Agriculture minister calls for investment
Posted by Zawya
The Saudi Gazette
13 June 2010
DAMMAM - Government has adopted several measures to develop agriculture, fisheries and animal production, and will welcome investors, said Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Fahd Bin Abdul Rahman Balghunaim on Saturday.
He urged investors to work hand-in-hand with the ministry to help solve all the problems facing the sector. He said investors should form consortiums to save time and money and the ministry was open to support any initiative that would serve the agricultural sector.
Balghunaim made these comments at a meeting with investors organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Eastern Province. Also present at the meeting was Abdul Rahman Bin Rashid Al-Rashid, the chamber's chairman.
Barely
The minister explained that the government-ordered subsidy for barley production was instituted when there was a drastic shortage worldwide. However, the situation has now changed with a considerable increase in barley production. Government has, therefore, abolished the subsidy, he said.
Another factor taken into account in the ministry's decision was that researchers found that excessive consumption of barley harms animals. He pointed out that an alternative is to use integrated fodder containing vitamins, salt and minerals that can be added to the barley.
He said government has been monitoring prices of fodder on international markets and would introduce a subsidy if needed.
"But there is no need now for the subsidy. It should be borne in mind that sometimes the hike in the price of fodder can be attributed to malpractices by some distributors."
He said illegal price hikes can be countered if more cooperative societies are formed to take over distribution.
He said that government does not encourage the cultivation of fodder and wheat because these crops consume lots of water. Instead, these crops are being imported.
The minister said that very few land areas set aside for agriculture, and still for sale, are currently being used. "Out of four million hectares of land granted all over the Kingdom, only 900,000 hectares are being used," he said.
Poultry
Balghunaim stressed the importance of setting up more poultry farms especially in the light of the growth in imports to 500 million chickens annually.
He said some poultry producers are not abiding by government's hygiene conditions and are not getting rid of poultry waste properly.
He said the ministry will impose severe fines on violators who do not follow health requirements. Fines could be as high as SR200,000. There is also the possibility that the ministry may close down some of the poultry projects if there are repeated violations.
Balghunaim rejected allegations that the ministry allows the importation of chickens fed with substances prohibited by Islam.
"The countries which export chickens to the Kingdom are visited from time to time by our representatives to make sure that all the chickens conform to Saudi specifications."
Animal health
The minister said the ministry has allocated about SR40 million to provide medicines and vaccines for animals in the Kingdom. The ministry has a center for the production of veterinary viral vaccines.
He added that the ministry is in the process of opening a new center for the production of bacterial vaccines which will save a lot of money. Not enough medicines are currently being distributed by the agricultural directorates, therefore animal breeders are bearing the responsibility for securing medicines, he added.
Mangrove
Balghunaim said the ministry has increased the cultivation of mangrove trees on the Saudi coastline because of its importance for the marine environment.
"The ministry has cultivated thousands of mangrove saplings in areas which have been carefully selected, and has also supplied Saudi Aramco with thousands of these saplings."
He said this was in addition to the ministry's efforts to create artificial coral reefs.
Fishing
Balghunaim said fishing docks are important, but there were very few in the Kingdom. He said the ministry is now giving permits only to Saudis to work at sea. In other words, the owners of fishing boats and the workers should be Saudis.
He said the ministry has drafted legislation to regulate fishing and has fixed certain seasons for prawn or shrimp fishing. There is also legislation regulating the fishing of plectropomus macalatus, the species of coral trout known locally as Najil fish.
© The Saudi Gazette 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100613043500/Saudi%20agriculture%20minister%20calls%20for%20investment
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Indonesia seeks Gulf investment in farm sector
Posted by Zawya
The Saudi Gazette
13 June 2010
JEDDAH - Indonesia expects a 6 percent rise in its milled rice harvest this year, leading to a 2 million tons surplus, and aims to attract Gulf Arab investors to develop "sleeping land", Agriculture Minister Suswono said.
"Growth is 6 percent from last year's figure and over the next five years we would like to see a growth of 3.2 percent," he said on Saturday, during a visit to Saudi Arabia.
Indonesia is expected to produce 37 million tons of milled rice this year, which exceeds 35 million tons required to satisfy domestic demand, he told reporters in Jeddah.
Suswono was speaking through an official translator.
The agriculture minister met businessmen from the Gulf Arab country and discussed agricultural business opportunities in Indonesia.
He is scheduled to meet the Saudi agricultural minister in Riyadh on Sunday.
Indonesia has over 7.7 million hectares of unused land that is in need of development, Suswono said.
"There is still... untapped potential for agribusiness investment in Indonesia, particularly in the field of food crops, industrial processing as well as horticulture and land stock industry," he said.
