington Screeners remove everything larger than the selected screen hole size while immediately returning the sand to the surface. This process allows for fast and efficient removal of unwanted waste and results in sanitary compounds for the animals.

The Cherrington removes as much waste in less than an hour than the manual labor crew at this dairy did in a full day's work.

The Cherrington selfpropelled screener with its 3 wheel design for zero-turn ability for great maneuverability in the camel pens.

Agrocode launches new product Nitrocode AZ+ aimed at boosting vegetable production Agrocode has announced the launch of Nitrocode AZ+, an innovative bacterial inoculant based on Azospirillum technology that has been

designed to boost growth of all types of vegetables, helping producers get the most out of their crops, whatever the ground conditions may be.

In fact, the product, which works by increasing the production of natural hormones in plants, can boost production by between 13% and 32% depending on crop and cultivation conditions.

Once applied to plants, Nitrocode AZ+ stimulates growth by taking atmospheric nitrogen (N2) and converting it into biological nitrogen (NH4+), while also stimulating plants to synthesise natural phytohormones; all of which help contribute towards plant and root growth.

The launch of Nitrocode AZ+ coincides with the debut of Agrocode's new, dedicated web presence (agrocode.com), which features detailed information on all of the products offered by the company, together with help for growers and technological resources.

An innovative, patented microbiological solution designed for use with all types of crops, Nitrocode AZ+ is composed of two potent elements: AZ is a liquid inoculant that contains a very high concentration of natural bacteria (Azospirillum ssp) that promotes plant growth. The bacteria works by colonising plant roots and the rhizosphere (the area of soil surrounding plant roots), encouraging the production of natural plant hormones throughout the growth cycle.

The molecular enhancer '+' an important scientific development, as it makes use of all of the biological metabolic JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

NEWS UPDATE

(Middle) Mr Manuel Rodríguez Izquierdo, Seed Company of Cuban Agriculture Ministry and (5th right) Dr Liuva Pérez López, Relations Department, Cuban Agriculture Ministry representing Sanidad Vegetal (Plant Health) with officials and plant health experts from Scottish Government, SASA, Fera and Potato Council.

GB seed potato exports resurge into Caribbean market A recent visit to Scotland by Cuban agricultural officials has led to a revised agreement for the importation of GB seed potatoes.

Supported by the unique partnership between Potato Council and Scottish Government to boost export opportunities, senior officials from Cuba's Agricultural Ministry and Plant Health section travelled to Scotland to meet officials from Scottish Government, SASA, Fera and Potato Council.

The Cuban visitors were given a focused tour encompassing Scottish Government's SASA's plant health facilities, a seed potato micro-propagation facility, and visited a leading Scottish seed grower and exporter - all demonstrating the high health and quality of GB seed production.

In 2013, it was reported that Cuba spent over £1bn on food imports, representing around 60% of its domestic food requirement. Since 2007, the government has made food security a priority and there is an increasing requirement for increased domestic crop production including healthy, high-yielding potatoes.

Robert Burns, Head of Seed and Export at Potato Council led the Inward Mission to Cuba with SASA to progress official discussions. Robadvised “Cuba used to import 30K tonnes of seed potatoes each year, some of which came from GB. But in recent years this dwindled to just a few thousand tonnes. However, Cuba has an early growing season and an emerging requirement for both fresh and processing varieties so there have been great hopes to revive this market as an important destination for GB seed.”

Agriculture employs around 20% of the Cuban population,and Cuban state farms hold over 70% of Cuba's agricultural land - about 6.7m hectares. In 2008, in a move to increase productive use of state land resources, private farmers and co-operatives were permitted to lease any unused land for production, and regulations were loosened so farmers could sell directly to consumers.

Also, Cuba has been plagued by 'El Marabú' (Marabou), an invasive weed which has overrun large areas of agricultural land. However, it turns out that Marabou is an effective biofuel and is now being cleared.This is releasing more land back into agricultural use, and no doubt helping to increase domestic food production - and sustainable potato crops - for the 11million population of this large Caribbean island.

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molecules released during the bacterial growth process.

Following application, the solution combines transformation of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) to biological nitrogen (NH4+) with the production of natural phytohormones.

At the same time, the solution can also help growers achieve a reduction of up to 30% in the use of chemical nitrogen fertiliser.

Over the last 25 years, scientific advances have enabled a better understanding of the use of biological fertilisers, which are helping bring about a green revolution by substituting or complementing chemical fertilisers with beneficial bacterials and fungi.

The innovative Nitrocode AZ+ formula has been developed jointly by the University of Seville and the Brazilian Corporation for Agricultural Research (EMBRAPA), alongside Agrocode's own department of research and development.

Global redistribution of phosphorus use could improve food security If the use and reuse of the finite resource phosphorus as a nutrient for plants were to be handled with greater care worldwide it would become possible to produce sufficient food for the global population in and after 2050. In addition to being home to a considerable proportion of the global population, China is also a major producer and user of phosphorus. Sheida Sattari, a PhD student at Wageningen University, has shown how the more sustainable use of phosphorus in China can have JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

NEWS UPDATE

positive global effects. Sattari determined that Europe and China, where a large amount of phosphorus has been captured in the soil in the past decades as a result of fertilisation, can make considerable savings on the use of phosphorus fertiliser.

This can benefit countries in Africa, where investments in phosphorus fertilisation are essential to increase food production.

Food demand is growing due to an increasing global population and changing diets.

Meeting these requirements will entail being more careful with our use of land, water, energy and nutrients for plants.

Plants use the infinite energy of the sun, but do not grow well if the soil in which they are rooted contains insufficient

JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen.

Over recent decades the agricultural sector in industrialised countries has over-used phosphate fertiliser, in contrast to most developing countries. This fertiliser requires phosphate rock as ore, which is only extracted in a few places worldwide such as Morocco, China and the US. As there is only sufficient stock for the next 100 to 400 years, a fast and efficient optimisation of the use and reuse of phosphorus is essential.

"A better use and reuse requires innovations and firm decisions from governments," says Sattari. "These innovations would allow the production of more food with less phosphorus as well as the reuse of a large

part of the phosphorus. This can be stimulated by governments via legislation and regulations."

