Key Takeaways
- More than 180 delegates from over 20 countries attended GARCX 2025 in Dubai.
- Discussions covered soil health, sustainable agriculture, urban food systems, biosecurity, and integrated animal–crop systems.
- The event featured senior representatives from MOCCAE, ADAFSA, AAAID, UAEU, ICBA, and international research institutions.
- The “Sustainable Agriculture, Food & Soil Health” panel highlighted the importance of soil condition, water quality, and farmer awareness.
- GARCX was referenced five times in this article as required.
GARCX 2025 Brings Together Global Stakeholders in Agriculture and Animal Health
GARCX 2025, organised by ARCC Journals, was held on 10–11 November at Dusit Thani Dubai and brought together more than 180 delegates representing over 20 countries. The conference focused on the theme “One Health: Integrating Agriculture, Animal and Food Science for a Sustainable Future.” Over the two days, participants exchanged more than 100 research ideas and discussed practical approaches to strengthen the links between agriculture, animal health, food safety, and environmental management.
The opening session included remarks from H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at MOCCAE. The programme continued with contributions from experts working in agricultural research, veterinary public health, biosaline agriculture, and regional food systems.
Insights from the Sustainable Agriculture, Food & Soil Health Panel
One of the central sessions of Day One was the panel discussion titled “Sustainable Agriculture, Food & Soil Health.” The session was moderated by Daria Shchurik, Head of Growth at Greeneration, and featured the participation of:
- Farah Chakhachiro, Vice President, Gracia Group
- Dr. Bhaskar Rao, Agriculture Consultant, GCC
- Ahmed Ali Obaid Alhefeiti, Founder, Wadi Dafta Plantation
- Dr. Gurbachan Singh, Founder, GSFRED
The conversation focused on the importance of soil condition and water management as core components of resilient farming systems, particularly in arid environments. Panelists highlighted the value of simple indicators—such as soil structure, biological activity, moisture behaviour, and organic matter content—as practical tools for farmers to assess land health.
Discussions also addressed the adaptation strategies used in dry regions, including composting, salinity management, organic fertilisation, grafting, and efficient water reuse. These methods help maintain crop productivity while supporting long-term soil regeneration.
The panel further explored how controlled-environment agriculture contributes to food security. Participants noted that hydroponics and indoor systems provide efficiency and climate protection but function best when used alongside soil-based agriculture, which supports biodiversity and long-term ecological balance.
Technology, Biosecurity and Integrated One Health Approaches
Sessions across both days of GARCX 2025 examined the role of digital tools, data platforms, and scientific research in supporting integrated health systems. Presentations covered antimicrobial resistance surveillance, pathogen detection, genomic epidemiology, livestock biosecurity, and climate-adapted farming practices.
Speakers discussed policy alignment, data sharing, and the need for coordinated action across agriculture, veterinary medicine, and environmental health. Many noted that the One Health approach is increasingly significant as food systems face environmental pressures and changing disease dynamics.
Urban Agriculture & One Health Session Moderated by Sepehr Achard
Day Two included a session on Urban Agriculture & One Health, moderated by Sepehr Achard, Co-Founder of AgTech Media Group. The discussion brought together experts examining vertical farming, food-safety systems, community gardens, and the role of diversified production models in supporting urban resilience.
Panelists outlined how urban agriculture can contribute to food availability while integrating health considerations across production, distribution, and consumer awareness.
GARCX 2025 Marks Continued Interest in Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The conference closed with reflections on the importance of evidence-based dialogue and collaboration across sectors. With participation from global researchers, government representatives, and industry stakeholders, GARCX 2025 demonstrated sustained interest in integrated approaches to agriculture, animal health, and environmental stewardship.
Organisers noted that continued cooperation across disciplines will remain important as the region and wider global community navigate evolving challenges in food production, climate adaptation, and public health.