Gulf countries, who mainly rely on food imports, have been investing in farmland overseas to secure their food supply, but difficulty in regulations has led to delays in tapping Indonesian farming opportunities.
Last year, Saudi Arabia's Bin Laden Group stalled plans for a $4.3 billion project to develop 2 million hectares of land in Indonesia. Suswono said the project has not materialized yet.
© The Saudi Gazette 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100613042621/Indonesia%20seeks%20Gulf%20investment%20in%20farm%20sector
Posted by Zawya
The Saudi Gazette
13 June 2010
JEDDAH - Indonesia expects a 6 percent rise in its milled rice harvest this year, leading to a 2 million tons surplus, and aims to attract Gulf Arab investors to develop "sleeping land", Agriculture Minister Suswono said.
"Growth is 6 percent from last year's figure and over the next five years we would like to see a growth of 3.2 percent," he said on Saturday, during a visit to Saudi Arabia.
Indonesia is expected to produce 37 million tons of milled rice this year, which exceeds 35 million tons required to satisfy domestic demand, he told reporters in Jeddah.
Suswono was speaking through an official translator.
The agriculture minister met businessmen from the Gulf Arab country and discussed agricultural business opportunities in Indonesia.
He is scheduled to meet the Saudi agricultural minister in Riyadh on Sunday.
Indonesia has over 7.7 million hectares of unused land that is in need of development, Suswono said.
"There is still... untapped potential for agribusiness investment in Indonesia, particularly in the field of food crops, industrial processing as well as horticulture and land stock industry," he said.
Gulf countries, who mainly rely on food imports, have been investing in farmland overseas to secure their food supply, but difficulty in regulations has led to delays in tapping Indonesian farming opportunities.
Last year, Saudi Arabia's Bin Laden Group stalled plans for a $4.3 billion project to develop 2 million hectares of land in Indonesia. Suswono said the project has not materialized yet.
© The Saudi Gazette 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100613042621/Indonesia%20seeks%20Gulf%20investment%20in%20farm%20sector
Saturday, June 12, 2010
UK - Cultured meat
Posted by Meat Trade News Daily
12 Jun 2010
What do see on your plate? A succulent steak, straight from the butcher? A hunk of meat, carved from a carcase much as you might cut wood from a tree? Part of a dead creature, slaughtered for the whims of human kind? I see something different.
To me, your steak is a complex culture of muscle cells, fibrocytes, nerve fibres and adipose tissue. It’s a community of cells that were all living their disparate lives: some busily carrying messages, others in a state of readiness to contract and create movement, many of them tough and stringy, holding the whole system together, with a great swathe of the cells storing fat as an energy reserve.
The important thing is that, from the cells’ point of view, it doesn’t really matter where they grew. They happened to be part of the hind end of a cow, sure; but they might just have well have grown in a glass flask or a factory. It would make no difference to them.
Within a decade we are set to see meat produced in factories. Meat from slaughtered animals is a time-honoured product, but it is one that is set for revolution. As the global population increases with alarming speed, it will not be possible to raise livestock sufficient to feed everyone who wants steak. It takes around a tonne of water to raise 1kg of beef. Newsweek once calculated that the amount of water to make an adult ox is enough to float a battleship.
More than a quarter of all the rain-forests in Central America have been converted to cattle rearing since 1960 and 70 per cent of former tropical rain-forest in Costa Rica and in Panama has been stripped and converted to cattle-raising pasture. Brazil calculates that almost 40 per cent of its land has been cleared for raising beef. Cattle rearing is said to have claimed the loss of more species than any other single human activity. Meanwhile, nations like Japan and Saudi Arabia are acquiring land in other countries, ready to fly the produce straight back home. There will be land wars if this goes on.
Cultured meat is starting to attract interest and research funds. The Netherlands authorities have reportedly ploughed €2m into research in Utrecht and Amsterdam. American policies have been far less forward-looking, though PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) have offered a $1m prize for the first firm to market cultured chicken meat in at least six of the United States by 2016.
Would people accept it? There was a time when I’d have felt the answer was ‘no’, but the success of Quorn shows that the public truly are ready to accept novel foods. Flavoured and texturised Quorn is popular among the health food enthusiasts, yet is completely science-based. It is made from a fungus originally found in a corn-field, Fusarium venenatum. These fungi normally grow like fluffy, cotton-wool growths of fine, silky filaments. Culture them in vats and texturise the growths, and you have something with a firm consistency that can be flavoured to provide a low-fat, high-protein food.
If something so unnatural can be a business success, then the prospects for commercially cultured meat must be good. The product will be of known composition and guaranteed quality. What’s more, it will avoid the need to slaughter livestock. It could prove to be the most nourishing, yet humane, meat we have ever seen.