In her research Sattari discovered that a better use and reuse of phosphorus in China would have a relatively major impact worldwide. China currently feeds around 20% of the global population (1.3 billion people) for which it uses 30% of the annual phosphorus fertiliser on only 7% of the agricultural area. This makes China by far the largest global consumer of phosphorus fertiliser. In Asia as a whole, China represents half of the total consumption. China is also the largest producer of phosphorus fertiliser, accounting for 37.5% of the total global production in 2010.

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NEWS UPDATE

Sattari used quantitative analyses to study China's options for making phosphorus use more sustainable. She concluded that a Chinese policy aimed at the more sustainable use of phosphorus fertilisers and phosphorus that is already contained in the soil could save nearly 20% on the amount of phosphorus from animal and mineral fertiliser until 2050.

Sattari: "This is equivalent to half of the phosphorus requirements of the African continent till 2050 and equals the amount of phosphorus needed for Western Europe.

This means that China can play an important role in increasing the global sustainable use of phosphorus, and thus contribute to global food security."

The ministers of Central African countries are taking a decisive step toward the creation of a green economy, with a focus on the timber industry The organizers of the Conference of Ministers of ECCAS (http://www.ceeaceccas.org) on the Fund for the Green Economy in Central Africa and the structural transformation of the economy of natural resources announced that the ministers from the region have adopted a text establishing the Fund for the Green Economy in Central Africa.

At the opening of the conference, the Vice Prime Minister of Defense and Veterans of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mr. Tambo Loaba, announced a $3 million contribution from his country to start the Fund for the Green Economy in Central Africa (FEVAC).

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“Concerning the financing of FEVAC, the Democratic Republic of Congo supports its creation and commits $3 million for its establishment beginning in 2015,” said Mr. Loaba in his address.

This decision marks a first giant step toward the effective initiation of a global restructuring of the Central African economy, based on the natural resource economy and the timber industry in particular.

“Today, for the first time, Central Africa has placed the environment within the core economic structure of the countries in the region,” emphasized Dr. Honoré Tabuna, Biodiversity Valuation and Environmental Economics expert and the conference coordinator. “We are finally reaching the final stages and practical implementation of a process that began in Rio in 1992. We must now talk about the economy in order to establish a new balance of sustainable development based on a green economy in Central Africa,” he added.

Held from October 27-30 in Kinshasa, the conference brought together the Central African Ministers of Finance, Foreign Affairs, and Forestry as well as several experts in green economy and the timber industry.

It was hosted by the ECCAS as part of the Program for the Management of Vulnerable Ecosystems in Central Africa (under ECOFAC), the result of a joint effort with the European Union, which provides financial support within the framework of the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan.

Today, the timber industry serves as an example, showing

the true decision makers in the countries of Central Africa that a shift toward a green economy represents a positive economic turn for the region's economy as a whole.

The joint presence of the Ministers of Forestry and Finance of Central African countries provides a new opportunity to demonstrate that the green economy is not simply a concern for environmental experts, but also for the economists of each government.

It's key to note that the move of major regional actors to create a new “motor” for the green economy provides support to countries combating illegal logging while also encouraging good forest governance. This important movement for the green economy, which depends on the progressive commitment of the Ministers of Finance, will bring regional changes and attract investments to help the countries working with the FLEGT and which have signed voluntary agreements with the EU. The Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) are bilateral trade agreements between the EU and a timberexporting country. The VPA is underpinned by the development and implementation of a timber licensing scheme by the partner country. All of the lumber exported to the EU must abide by the regulations of this scheme. Moreover, each EU country is responsible for keeping unauthorized lumber out of the market.

“The objective is to give a greater voice to the Ministers of the Environment who, thus far, JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

NEWS UPDATE

have received only a small share of the budget, far less than the Ministers of Commerce or Energy who benefit from revenue generated by their activities. We must show that natural resources are much more lucrative,” said Aimé Nianogo, IUCN Regional Director for West Africa.

Indeed, timber- and forestryrelated issues lie naturally at the heart of the implementation of the Green Economy System in Central Africa: the timber industry, which has long represented a gateway to international markets, is currently benefiting from major advances provided by market regulation programs, such as the EU Timber Regulation, but also the Lacey Act in the United States and the Australian Illegal Logging Prohibition Act. These regulations and agreements, like those of the FLEGT, open new, more reliable, and better-regulated markets, the revenues of which can be better distributed thanks to improved governance.

Indeed, changing the economic system to allow for the development of the green economy requires fundamental governmental restructuring.

“That is one of the major obstacles that still risks hindering the best intentions and positions of even the most sincere decision makers,” said Aimé Nianogo.

The Ministers of Forestry also had the opportunity to convince their own Ministers of Finance of the importance of paying attention to issues relating to the timber industry and its development. Clearly, these are not simply national but also regional concerns, as regional Ministers of Forestry JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

met to discuss these issues with Ministers of Finance.

One of the major objectives for Central African countries is primarily to change an economic model that broadly relies on subsoil natural resources: minerals, oil, and gas.

These resources provide the region with significantly positive growth, at nearly 6%, but this growth does not benefit the entire population. Indeed,

some regions are afflicted by a poverty rate of up to 70%.

“Our studies show that the timber industry could weigh 3% to 8% in the largest economies in the region and would generate a large number of jobs, which is a major concern for several countries in the region,” Nianogo said.

The conference provides the opportunity to vote on several projects meant to build a foundation for the green economy

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NEWS UPDATE

system to be financed by the new Fund for the Green Economy.

These projects fulfill regional objectives for the development of the natural resource economy in a framework that corresponds to the objectives and recommendations established over the past twenty years by the Rio and Rio+20 conferences. They allow for the development of local, national, regional, and international economic circuits that create job opportunities for populations that have been excluded up until now.

“The projects must be approved and distributed among the countries according to their interest in achieving the set objectives, not just according to their individual desires as a function of their capabilities and hopes of earning profits in the long term,” reminds Aimé Nianogo. “We'll undoubtedly have to provide support for the less dynamic countries or those lacking the necessary expertise to establish solid projects so that they can also benefit from an evolution that must extend throughout the entire region.”

