Food Security Digi-Conference gathers experts to address immediate food security requirements for the MENA region

July 2, 2020 – Dubai, UAE - The first of its kind virtual Digi-conference hosted from Dubai took place on 29 – 30 June, 2020 via video conferencing technology. The conference launched with the goal of gathering a select group of experts in the agriculture sector to discuss the latest trends and innovations in agriculture and the opportunities in improving the quality and quantity of domestic produce.

The conference kicked off with a keynote presentation from Fatema AlMulla, Senior Research Analyst, Food Security Office, Ministry of Cabinet Affairs & The Future, Prime Minister’s Office and looked specifically on food security in the UAE and how they are working towards a more food secure future delivery. AlMulla recognised the UAE’s achievements in the sector; last year the UAE climbed up the Global Food Security Index rankings from 31 in 2018 to 21 in 2019. The drastic improvement is a direct result from the efforts and funding allocated from the government into ensuring the UAE continues to drive technology and innovation.

A panel discussion was held to discuss the initiatives in the MENA region that are in place to support the continued growth of the sector, Ag-Tech Building Code, Unified Agriculture License, Agriculture Loan Guarantee and Food Security Data Platform being just a few of the initiatives currently in place. The panel was led by industry leaders including Sheikh Dr. Majid Sultan Al Qassimi, Adviser to the Minister, Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, UAE; Mariam Eid, Head of Agro Industries Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Lebanon; Dr. Naufal H Rasheed, Advisor of Agriculture Policy and Investment, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Oman; and Salvatore Stephen Lavallo, Project Manager, Abu Dhabi Investment Office.