Professor Brian Ford is a Fellow at Cardiff University and an Associate of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge University. His essay Culturing Meat for the Future appears in Death and Anti-Death, edited by Charles Tandy, Ria University Press.
timesonline.typepad.com
News Link: http://meattradenewsdaily.co.uk/news/100610/uk___cultured_meat_.aspx
Posted by Meat Trade News Daily
12 Jun 2010
What do see on your plate? A succulent steak, straight from the butcher? A hunk of meat, carved from a carcase much as you might cut wood from a tree? Part of a dead creature, slaughtered for the whims of human kind? I see something different.To me, your steak is a complex culture of muscle cells, fibrocytes, nerve fibres and adipose tissue. It’s a community of cells that were all living their disparate lives: some busily carrying messages, others in a state of readiness to contract and create movement, many of them tough and stringy, holding the whole system together, with a great swathe of the cells storing fat as an energy reserve.
The important thing is that, from the cells’ point of view, it doesn’t really matter where they grew. They happened to be part of the hind end of a cow, sure; but they might just have well have grown in a glass flask or a factory. It would make no difference to them.
Within a decade we are set to see meat produced in factories. Meat from slaughtered animals is a time-honoured product, but it is one that is set for revolution. As the global population increases with alarming speed, it will not be possible to raise livestock sufficient to feed everyone who wants steak. It takes around a tonne of water to raise 1kg of beef. Newsweek once calculated that the amount of water to make an adult ox is enough to float a battleship.
More than a quarter of all the rain-forests in Central America have been converted to cattle rearing since 1960 and 70 per cent of former tropical rain-forest in Costa Rica and in Panama has been stripped and converted to cattle-raising pasture. Brazil calculates that almost 40 per cent of its land has been cleared for raising beef. Cattle rearing is said to have claimed the loss of more species than any other single human activity. Meanwhile, nations like Japan and Saudi Arabia are acquiring land in other countries, ready to fly the produce straight back home. There will be land wars if this goes on.
Cultured meat is starting to attract interest and research funds. The Netherlands authorities have reportedly ploughed €2m into research in Utrecht and Amsterdam. American policies have been far less forward-looking, though PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) have offered a $1m prize for the first firm to market cultured chicken meat in at least six of the United States by 2016.
Would people accept it? There was a time when I’d have felt the answer was ‘no’, but the success of Quorn shows that the public truly are ready to accept novel foods. Flavoured and texturised Quorn is popular among the health food enthusiasts, yet is completely science-based. It is made from a fungus originally found in a corn-field, Fusarium venenatum. These fungi normally grow like fluffy, cotton-wool growths of fine, silky filaments. Culture them in vats and texturise the growths, and you have something with a firm consistency that can be flavoured to provide a low-fat, high-protein food.
If something so unnatural can be a business success, then the prospects for commercially cultured meat must be good. The product will be of known composition and guaranteed quality. What’s more, it will avoid the need to slaughter livestock. It could prove to be the most nourishing, yet humane, meat we have ever seen.
Professor Brian Ford is a Fellow at Cardiff University and an Associate of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge University. His essay Culturing Meat for the Future appears in Death and Anti-Death, edited by Charles Tandy, Ria University Press.
timesonline.typepad.com
News Link: http://meattradenewsdaily.co.uk/news/100610/uk___cultured_meat_.aspx
Wheat consumption in Saudi Arabia to soar 25.9%
Posted by Zawya
The Saudi Gazette
12 June 2010
JEDDAH - Wheat consumption in Saudi Arabia is forecast to experience very strong growth of 25.9 percent, while production is expected to fall drastically, with output plummeting by 73.4 percent to 2014, according to a new market study by Business Monitor International (BMI).
The "Saudi Arabia Agribusiness Report Q3 2010" forecast that by the end of the period, Saudi Arabia will be overwhelmingly reliant on imported wheat with annual imports to be between 2.5 million and 3 million tons.
The report also said that with wheat import bill soaring, rising by an estimated 22 percent in 2010 alone, the government is looking for ways to cut costs.
Moreover, rice consumption is forecast to grow by 14.2 percent over the forecast period, with the rise mainly in line with population growth.
The report further said demand for rice, which is imported100 percent, "is fairly inelastic," due largely to the high levels of GDP per capita in the Kingdom, with increases and reductions in rice prices having little impact on demand.
Moreover, per capita dairy consumption in Saudi Arabia presently stands at around 54kg a year - a rate far higher than is typical in most developing countries, reflecting the importance of dairy products in the local diet.