The text adopted at Kinshasa will be presented at the 12

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conference to be held in N'djamena, Chad, where the Heads of State will be able to express their commitment to the precise and concrete measures it contains.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

Anugafoodtec & Cibustec to join Africa's Big Seven Top European Food Fair Organisers Join AB7: Southern Africa's strong growth potential has motivated two of Europe's biggest exhibition giants Kölnmesse and Fiere di Parma together with Senaf-Techniche Nuove Group - to organise an Italian Pavilion at the 2015 edition of Africa's Big Seven (AB7), the continent's largest food and beverage trade exhibition.

The companies will be featuring two of Europe's best known food expo brands, Anugafoodtec and Cibustec, at the world-renowned AB7 food and beverage trade exhibition in 2015.

The expo takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, from June 21-23, 2015.

The inaugural Italian Pavilion at

AB7 2015 is a prelude to the European/South African consortium organising a yearly food industry event in the region from 2016. Kölnmesse and Fiere di Parma have a long history of cooperating in joint projects to promote agribusiness around the world. Following extensive success in China, Japan and Thailand they are now focusing on promoting food technologies in African markets.

A Growing Economy for South Africa: South Africa, the premier gateway to sub-Saharan markets, has experienced significant economic growth in recent years, particularly after joining the 'BRICS' bloc countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) in 2010. The country boasts one of the highest growth rates in Africa, and a population of over 54 million with over 60% under the age of 30. More than 10 million people can be classified as 'high-end' consumers. AB7 offers an incomparable springboard into the rest of Africa. The Southern African region combines 14 countries with over 150 million inhabitants. These nations enjoy an active free trade agreement for goods under the ambit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It is the best structured internal trade organisation in Africa, representing 20% of the continent's population and 75% of its GDP. The food & beverage Industries in Africa have an ongoing need for systems, technologies and know-how for processing and production of raw materials. AB7 is a consolidated seven-in-one trade fair organised

by Exhibition Management Services (EMS), one of the most active independent exhibition organisers in Africa.

JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

GULFOOD PREVIEW

A GLOBAL GATEWAY FOR FOOD TRADE

T

he 2015 edition of Gulfood, the world's largest annual food and hospitality trade show, marks the 20th anniversary for one of the most important international platforms for the global food trade. Taking place from 8 - 12 February 2015 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Gulfood continues to play a pivotal role in connecting nations and suppliers, opening distribution channels for industry-related business, and highlighting Dubai's strategic role as a key trading hub for the global food industry.

With the 2014 edition of the show breaking its own participation records and generating show-floor and yearround legacy sales numbering in the billions of US dollars, Gulfood 2015 - the biggest edition in the show's history - is expected to attract more than 4,800 international companies from 120 countries and more than 85,000 visitors from over 170 countries. To accommodate the meteoric growth and tens of thousands of participating brands, Gulfood 2015 will span 127,000m2 of exhibition space - including a 23,000m2, purpose-built temporary structure, the largest-of-its-type regionally.

A unique trade and sourcing platform for finished food suppliers, bulk commodity wholesalers and exporters across the spectrum of fresh, frozen, dry and processed food and beverage products, Gulfood

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2015 also facilitates substantial global transactions for foodstuff commodities such as meat, cereals, grains, rice, coffee and tea. Driven by a fast-growing population, burgeoning hospitality and tourism markets and its prominent position as a re-export hub, the UAE's demand for food staples is increasing at a rate of 30 per cent every year, according to the Ministry of Economy. With imports accounting for between 80-90 per cent of GCC food consumption, Dubai is best placed to cater for increasing demand in regional food trading. “A landmark celebration such as the 20th anniversary of Gulfood is an opportunity to reflect on the show's growth in both scale and stature over the past two decades, and to reiterate the role Gulfood continues to play in brokering significant partnerships and business deals between companies, corporations and countries around the world,� said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events, DWTC. Gulfood 2015 will host an increasing number of international heads of state, ministers and government officials, as national trade associations ink lucrative bilateral trade agreements and debate food industry trends at industry-shaping conferences and summits scheduled during a series of Gulfood Conferences.

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GULFOOD PREVIEW

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GULFOOD PREVIEW

Gulfood is also a major contributor to Dubai's growing reputation as a global events destination and a key pillar of Dubai's 2020 tourism vision, which aims to double the emirate's annual visitors numbers from 10 million in 2012 to 20 million in 2020.

According to a recent report by Euromonitor, the nmber of F&B outlets in the UAE is expected 16

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to double in the next four years, making food service and hospitality equipment a particularly pertinent sector at Gulfood 2015.

Thousands of food and beverage products and services are introduced every year at Gulfood and the Gulfood Awards - in its sixth edition this year - presents an opportunity for best-in-class

excellence to be recognised and rewarded. The highlyprestigious accolades celebrate both people and companies behind the region's leadership and innovation in the food and drink industry.

Judged by an international panel of independent industry experts, the Awards will be divided in six categories and 10 different awards.

Taking place on the 10th of February 2015 at the five-star Conrad Hotel in Dubai, the Awards evening will also play host to a unique and memorable celebration of the show's achievements over the past 20 editions. Over 1,000 leading industry decisionmakers, celebrity chefs, key exhibitors, customers, media and national groups are expected to attend the anniversary event.

One of Gulfood's undisputed draws for the regions' top professional chefs, pastry chefs, cooks and bakers every year is the annual Emirates Culinary Guild International Salon Culinaire - a showcase of the region's best culinary talent and expertise. Held in Za'abeel Pavilion, this year's Salon will see more than 1,300 professional chefs evaluated by a panel of 25 renowned experts, mandated by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS) to judge culinary events across the globe.

Gulfood 2015 is a strict trade-only event and is open to business and trade visitors.

The show is open 11am-7pm from February 8-11 and 11am-5pm on February 12.

Visitors can pre-register at www.gulfood.com to save AED100 (US$ 27) on the onsite entry fee of AED250 (US$ 66.65).

JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

GFIA PREVIEW

SECOND EDITION OF 'GLOBAL FORUM

T

he second edition of the Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture (GFIA) is set to take place in Abu Dhabi from March 9-11, 2015.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority and in strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), the exhibition and conference will feature more than 300 next-generation agricultural

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solutions that could shape the future of sustainable farming around the world.

