A SHORTLIST of 18 agricultural projects will take center stage today (March 26) as they contend to win the inaugural AGRAme Awards, aiming to recognize organizations that have contributed to the growth and development of the agricultural industry. The winning projects will be celebrated at an elaborate awards gala dinner to be attended by 600 of the region's leading agricultural professionals at the Al Multaqua Ballroom at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The shortlist includes new products and projects in agriculture, poultry and landscaping from UAE, India, Germany, Russia, Sweden, Italy, Iceland, Netherlands and UK, emphasizing the event's international appeal. Comprising five categories, the awards will feature alongside the seventh edition of AGRA Middle East, the region's largest agribusiness trade event, opening today (Tuesday) at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Major names including Advanced Machinery Company – AIMCO, IFFCO, Gulf Feed Co and Livestock Export Association of the US will be taking part in the three-day event running until Thursday, as they look to showcase their products to key decision makers from the agribusiness industry. Among the UAE shortlisted entries in the AGRAme Awards include the Growing For Market Initiative by Abu Dhabi Farmer's Service Centre in the Farm Innovation category, as well as Poritex by Globcom General Trading LLC in the Best New Product for Gulf Market category. Other turn key projects from international finalists include the ECO Design Series by Munters from Sweden in four categories including Farm Innovation in Poultry and Agriculture, and Best New Agricultural and Poultry Product for the Gulf Market categories. The two exhibitions feature four dedicated industry conferences, the Agribusiness Outlook Forum, The Middle East Horticultural Summit, the Poultry Outlook Forum and the Veterinary Outlook Forum, bringing together a combined 42 senior agriculture and vet professionals exploring opportunities and solutions to key challenges affecting the industries today. “The 2013 edition of AGRA Middle East is the largest so far featuring more than 200 exhibitors from over 30 countries. The increase in exhibitor space clearly shows UAE as the ideal place to showcase the latest in agricultural technology.” — SG