With growth in domestic dairy production held back by the lack of pastures for grazing, milk production in the Kingdom is only forecast to increase marginally, by 1.3 percent year-on-year (y-o-y) in 2010, the report noted.
Poultry is very popular in Saudi Arabia and is a key component of the local diet, with the Food and AgriculturalOrganization estimating that the country ranks as one of the highest consumers of chicken per capita in the world.
By Querubin J. Minas
© The Saudi Gazette 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100612042901/Wheat%20consumption%20in%20Saudi%20Arabia%20to%20soar%2025%2E9%25%20
Posted by Zawya
The Saudi Gazette
12 June 2010
JEDDAH - Wheat consumption in Saudi Arabia is forecast to experience very strong growth of 25.9 percent, while production is expected to fall drastically, with output plummeting by 73.4 percent to 2014, according to a new market study by Business Monitor International (BMI).
The "Saudi Arabia Agribusiness Report Q3 2010" forecast that by the end of the period, Saudi Arabia will be overwhelmingly reliant on imported wheat with annual imports to be between 2.5 million and 3 million tons.
The report also said that with wheat import bill soaring, rising by an estimated 22 percent in 2010 alone, the government is looking for ways to cut costs.
Moreover, rice consumption is forecast to grow by 14.2 percent over the forecast period, with the rise mainly in line with population growth.
The report further said demand for rice, which is imported100 percent, "is fairly inelastic," due largely to the high levels of GDP per capita in the Kingdom, with increases and reductions in rice prices having little impact on demand.
Moreover, per capita dairy consumption in Saudi Arabia presently stands at around 54kg a year - a rate far higher than is typical in most developing countries, reflecting the importance of dairy products in the local diet.
With growth in domestic dairy production held back by the lack of pastures for grazing, milk production in the Kingdom is only forecast to increase marginally, by 1.3 percent year-on-year (y-o-y) in 2010, the report noted.
Poultry is very popular in Saudi Arabia and is a key component of the local diet, with the Food and AgriculturalOrganization estimating that the country ranks as one of the highest consumers of chicken per capita in the world.
By Querubin J. Minas
© The Saudi Gazette 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100612042901/Wheat%20consumption%20in%20Saudi%20Arabia%20to%20soar%2025%2E9%25%20
Thursday, June 10, 2010
UAE: Filthy food companies given fines
Posted by Zawya
7Days
10 June 2010
FOOD warehouses in Dubai have been slapped with fines after health inspectors uncovered filthy, unfit storage conditions.
Staff from the Food Control Section at Dubai MunicipalityDubai Municipality
Dubai Municipality visited 257 warehouses used for the storage of either dry, chilled or frozen foodstuff.
They discovered seven per cent of those inspected has breached regulations and were not storing their food hygienically.
And after hearing the statistic medical professionals called for tighter rules and regulations over food storage.
Dr Suresh Menon, from Jebel Ali Hospital, said: "Food-related illnesses have gone up in the last five years. We are getting two to three cases every day."
He went on to add: "There should be a strict inspection of food outlets."
The news has come almost a year to the day that French siblings Nathan, five, and Chelsea D'Souza, seven, died after eating food from a Chinese restaurant in Dubai.
The D'Souzas were among four children in the UAE who died last summer from suspected food poisoning.
Sultan Al Tahir, the head of the Product Control Section in the Food Control Department, added: "The campaign, which resulted in issuing fines, stressed all the firms need to adhere to the strict hygiene requirements of the municipality."
By Fareed Rahman
© 7Days 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100610033607/UAE%3A%20Filthy%20food%20companies%20given%20fines%20
Posted by Zawya
7Days
10 June 2010
FOOD warehouses in Dubai have been slapped with fines after health inspectors uncovered filthy, unfit storage conditions.
Staff from the Food Control Section at Dubai MunicipalityDubai Municipality
Dubai Municipality visited 257 warehouses used for the storage of either dry, chilled or frozen foodstuff.
They discovered seven per cent of those inspected has breached regulations and were not storing their food hygienically.
And after hearing the statistic medical professionals called for tighter rules and regulations over food storage.
Dr Suresh Menon, from Jebel Ali Hospital, said: "Food-related illnesses have gone up in the last five years. We are getting two to three cases every day."
He went on to add: "There should be a strict inspection of food outlets."
The news has come almost a year to the day that French siblings Nathan, five, and Chelsea D'Souza, seven, died after eating food from a Chinese restaurant in Dubai.
The D'Souzas were among four children in the UAE who died last summer from suspected food poisoning.
Sultan Al Tahir, the head of the Product Control Section in the Food Control Department, added: "The campaign, which resulted in issuing fines, stressed all the firms need to adhere to the strict hygiene requirements of the municipality."