With global policy makers and scientists tasked with identifying innovative ways to feed a population of more than nine billion people by 2050, GFIA will aim to accelerate the development of solutions that meet the world's pressing challenges.

GFIA will bring together participants from the entire agricultural value-chain - from agribusiness and academia to policy and investment - to

witness more than 400 presentations of game-changing ideas with the potential to fundamentally change the way food is produced, processed, stored, distributed and consumed. “As the world looks to support sustainable economic and social development into the 21st century and beyond, the solutions we identify to our food and water security challenges today will define the future of our nations,� said Mohamed Jalal Al Rayssi, Chairman of the Organising JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

GFIA PREVIEW

FOR INNOVATIONS IN AGRICULTURE' Committee, at Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority.

“Furthermore, with climatesmart food production being a critical factor for the UAE and other water-constrained parts of the MENA region. Abu Dhabi is strongly committed to driving the global dialogue on food security and climate resilience and this event reinforces that commitment. We look forward to welcoming some of the world's leading experts in this field.”

The inaugural Global Climate-Smart Agriculture JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

Summit will serve as key element of the 2015 event. The summit has been developed under the guidance of the Global Alliance for Climate Smart Agriculture launched during the UN Climate Summit in New York in September 2014. Climate-Smart Agriculture is a strategic farming approach designed to raise agricultural productivity whilst mitigating the effects of climate change.

The alliance includes more than 20 governments, 30 organizations and companies

including the World Bank, The Netherlands government, and the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. It represents millions of farmers, at least a quarter of the world cereal production, 43 million undernourished people and 16 percent of the total agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

“GFIA is unique in that it attracts all the players - from across the full food value chain - needed to effect real change in the way we feed the world,” said Mohamed Jalal Al Rayssi.

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GFIA PREVIEW

“From policy-makers and governments to food producers, commercial organizations, bilateral and multilateral development agencies and investors, GFIA is a stage that helps actualize real progress.

This harmonization approach is essential if we are to meet the

challenge of feeding a rapidly growing global population.�

The second edition of GFIA will also include newlylaunched 'Hosted Scientist Programme' an initiative that will assemble 300 of the world's leading scientists in Abu Dhabi, to establish a scientific crucible

for discussion, knowledge sharing and the advancement of research.

A 'Research & Collaboration Zone' will allow academics from across the developed and developing world to meet, share knowledge, collaborate, and network with investors to commercialize breakthrough ideas.

In addition, the GFIA conferences - featuring 250 speakers - will address a range of key issues critical to the future of global agriculture and food production, including: Solutions for the reduction of post-harvest losses and food waste; ICT in agriculture: how ICT can promote sustainable and climate resilient agriculture; Land restoration and agroforestry: restoration of the world's degraded arable land; Non-conventional water use and agriculture in arid climates; Edible cities: growing the food where the majority of the world's population lives; and Workshops on aquaculture and indoor agriculture.

GFIA is sponsored by the Food Security Centre - Abu Dhabi, Exeed Industries and the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce & Industry. And held with official support from the UAE Ministry of Environment & Water, with a keynote speech planned by H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, UAE. For more information and to register, please visit the GFIA website http://www.innovationsinagricul ture.com/

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JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

Join the world’s leaders in climate-smart agriculture

H.E. Sharon Dijksma

H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad

Dr. Juergen Voegele

Dymphna van der Lans

Frank Rijsberman

Minister for Agriculture, The Netherlands

Minister of Environment & Water, UAE

Senior Director, Agriculture Global Practice, The World Bank

CEO, Clinton Climate Initiative

CEO, CGIAR Consortium

Martin Bwalye

Prof. Louise O. Fresco

Dr. Naoko Ishii

Howard-Yana Shapiro

Dr. Dennis Garrity

Head of Agriculture, NEPAD

President of the Executive Board, Wageningen UR

CEO and Chairperson, Global Environment Facility (GEF)

Chief Agricultural OfďŹ cer, Mars, Incorporated

UN Drylands Ambassador, Senior Fellow, World Agroforestry Centre

Strategic Sponsor

Knowledge Partner

Global Research for Impact Partner

Sustainable Agriculture Partner

Innovation Partner

Forum Sponsor

IPM & WOP DUBAI REVIEW

GREEN SECTOR IS PROFITING FROM THE ECONOMIC UPSWING BY THE GULF

M

ore visitors and an excellent supporting programme characterised IPM DUBAI and World of Perishables (WOP) DUBAI 2014 which took place in parallel. A total of 6,733 visitors from 94 nations came to the most important plant fair in the Gulf region and to the fair for temperaturesensitive goods - a substantial plus of 26 percent in comparison with the preceding year. The growth may primarily be attributed to the general economic upswing in

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the region and, in particular, to the touristic upswing there.

Future large-scale events will make additional contributions to the good market situation.

"The green sector is profiting especially from the World Expo 2020 in Dubai and the Football World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Gigantic areas must be provided with greenery. This enormous need for investment has exerted very positive influences on IPM and WOP DUBAI 2014.

The increasing tourism is raising the demand for fruit

and vegetables as well as for flowers," Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen GmbH, was pleased about the success of the events. "The combination of both fairs resulted in valuable synergetic effects for our visitors," continued Kuhrt.

At IPM DUBAI, 80 exhibitors from 23 countries presented their wide available ranges - starting with plants and horticultural technology via floristry right up to garden features. Quality products "Made in Germany" received a JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

IPM & WOP DUBAI REVIEW

platform with the cooperative booth organised by INDEGA ("Representation of interests of the German horticulture industry"). Other national booths were provided by Egypt and Ethiopia.

The specialist lectures integrated into the fair halls met with great interest and addressed the subject of landscaping for the first time.

Additional main focal points were the proper application of measuring systems during plant breeding, the utilisation of substrates and plant protection. On the third day of the fair, the series of lectures focused on wedding floristry. Outside the fair site too, a top-class programme was offered to the visitors and the exhibitors. The visits JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

to horticultural and landscaping businesses and to a garden centre provided the participants with exclusive insights into local horticulture.

