Sepehr Achard

The inaugural Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition concluded with a firm restatement of the important role of innovation and entrepreneurship in strengthening the agricultural sector and empowering farmers to contribute to the UAE's sustainable food security. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the event took place at the ADNEC Centre Al Ain from 28 to 31 May 2025. The event witnessed wide participation from Emirati farmers, federal and government entities in agriculture, as well as youth, academics, innovators, entrepreneurs and the community. The final day of the event featured specialised panel discussions addressing the importance of strong national and international partnerships in supporting Emirati farmers, enhancing the sustainable agriculture ecosystem in the UAE, and empowering farmers through agricultural guidance programmes. During the opening ceremony, Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director at Emirates Growth Fund Vice Chairperson at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), emphasised that the inaugural edition of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition is a national event that recognises agriculture as a pathway to growth, a means of empowerment, and a key driver of the economy. She noted that the event is inspired by the vision of the nation's wise leadership, which regards the agricultural sector as a fundamental pillar of national security and a sustainable economy. It further underscores the importance of elevating agriculture as a national priority and a genuine economic opportunity. She said: "At the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre, we are witnessing a new generation of Emiratis who do not wait for opportunities but create them. They are investing in smart agricultural technologies that will shape the future of the sector. In this spirit, the Emirates Growth Fund was established, with support from the Emirates Development Bank (EDB), to empower innovative national companies in agriculture and food security. The Fund provides flexible investments while allowing the entrepreneurs to manage their projects independently, as our role is to empower, not to control." Al Midfa emphasised that achieving lasting success relies on true collaboration among farmers, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. This collective effort is essential for turning investments in agriculture into investments for the nation and future generations, thereby strengthening food security and advancing economic and environmental sustainability A session titled Entrepreneurship in the Agricultural Sector - Challenges and Opportunities explored key areas for boosting entrepreneurship in agriculture. During the panel discussions, participants focused on topics such as financing agricultural projects and supporting local products to improve their standing in both domestic and international markets. The panels also addressed challenges and opportunities, the importance of investing in innovative and entrepreneurial ideas, and how to turn those ideas into bankable projects. The session was moderated by Mr. Manea Ahmed Alkaabi, CEO of Emirates Beekeepers Company and Chairman of the Hatta Traders Council. The session explored mechanisms to support sustainable projects and promote investment in the agricultural sector. The speakers included Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Centre; Shaker Fareed Zainal, Chief Business Officer of the Emirates Development Bank (EDB); Sara Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa); and Dr. Fuzan Alkhalidi, Director of Programmes and Initiatives Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). They highlighted the most important challenges in financing agricultural projects. A special session was held with the winners of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award in the 'Innovation' category, celebrating their achievements, creativity, and innovations. It showcased their journey in the sector, their experiences developing their projects, the challenges they faced, and the factors that contributed to their success. The session also highlighted the lessons learned and best practices that can inspire farmers and entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector to promote innovation and sustainability. This session was presented by Eng. Noura Saeed Al Nuaimi, Lead Researcher at the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, and featured insights from the winners: Eng. Hamad Musabah Al Tunaiji, Mr. Rashid Salim Al Ketbi, Mohammed Albuainain Al Mazrouei, and Hassan Juma Al Zaabi.

Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026 Returns to Al Ain With Expanded Format

The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026 runs April 22–26 at ADNEC Al Ain, featuring 50+ speakers, 40 panel discussions, and a new outdoor livestock space.

by Sepehr Achard
13th April 2026

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Texas Governor Greg Abbott marked the completion of a sterile fly dispersal facility in Edinburg, Texas, aimed at strengthening the United States’ preparedness against New World Screwworm (NWS).

USDA Launches National Proving Grounds Network to Validate AgTech

USDA announces NPG-Ag, a national network to test and validate AgTech under real-world U.S. farming conditions and support producer adoption.

by Sepehr Achard
13th April 2026

U.S. horticulture operations sold $18.3Bn worth of floriculture, nursery & specialty crops in 2024, according to the latest USDA NASS census

USDA NASS Report Shows U.S. Horticulture Sales Reached $18.3 Bn in 2024

U.S. horticulture operations sold $18.3 billion worth of floriculture, nursery, and specialty crops in 2024, according to the latest USDA NASS census data.

by Sepehr Achard
13th April 2026

Precision Agriculture: What is it, Current State & Key Technologies

Discover how Precision Agriculture transforms farming by integrating tools like GPS and IoT for better resource management.

by Sepehr Achard
11th April 2026

Ara Partners Invests Up to $500 Million in Sedron Technologies for Waste Upcycling Expansion

Ara Partners announced an investment of up to $500 million in Sedron Technologies to accelerate municipal biosolids and dairy manure upcycling projects across North America.

by Sepehr Achard
10th April 2026

Valkyrie Analytics Secures $3 Million Seed Investment, Rebrands as Nirova LLC

Valkyrie Analytics received a $3 million seed stage investment from a strategic investor, enabling the company to rebrand as Nirova LLC with expanded services.

by Sepehr Achard
10th April 2026

Scotts Miracle-Gro completed the sale of its subsidiary The Hawthorne Gardening Company to Vireo Growth, Inc. in exchange for Vireo shares

Scotts Miracle-Gro Completes Sale of Hawthorne Gardening Company to Vireo Growth

Scotts Miracle-Gro has completed the sale of its subsidiary The Hawthorne Gardening Company to Vireo Growth, Inc. in exchange for Vireo shares held by an independent strategic partner.