By Fareed Rahman
© 7Days 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100610033607/UAE%3A%20Filthy%20food%20companies%20given%20fines%20
Camel's genome completely mapped
Posted by The Zawya
Emirates Business 24-7, 10 June 2010
The Arabian camel is the latest addition in only a handful of mammals to have had its genome fully mapped - which is great news for medicine and agriculture.
In a joint year-long project conducted by teams of scientists from King Abdulaziz City for Science and TechnologyKing Abdulaziz City for Science and TechnologyLoading... (KACSTKACSTLoading...), Saudi Arabia, and BGI (formerly known as Beijing Genomics Institute), China, it was found that the Arabian camel genome is about 2.2 billion nucleotides in size. To compare, the human genome has 3.2 billion nucleotides.
Jian Wang, President, BGI, told reporters: "The sequencing of the camel genome achieved by KACSTKACSTLoading... and BGI will contribute greatly to the worldwide genomics and post-genomics research. We look forward to further expanding our understanding of the camel physiological and biochemical characteristics and to bring it to application for the benefit of mankind."
The Arabian camel, scientifically known as Camelus dromedarius, is a large even-toed ungulate with one hump on its back - in contrast to the Bactrian camel which has two - and is one of the most popular members of the camel family.
This genome research project has generated an enormous database of genetic information that will be used to improve camel, plus human health. The teams' research also revealed that the Arabian camel has remarkable similarities to other reported mammals, particularly cattle, and possess 57 per cent of shared genes with the human genome.
As a result, this will lead to a major breakthrough in the understanding of the physiological and biochemical characteristics that enable this animal to survive in such inhospitable environments as the desert.
Furthermore, unlocking the aspects of the camel immune system will help to develop new vaccination approaches, novel therapeutic antibodies, and small peptide-based therapy.
Additionally, this new data will be used to reconstruct metabolic pathways for milk production in camels, therefore help in selectively breeding animals with an increased yield of milk.
Compared to other types of dairy, camel milk is highly nutritious and believed to have remarkable medicinal properties that can help fight diseases such as cancer, Aids, Alzheimer's and hepatitis C.
Genomic data will provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying camel's genetic traits such as milk quality and yield, meat and wool production and physical strength and racing ability.
Dr Mohammed Al Suwaiyel, President, KACSTKACSTLoading..., said: "This achievement propels KACSTKACSTLoading... to the forefront of genomics and post-genomics research."
"We are dedicated to continue to contribute to cutting-edge research and technologies to the global community in the scientific areas that are most relevant to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia," said Dr Al Suwaiyel.
By Rachel McArthur
© Emirates Business 24/7 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100610043736/Camel%27s%20genome%20completely%20mapped
Posted by The Zawya
Emirates Business 24-7, 10 June 2010
The Arabian camel is the latest addition in only a handful of mammals to have had its genome fully mapped - which is great news for medicine and agriculture.
In a joint year-long project conducted by teams of scientists from King Abdulaziz City for Science and TechnologyKing Abdulaziz City for Science and TechnologyLoading... (KACSTKACSTLoading...), Saudi Arabia, and BGI (formerly known as Beijing Genomics Institute), China, it was found that the Arabian camel genome is about 2.2 billion nucleotides in size. To compare, the human genome has 3.2 billion nucleotides.
Jian Wang, President, BGI, told reporters: "The sequencing of the camel genome achieved by KACSTKACSTLoading... and BGI will contribute greatly to the worldwide genomics and post-genomics research. We look forward to further expanding our understanding of the camel physiological and biochemical characteristics and to bring it to application for the benefit of mankind."
The Arabian camel, scientifically known as Camelus dromedarius, is a large even-toed ungulate with one hump on its back - in contrast to the Bactrian camel which has two - and is one of the most popular members of the camel family.
This genome research project has generated an enormous database of genetic information that will be used to improve camel, plus human health. The teams' research also revealed that the Arabian camel has remarkable similarities to other reported mammals, particularly cattle, and possess 57 per cent of shared genes with the human genome.
As a result, this will lead to a major breakthrough in the understanding of the physiological and biochemical characteristics that enable this animal to survive in such inhospitable environments as the desert.
Furthermore, unlocking the aspects of the camel immune system will help to develop new vaccination approaches, novel therapeutic antibodies, and small peptide-based therapy.
Additionally, this new data will be used to reconstruct metabolic pathways for milk production in camels, therefore help in selectively breeding animals with an increased yield of milk.
Compared to other types of dairy, camel milk is highly nutritious and believed to have remarkable medicinal properties that can help fight diseases such as cancer, Aids, Alzheimer's and hepatitis C.
Genomic data will provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying camel's genetic traits such as milk quality and yield, meat and wool production and physical strength and racing ability.