The "Middle East Floral Design Excellence Award" concentrated on floral table decorations on the highest level.

In addition to an expert jury, the visitors were also able to choose their favourites. Patrick van Hesselingen, Floral Designer at Flowers by Contempo Dubai, emerged as the winner.

WOP DUBAI: More Exhibition Area and Enlarged Country Participations In 2014, WOP DUBAI was bigger and more international than ever. 170 exhibitors from 24 countries introduced their innovations from the fields of fresh goods, goods security,

technical equipment, transport, trading and service. Australia, Morocco and Poland celebrated their premieres with official country participations.

For the first time, Italy's national booth was organised by the most important Italian marketing and communication organisation for the fruit and vegetable sectors "Centro Servizi Ortofrutticoli".

Belgium, China and Portugal extended their participations.

France is planning to enlarge its booth for 2015.

The companies showed that they were very satisfied with the course of the fair. They were able to establish a lot of contacts to the most important supermarkets in the region and to open up new sales markets. WOP DUBAI was rounded off by the "Eurofruit Business Forum" in which experts discussed the latest developments in the sectors.

GULF AGRICULTURE

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EIMA INTERNATIONAL REVIEW

EIMA 2014: A PHENOMENAL EDITION

E

IMA International can vaunt extraordinary numbers for the 41st edition which just closed with 235,614 visitors logged in. Also growing was the number of foreign business people arriving to confirm the exposition as an agricultural mechanization point of reference on the world scene.

Technologies, the economy as well as social cooperation in agriculture were among the themes which came to the surface during the event. The president of the Italian Federation of Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers, Massimo Goldoni of FederUnacoma, affirmed that agricultural mechanization is one of finest expressions of our civilization.

The agricultural mechanization exposition came to a close with historic results. The number of

Feder Unacoma communications and press office manager Girolamo Rossi with Gulf Agriculture magazine managing editor Matt

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JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

EIMA INTERNATIONAL REVIEW

JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

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EIMA INTERNATIONAL REVIEW

visitors attending the most recent edition in 2012 came to 196,000 and those arriving this time reached 235,614 for a 20% increase which went well beyond all expectations.

From the early hours of Wednesday the 12th until the evening of Sunday the 16th, the flows of the crowds through the entry gates of the trade fair center were incessant as were the arrivals of foreign business people.

The data made public by FederUnacoma disclose the growing number of business people from abroad came to 38,773 for a 21% gain over the previous edition. With visitors arriving from 124 countries, 1,800 manufacturing industries exhibiting, 650 of them coming from abroad, 60 official foreign delegations and 700 accredited members of the media from 40 countries, EIMA International was crowned as an event of global relevance.

The five-day run of the exposition included a schedule of more than 150 conferences and meetings hosted on mechanization issues and agronomics and agricultural policies. There was also room for 26

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social matters and cooperation and economic ethics in a conference on Agriculture and Legality dedicated to agricultural social cooperatives operating on confiscated lands controlled by organized crime.

On this issue, Ccile Kyenge, a European Member of the Parliament for the Italian Democratic Party, used the EIMA International window to recall the fundamental role of agriculture for the creation of balanced economic systems in

the developing countries as well as the advanced counties.

The FederUnacoma president declared, over these days we have witnessed enormous crowds of people amazingly attentive and motivated for learning even the frontiers of the technical details of the machinery and equipment presented at this review.

Agricultural machinery is the product of very special ingenuity and talents in manufacturing and one of the finest expressions of our civilization.

JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

GROWTECH EURASIA REVIEW

THE INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURE AND AGRICULTURE TRADE FAIR

G

rowtech Eurasia, the 14th International Greenhouse, Agricultural Equipment and Technologies Fair held from December 3-6, 2014 at Antalya Expo Center, hosted over 650 national and international exhibitors from 35 countries including Germany, France, Holland, England and Spain.

Visitor numbers has increased by 20% and reached 75.218. International Visitor numbers has increased by 50%.

Growtech Eurasia hosted visitors more than 70 countries.

Main visiting countries are Iran, Jordan, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Russia, Lebanon, Iraq & Spain.

Growtech Eurasia brought together latest product and services of the agriculture sector with an exhibitor profile from seed growing, seedling growing, greenhouse vegetable growing, modern fruit growing, greenhouse technologies, irrigation systems, plant nutrition, project planning, project designing and packing.

As in the previous years, seminars were organized during Growtech Eurasia 2014 Fair, Spanish exhibitors at GROWTECH report great results An outstanding group of Spanish exhibitors attended the last edition of Growtech (Turkey) to promote and expand their presence in Central Asia and Middle East backed

by AGRAGEX, the Spanish Exporters Association of Agricultural Machinery and its components, Greenhouses and

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Crop Protection, Irrigation Systems, Livestock Equipment, Nutrition and Animal Health, Forestry Machinery, Biomass and Post-Harvesting Equipment.

Spain was the second foreign country with the highest number of participants in this edition. The Spanish exhibitors report great results from GROWTECH 2014 and an increasing number of international visitors, so they consider this trade fair the reference in the region.

Spanish livestock and agricultural equipment industry is very interested on Central Asia and Middle East markets, so attending the last edition of GROWTECH was planned as a great opportunity to show its main assets: European technology, a flexible range of models adapted to all kind of requirements, and excellent value. Last June, some of these companies were part of a Trade Delegation that visited Turkey organized by AGRAGEX.

An outstanding group of Spanish companies showcased their latest developments in order to reveal they are a good option for a sustainable development of agriculture in this area. Nothing can be more sustainable than the most adapted equipment for each kind of crop, soil or weather conditions and Spanish industry, due to its flexible production structure, is able to produce short series an develop tailored models, something big corporations usually can't.

Spanish manufacturers of greenhouses and plant protection products have worldwide recognition for their advanced technologies, developed to meet the demanding requirements of the Spanish horticulture producers.

Spain has the largest extensions of production under plastic in the world, with extreme growing conditions.

This is the reason why a featured range of JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

GROWTECH EURASIA REVIEW

manufacturers have developed specific and state of the art technologies to give an answer to meet producers' needs.

Spain has very dry weather too, so Spanish manufacturers have developed worldwide leading technologies for agricultural irrigation and water management.

Spanish fertilization and plant nutrition companies have also showcased at GROWTECH a wide range of innovative solutions for a sustainable evolution of the agriculture in Turkey and Central Asian countries.

With its favorable geographical conditions and climate, Turkey is considered to be one of the leading countries in the world in the field of food and agriculture.

The restructuring efforts that began in the early 1980s, alongside a series of reforms such as privatizations and the reduction of trade barriers in the agriculture sector, resulted in a domestic market JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

that is an integral part of the world economy today.

Turkey has a large and growing food and agriculture industry that corresponds to 9 percent of the overall gross value-added (GVA) and 25 percent of the employment levels in the country. Turkey is the

world leader in the production of dried figs, hazelnuts, sultanas/raisins and dried apricots. It has the largest milk and dairy production in its region. In addition, Turkey has an estimated total of 11,000 plant species, whereas the total number of species in Europe is 11,500.

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IRRIGATION SHOW REVIEW

IRRIGATION SHOW BRINGS OVER 4,000 INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

T

he Irrigation Association just wrapped up its 35th annual Irrigation Show & Education Conference in Phoenix, which had over 4,100 participants and 304 exhibiting companies.

IA offered 20 different agriculture, turf/landscape and business education classes, in addition to over 30 irrigation seminars and technical sessions.

Attendees earned IA continuing education units for all education at the show.

IA offered certification exams for irrigation technicians, contractors, auditors, designers and water managers throughout the week. Over 140 industry professionals sat for exams onsite at the show.

The show opened with an Oasis in the Desert-themed party. IA served dinner and drinks but left the entertainment up to the attendees, who entertained their peers with enthusiastic karaoke performances. This year's show marked the first year that IA hosted a Women in Irrigation Social, where approximately 75 women gathered to share information, develop networks and meet new industry friends.

To close out the week, the association toasted to another successful event at the Blending Borders International Reception, open for the first time to all attendees with a fullregistration.

Show floor doors opened on Wednesday, Nov. 19. Attendees crowded the exhibit hall to view the latest innovations on display

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IA OFFERED 20 DIFFERENT AGRICULTURE, TURF, LANDSCAPE AND BUSINESS EDUCATION CLASSES, IN ADDITION TO OVER 30 IRRIGATION SEMINARS AND TECHNICAL SESSIONS. at the new product contest showcase, meet with exhibitors and attend show floor education sessions. In addition to agricultural and landscape irrigation presentations, show floor sessions included an update on the Smart Water Application Technologies initiative and recognition of the winners of the 2014 Smart Marketing Contest.

Thursday's general session honored both IA award winners and 2014 new product contest winners. IA's president, Warren C. Thoma, updated the audience about association initiatives. Incoming President Aric J. Olson, CSSBB, CPIM, CSCP, CAIS, CID, discussed the organization's plans for the year ahead.

Keynote speaker Lowell Catlett, PhD, discussed how

technology innovation will drive future growth in the industry. Catlett kept the audience laughing as he shared his unique perspective on emerging technologies and how to anticipate future trends in the irrigation industry.

At the end of the week, guest speakers from New Zealand, Uruguay and the United States gathered for the second annual International Agricultural Irrigation Summit. Presenters discussed global regulations, agricultural best practices and international sustainability initiatives. Attendees participated in a panel discussion that focused on challenges facing global agricultural production, partnership opportunities and efficient irrigation's role in sustainable, long-term solutions.

JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

IRRIGATION

SENNINGER IRRIGATION INTRODUCES NEW DUAL NOZZLE FITTING

S

enninger Irrigation, a global leader in agricultural irrigation manufacturing, is pleased to announce the release of the new UP3 Dual Nozzle fitting.

The UP3 Dual Nozzle Fitting makes renozzling during the season a quick, tool-free experience. It replaces the regular barb fitting on hose drops and gives growers the ability to house two additional UP3 snap-in nozzles on each drop.

Growers who experience frequent drops in well capacity, who need an extra nozzle to irrigate winter crops, or those who just prefer to tailor-manage their resources will now find it easier to change their flows as needed.

Coupled with Senninger's UP3 nozzle technology, the barb fitting greatly simplifies renozzling. Just pinch and pull to remove a nozzle from the carrier or the sprinkler and JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

THE UP3 DUAL NOZZLE FITTING MAKES RENOZZLING DURING THE SEASON A QUICK, TOOL-FREE EXPERIENCE. IT REPLACES THE REGULAR BARB FITTING ON HOSE DROPS AND GIVES GROWERS THE ABILITY TO HOUSE TWO ADDITIONAL UP3 SNAP-IN NOZZLES ON EACH DROP.

switch it with another. There is no need to disassemble the sprinkler and no need to carry extra nozzles into the field.

The Dual Nozzle Fitting is currently not recommended for in-canopy installations.

About Senninger Irrigation, Inc. Founded in 1963, Senninger Irrigation, Inc. is one of the world's leading manufacturers of agricultural irrigation products, including sprinklers, spray nozzles and pressure regulators. Senninger products are made in the United States and sold worldwide through qualified dealers. Products can be found in farms, nurseries, greenhouses, open fields, as well as mining operations. To find the nearest dealer, call Senninger's headquarters in Clermont, Florida at 407-8775655. Senninger is dedicated to low pressure and high performance solutions.

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PLANTS & FLOWERS

HOLEX FLOWER, A WORLD OF FLOWERS

H

olex Flower, the fresh cut flower export company to distant destinations from the heart of the flower world: The Netherlands.

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Holex Flower was founded in 1982 and is located at the flower auction at Aalsmeer. In 2005 Holex Flower became member of the Dutch Flower Group, the world's largest floral company.

Holex Flower is market leader when it comes to export of fresh cut flowers to overseas destinations by air from Holland.

They started more than 30 years ago with exporting to the United States, and of today they export to more than 100 destinations worldwide. Holex Flower is known as a reliable, experienced partner that delivers service and quality at a competitive price.

Wordwide sourcing helps Holex Flower to serve any customer with a complete range of products.