Dr Mohammed Al Suwaiyel, President, KACSTKACSTLoading..., said: "This achievement propels KACSTKACSTLoading... to the forefront of genomics and post-genomics research."
"We are dedicated to continue to contribute to cutting-edge research and technologies to the global community in the scientific areas that are most relevant to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia," said Dr Al Suwaiyel.
By Rachel McArthur
© Emirates Business 24/7 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100610043736/Camel%27s%20genome%20completely%20mapped
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
King OK's food security research chair
The Saudi Gazette
08 June 2010
RIYADH - King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has approved the establishment of a Food Security research chair at King Saud University in Riyadh.
Funded by businessman Muhammad Bin Hussein Al-Amoudi, the chair is to be named the "King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Chair for Food Security", and according to King Saud University President Abdullah Al-Othman will "help achieve the university's aim of scientific advancement in all fields, particularly food security".
"It will focus on what is an important national issue that is closely associated with the comprehensive development the state is seeking to achieve," Al-Amoudi said.
According to Al-Amoudi, food security is a "huge responsibility" described by King Abdullah as "inseparable from national security".
"The chair will be an analytical observatory of the state of food security in the Kingdom and offer advice based on the outcome of documented scientific research to prevent food crises," he said.
© The Saudi Gazette 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100608044727/Saudi%20King%20OK%27s%20food%20security%20research%20chair
The Saudi Gazette
08 June 2010
RIYADH - King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has approved the establishment of a Food Security research chair at King Saud University in Riyadh.
Funded by businessman Muhammad Bin Hussein Al-Amoudi, the chair is to be named the "King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Chair for Food Security", and according to King Saud University President Abdullah Al-Othman will "help achieve the university's aim of scientific advancement in all fields, particularly food security".
"It will focus on what is an important national issue that is closely associated with the comprehensive development the state is seeking to achieve," Al-Amoudi said.
According to Al-Amoudi, food security is a "huge responsibility" described by King Abdullah as "inseparable from national security".
"The chair will be an analytical observatory of the state of food security in the Kingdom and offer advice based on the outcome of documented scientific research to prevent food crises," he said.
© The Saudi Gazette 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100608044727/Saudi%20King%20OK%27s%20food%20security%20research%20chair
Ministry of Economy urges economic departments to monitor market performance during Ramadan
Posted by Zawya
Press Release
Dubai, 8 June 2010: The Consumer Protection Department at the Ministry of EconomyMinistry of EconomyLoading..., today, met representatives of various Economic Departments in the UAE to implement an integrated plan to ensure market price stability during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Dr Hashim Al Nuaimi, Director of Consumer Protection Department at the MinistryMinistryLoading..., who headed the meeting, urged the departments to exert efforts to provide acceptable prices of commodities and closely watch the market performance during the Holy Month.
Al Nuaimi asked the departments to stop any attempts at price manipulation and to encourage retail outlets to offer more basic commodities at low prices. He said that the Ministry of EconomyMinistry of EconomyLoading... was committed to ensuring that essential commodities are not hoarded or prices manipulated.
He asked them to create awareness on best consumer practices during Ramadan. He also recommended that retail outlets interested in offering new promotions must send an official request to the concerned Economic Department to be exempted from promotion fees.
There will be 2 kinds of Ramadan basket this year, one for fruits and vegetables and the other for major food items with a cost ranges from 200 to 250 AED for food items and which will be sufficient for a family of five persons for one week.
Al Nuaimi said the economic departments can hire dedicated teams to monitor the market performance to ensure price stability during the holy month. Retail outlets representatives welcomed the MinistryMinistryLoading...'s suggestions and praised its early efforts to create price stability.
Al Nuaimi said the MinistryMinistryLoading... will have two follow-up meetings with retail outlets to ensure that supply is smooth and prices are lowered.
-Ends-
For further information, please contact:
Nedal Al Asaad / Nizar Aridi
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Tel: (+971 4) 334 4550; Fax: (+971 4) 334 4556
E-mail: n.alasaad@asdaa.com, n.aridi@asdaa.com
© Press Release 2010
from ASDA'A Public Relations
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100608131848/UAE%20MoE%20urges%20monitoring%20market%20performance%20during%20Ramadan%20%20%20
Posted by Zawya
Press Release
Dubai, 8 June 2010: The Consumer Protection Department at the Ministry of EconomyMinistry of EconomyLoading..., today, met representatives of various Economic Departments in the UAE to implement an integrated plan to ensure market price stability during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Dr Hashim Al Nuaimi, Director of Consumer Protection Department at the MinistryMinistryLoading..., who headed the meeting, urged the departments to exert efforts to provide acceptable prices of commodities and closely watch the market performance during the Holy Month.