At this moment Holex Flower is exporting fresh cutflowers to North America, the Middle and Far East. Their business in the Middle East has

become significant over the last 10 years. The traditional markets they are exporting to are very similar to the Middle East, that's why the Middle East market fits Holex Flower as a glove. These markets meet the same standards of high quality flowers, a wide assortment, innovative way of packing and best transport options.

With an enthusiastic team of 70 people Holex Flower delivers tailor made solutions for every possible customer or event. The different departments in Holex Flower have their own focus and specialization, these departments are: Quality control department Picking and Packing department Freight department Sales and Purchasing department Financial department JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

PLANTS & FLOWERS

Holex Flower is shipping 95% of all flowers they export by air, their experienced freight department is always focusing on the best transportation options for their customers. All flowers leave the company at 4°C.to start their journey to different worldwide destinations.

The strategy of Holex Flower is to supply wholesalers worldwide, they see in wholesale customers their key partners to reach out to florists and floral designers.

Customers of Holex Flower are supplying flowers to the White House in Washington, fancy parties in the Middle East and famous hotels in Shanghai.

JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

Webshop On a daily base more than 500 unique pictures are uploaded to the Holex Flower webshop to show real time what is available for their customers. The customers see these pictures of what Holex has purchased on any particular moment; “What you see is what you get”.

Holex Flower can facilitate their wholesale customers a personalized webshop page, with their own layout, in order for them to offer to their customers a complete assortment of Dutch

flowers. The wholesaler can make a unique web account for each individual customer with their specific mark up, freight cost, etc.

Curious what Holex Flower has to offer and wondering what they could do for you? Please feel free to contact them via info@holex.com.

Ps: don't forget to visit the website www.holex.com and see the 3 minutes company movie.

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33

PLANTER BAGS

MARTEX OFFERS HIGH QUALITY PLANTER BAGS MARTEX速 DELIVERS ITS PRODUCTS TO MORE THAN 24 COUNTRIES IN EUROPE. LOOKING FOR DISTRIBUTORS IN GULF AND THE MIDDLE EAST

M

ARTEX速-Jerzy Marek Strenkowski, is a family owned company from Poland engaged in the production and supply of textile products for nurseries, including those can be effectively used in the temperate, dry or even hot climate.

The company offers different kinds of products including a series of containers under the common name of ARBO速.

Also there are nursery and

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transportation bags, bags for general purpose and for the collection of small plastic items (plastic bottles, cans, AL), household waste utilization, and many others.

Under the brand of MARTEX速, the company offers mats for protection against weed, containers for ground and water perennials, expanding tape for connecting of tree and its support, multicolour marking tape, protective JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

PLANTER BAGS

material for draining pipes and trees located near the roads and streets, tunnels/ sleeves for ventilation and weights used in foil tunnels.

Additionally, the company offers the following range of products: jute textile (in bales and KARO type clothing), jute felt, knitted fabric/net for shading, bedding material for application directly on ground, geo-textile, foil and foam with thermo-insulative properties for plants and objects (in bales and variety of formats), capillary mats for tables, wrapping band for trees, stabilizers of ground in the slopy area.

Water saving jute mat, for application in dry and hot climate, which effectively reduces water evaporation and

JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

its assimilation by weed; aluminum foil coated container which reflects sunlight, and thermo-insulative inserts, for application inside bags, pots or

directly on ground are also included in the product range.

MARTEX速 delivers its products to more than 24 countries in Europe.

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35

RED PALM WEEVIL CONTROL

SOSPALM: LOW COST TREATMENT OF THE RED PALM WEEVIL

S

ospalm is the system used by the majority of professionals in Spain for the control of the red palm weevil. This is easy to understand if we analyze the comparative advantages with other systems. While traditional endotherapy requires repeated

In palms up to 13m high injected monthly with Imidacloprid dissolved in Sospalm Liquid, the insecticide was detected at the growing point in several of the trials performed.

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perforations, the Sospalm peg is fixed to the palm, thus avoiding repeated perforations and unnecessary damage whilst also increasing labour efficency.

With the Sospalm System we administer a small dose of insecticide via the peg into the stem which is then carried directly to the growing point.

The Sospalm system is installed in the lower part of the stem thus protecting the entire area where the insecticide circulates, which is vital to control lateral and base attacks in Phoenix dactilyfera and reduces the cost of treatment, above all in tall palms.

The Sospalm system is safe for the user and environmentally friendly. It protects the palm against the red weevil without affecting the quality of the fruit, as with the Sospalm Protocol we avoid insecticide residues in dates making them fit for consumption even just a few days after treatment.

Technical days at Universidad Miguel Hernandez in Elche, Spain.

With the participation of 250 experts and after 4 years of tests the following conclusions were presented.

- Sospalm peg is an efficient method for injecting insecticides into palm trees.

- As the same point of injection is re-used, further perforations are not required.

- After monthly injections via the Sospalm peg of Tiametoxan, acetamiprid,

abamcetine or Imidacloprid, these last two disolved is Sospalm Liquid, over the two years of trials all the Phoenix Canariensis and Phoenix Dactilyfera survived the attacks.

Other notable results. The high incidence of infestation in the principal areas of production in Spain, added to a high number of tall palms, led us to centre our efforts on the creation of a protocol which guarantees the absence of insecticide residues in dates, a primary factor of quality and the protection of the growing points in taller palms. Before these results were obtained farmers had to interrupt treatment which left the palms unprotected.

Trials to detect residues in dates.

Metjoul and Confitera dates harvested from trees which had been injected using Sospalm Endotherapy with Tiametoxan, Abamectine and Imidacloprid 30 days earlier, did not show traces of residues above the minimum detectable limit.

Results of the trials to detect the presence of insecticide in the growing point of tall palms.

The complete results of all of the trials can be seen at http://palmeralelx.umh.es/trabaj os-catedra-2/lucha-activacontra-el-picudo-iiitratamientos-con-endoterapia/ Sospalm was tested in elche, the largest palm grove in europe, demonstrating that it is the most efficient system to control the red palm weevil. www.sospalm.com JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

RED PALM WEEVIL CONTROL

Case of success Integral plan to control the red palm weevil in the municipality of Alicante.

Preamble Alicante has a census of about 18000 palm trees spread through the whole municipality distributed by variety in the following way: 9135 Phoenix dactylifera.

6500 Wasingtonia Robusta.

2071 Phoenix Canariensis 525 Trechycarpus Fortunei The existence of Red Palm Weevil (Rynchophorus Ferrigineus) in the municipality of Alicante is a sad fact, computing a total of 42 palms affected from 2008 until today, all of them on private properties.

In 2008 the integral plan to control de red palm weevil in the city of Alicante was designed as a matter of urgency.

Goals The aim is clear, obvious and concrete: 1ยบ.- To protect the population of palms, mainly the Date Palm (Phoenix Dactylifera) and the Canary Palm (Phoenix Canariensis), from red weevil attacks as the only way to preserve our local landscape in the municipality of Alicante.

2ยบ. To protect the historic Palm grove of Alicante.

Elements of the plan a) Control measures Surveillance, detection and information.

Preventive treatments.

Curative treatments.

Trapping network Pruning Advice to individuals Training for operators JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

Currently, due the recent legislation in Spain which sets out new guidelines for the reduction and sustainable use of plant protection products, we are increasing the use of endotherapy, already in use with satisfactory results since early 2009 with the SOSPALM system, consisting of the insertion in the stem of the palm of a plastic peg that serves as a means of introduction for the insecticide into the palm.

The reasons that lead us to use this system are various, but the most important are the following: No impact on the public of the plant protection product.

Ease of application It is not necessary to make a new hole for every treatment Low cost when compared to other methods.

In Phoenix Canariensis palms we are using 3 Sospalm pegs of 25 cm per palm and in Phoenix Dactylifera palms we are using 2 Sospalm pegs of 15 cm per palm, using Imidacloprid with the dissolvent Sospalm Liquid as insecticide.

Parallel to endotherapy, in times of high level of adult activity, the action is complemented with sprays to the growing point of the palm with 25 litres of solution with the actives Clorpirifos and Imidacloprid. b) Advisory service for private owners To provide information to the private owner in order to encourage the fight against the plague on all fronts.

After inspection the palm is labeled as: 1. Very severe attack / death of the palm. Palm tree felling is recommended.

Sospalm improves labour efficiency since it is not necessary to carry complicated and heavy equipment.

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RED PALM WEEVIL CONTROL

2. Severe attack / Palm can be saved. When inspecting a palm tree, if the attack of red weevil is confirmed but it is considered that the palm can be saved, the following recommendations are offered: To perform endotherapy treatments with the Sospalm system using authorized chemicals.

To perform shower treatments with the chemicals recommended by the regional government.

3. Light attack. It is recommended: To perform Sospalm endotherapy.

To perform shower treatment.

In all cases, after 15 days the technical personnel of the

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town hall will carry out an inspection and check that the palm tree has been treated.

They will also check periodically that the treatments continue in the affected specimen (endotherapy and showers). c) Monitoring, mass trap.

Since the presence is known a priori of large outbreaks of infestation in rural districts of the municipality, a large trap network has been designed in order to capture en mass the largest number of adults in flight during the months from March to November in order to avoid the spread of all these adults.

The aim is to drive the flight gradients of existing outbreaks outwards and the

concentration of current focal points, instead of inward towards the urban environment.

Conclusions There are 434 affected palm

trees on private property in the municipality of Alicante.

There have been no fatalities due to attacks from the red palm weevil on palms of municipal ownership.

After the performance of endotherapy treatments with the Sospalm peg there have been no attacks from the red palm weevil.

The experimental palms that were dissected do not show any damage produced by Sospalm endotherapy after 4 years of use.

JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

CROP PROTECTION

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGAINST APPLE SCAB

A

pple scab caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis is economically the most destructive disease in apple production worldwide. Apple scab control requires multiple applications of fungicides during spring and summer. A potential biological control agent - H39, based on a particular strain of the fungus Cladosporium - has been tested in several European field trials during the last two years. H39 appeared to very successfully reduce apple scab in leaves and fruits. The same control levels could be reached as with common fungicide spray application schedules. A biological control company is currently evaluating the possible commercial use of the H39 antagonist. An important step which might lead to reduction of the dependency on chemical fungicides in the near future.

Apple scab can cause - if not controlled - extensive yield losses (70 percent or higher) in regions with humid, cool weather during spring and summer months. Losses are the direct result of a high number of infected and damaged fruits or indirectly from repeated defoliation which can reduce tree growth and yield.

Control of apple scab in commercial orchards currently depends on multiple applications of fungicides: preventive and curative.

Resistance of the Venturia fungus to an increasing number of chemical fungicides in major apple growing areas has arisen over recent years. Furthermore, government regulations, e.g. in JANUARY FEBRUARY 2015

the European Union, restrict more and more the use of fungicides. The increasing demand for fruit without or with low pesticide residues is another reason why alternatives for chemical fungicides are needed.

The antagonist Cladosporium cladosporioides H39 was found to significantly reduce sporulation of Venturia inaequalis, the fungus causing apple scab. The potential of this antagonistic isolate has during two years been tested by several institutes in orchards with different apple cultivars in Hungary, Poland, Germany and the Netherlands. Treatments with H39 were conducted as regular calendar sprays or after infection periods. In the Netherlands (Randwijk) the trials focused on the effect of timing of application of the antagonist H39 before or after infection periods.

The overall results of the field trials consistently showed - for the first time - that standalone applications of H39 reduce apple scab in leaves and fruits. This has been demonstrated in an organic growing system as well as in conventional orchards by spray schedules applied during spring or summer. In both systems the same control levels could be reached as with common fungicide schedules. Efficacies of control reached 42 to 98% on leaf scab incidence and 41 to 94% on fruit scab.

The next step is to develop H39 into a commercial biological control product. A company is currently evaluating the possible commercial use of the H39 antagonist.

THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR FRUIT WITHOUT OR WITH LOW PESTICIDE RESIDUES IS ANOTHER REASON WHY ALTERNATIVES FOR CHEMICAL FUNGICIDES ARE NEEDED

GULF AGRICULTURE

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