Al Nuaimi asked the departments to stop any attempts at price manipulation and to encourage retail outlets to offer more basic commodities at low prices. He said that the Ministry of EconomyMinistry of EconomyLoading... was committed to ensuring that essential commodities are not hoarded or prices manipulated.
He asked them to create awareness on best consumer practices during Ramadan. He also recommended that retail outlets interested in offering new promotions must send an official request to the concerned Economic Department to be exempted from promotion fees.
There will be 2 kinds of Ramadan basket this year, one for fruits and vegetables and the other for major food items with a cost ranges from 200 to 250 AED for food items and which will be sufficient for a family of five persons for one week.
Al Nuaimi said the economic departments can hire dedicated teams to monitor the market performance to ensure price stability during the holy month. Retail outlets representatives welcomed the MinistryMinistryLoading...'s suggestions and praised its early efforts to create price stability.
Al Nuaimi said the MinistryMinistryLoading... will have two follow-up meetings with retail outlets to ensure that supply is smooth and prices are lowered.
-Ends-
For further information, please contact:
Nedal Al Asaad / Nizar Aridi
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Tel: (+971 4) 334 4550; Fax: (+971 4) 334 4556
E-mail: n.alasaad@asdaa.com, n.aridi@asdaa.com
© Press Release 2010
from ASDA'A Public Relations
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100608131848/UAE%20MoE%20urges%20monitoring%20market%20performance%20during%20Ramadan%20%20%20
Fisheries Dept's Al Ashkarah, Masirah offices suffer damage
Posted by Zawya
Times of Oman
09 June 2010
MUSCAT: The Fisheries Department branches in Masirah and Al Ashkarah have suffered substantial damages caused by Cyclone Phet.
In a statement issued by the company to Muscat Securities Exchange, it claimed that the impact was so severe that the roof panel and ice factory in Masirah had caved in, while the workers' campus was totally submerged in water. Also, the electricity supply to the department was snapped, plunging it into darkness for several hours.
The boundary wall of the department's office in Masirah collapsed, and a water cooler installed within on the campus broke down completely. The extent of the damage could be gauged from the fact that even the signboard had flown quite a distance away from the rooftop.
Fish lost
Apart from causing severe damage to property, high waves caused by the cyclone washed away about 90 tonnes of frozen fish. The department said 23 tonnes of tuna turned waste due to Phet's onslaught.
Sources in the department said the vessels anchored in fishing port in Masirah were severely damaged.
About the destruction and damage caused to its Al Ashkarah branch, the department said the roof of the factory and the power supply lines were completely submerged in water, while the Swhipper's Electrical Jack was damaged beyond repair.
The estimated initial losses due to the cyclone is about RO150,000. However, the sources maintained that the actual cost of the damage could be known only after a full survey. They maintained that the financial situation of the company would not be adversely affected because the properties and fish produce were covered by insurance.
By Fahad Al Mukrashi
© Times of Oman 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100609034938/Fisheries%20Dept%27s%20Al%20Ashkarah%2C%20Masirah%20offices%20suffer%20damage
Posted by Zawya
Times of Oman
09 June 2010
MUSCAT: The Fisheries Department branches in Masirah and Al Ashkarah have suffered substantial damages caused by Cyclone Phet.
In a statement issued by the company to Muscat Securities Exchange, it claimed that the impact was so severe that the roof panel and ice factory in Masirah had caved in, while the workers' campus was totally submerged in water. Also, the electricity supply to the department was snapped, plunging it into darkness for several hours.
The boundary wall of the department's office in Masirah collapsed, and a water cooler installed within on the campus broke down completely. The extent of the damage could be gauged from the fact that even the signboard had flown quite a distance away from the rooftop.
Fish lost
Apart from causing severe damage to property, high waves caused by the cyclone washed away about 90 tonnes of frozen fish. The department said 23 tonnes of tuna turned waste due to Phet's onslaught.
Sources in the department said the vessels anchored in fishing port in Masirah were severely damaged.
About the destruction and damage caused to its Al Ashkarah branch, the department said the roof of the factory and the power supply lines were completely submerged in water, while the Swhipper's Electrical Jack was damaged beyond repair.
The estimated initial losses due to the cyclone is about RO150,000. However, the sources maintained that the actual cost of the damage could be known only after a full survey. They maintained that the financial situation of the company would not be adversely affected because the properties and fish produce were covered by insurance.
By Fahad Al Mukrashi
© Times of Oman 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100609034938/Fisheries%20Dept%27s%20Al%20Ashkarah%2C%20Masirah%20offices%20suffer%20damage
Oman: Phet deals blow to date harvest
Posted by Zawya
Times of Oman
08 June 2010
MUSCAT: Incessant rains that battered most pockets of Oman not only claimed more than 20 lives, but also caused immense damage to crops. This being the season for date harvesting, the crop has suffered to some extent.
Strong winds flattened date palms at several places in Oman.
According to Saleh Mohammed Al Abri, director-general, Interior region, Ministry of Agriculture, 'The Batinah region which is among the top date producing areas in the country has suffered damage to the date crop."
He said, "A complete assessment of the impact of damage has not yet been done as our personnel are out on the job to study the extent of the damage to the date palms and the dates already plucked."
He added that some date orchards in Izki, Bidbid and Samayil have been damaged but the extent of damage does not seem large as happened during the unstable weather conditions that prevailed here in June, 2007.
He said a complete picture would be known only after a couple of days as officials are on the job of assessing the damage.
Preliminary reports suggest that places like Al Mudaibi, Barka, Ibri, As Suwaiq, Nakhl which have a big share in date production have not been much affected as far as date plantations is concerned.
The wilayat of Samayil is like an ocean of date palms and has been ranked no.1 in date production for the last three years. It produced 22,686 tonnes of dates in 2008. Damage to date crop here can have an impact on the lives of many farmers. Abri said a complete picture will be known only after a couple of days as officials are working round the clock on the job.
Despite the dominance of oil in the economy of Oman, several hundred thousand of Oman's inhabitants live off agriculture and date harvesting is a major activity in this country. The bounteous date palm has been a 'tree of life' for the people of the Middle East. Currently, Oman has eight million date palms and the total production in 2008 was 266,893 tonnes.
By Aftab H. Kola
© Times of Oman 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100608034619/Oman%3A%20Phet%20deals%20blow%20to%20date%20harvest%20%20
Posted by Zawya
Times of Oman
08 June 2010
MUSCAT: Incessant rains that battered most pockets of Oman not only claimed more than 20 lives, but also caused immense damage to crops. This being the season for date harvesting, the crop has suffered to some extent.
Strong winds flattened date palms at several places in Oman.
According to Saleh Mohammed Al Abri, director-general, Interior region, Ministry of Agriculture, 'The Batinah region which is among the top date producing areas in the country has suffered damage to the date crop."
He said, "A complete assessment of the impact of damage has not yet been done as our personnel are out on the job to study the extent of the damage to the date palms and the dates already plucked."
He added that some date orchards in Izki, Bidbid and Samayil have been damaged but the extent of damage does not seem large as happened during the unstable weather conditions that prevailed here in June, 2007.
He said a complete picture would be known only after a couple of days as officials are on the job of assessing the damage.
Preliminary reports suggest that places like Al Mudaibi, Barka, Ibri, As Suwaiq, Nakhl which have a big share in date production have not been much affected as far as date plantations is concerned.
The wilayat of Samayil is like an ocean of date palms and has been ranked no.1 in date production for the last three years. It produced 22,686 tonnes of dates in 2008. Damage to date crop here can have an impact on the lives of many farmers. Abri said a complete picture will be known only after a couple of days as officials are working round the clock on the job.
Despite the dominance of oil in the economy of Oman, several hundred thousand of Oman's inhabitants live off agriculture and date harvesting is a major activity in this country. The bounteous date palm has been a 'tree of life' for the people of the Middle East. Currently, Oman has eight million date palms and the total production in 2008 was 266,893 tonnes.
By Aftab H. Kola
© Times of Oman 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100608034619/Oman%3A%20Phet%20deals%20blow%20to%20date%20harvest%20%20
Monday, June 07, 2010
Coffee re-export is Dubai's cuppa
Posted by Zawya
Emirates Business 24-7, 07 June 2010
Dubai, especially the Jebel Ali Free ZoneJebel Ali Free ZoneLoading..., is increasingly becoming a hub of coffee re-export as more and more companies import coffee beans from Africa and South America to export it to countries in the GCC and the rest of the Middle East.
In the past five years, there has been a change in trend of how coffee has flowed into the emirate and the region.
Earlier, coffee beans roasted in the UK (London) and other European countries were brought into the region. Lately, however, companies have set up roasting facilities in Dubai and are sourcing raw coffee beans from producer countries and exporting it to destinations in the GCC, the wider Middle East and parts of Asia and Europe.
Richard Jones, Managing Director of Coffee Planet, the UAE, said his business grew 17 per cent in 2009 and 28 per cent in 2008. "We began our operations in Dubai about five-and-a-half years ago. We initially imported coffee beans roasted in London. But in the beginning of 2008, we established a roastery in Dubai," he said.
The company's strategy includes reaching out directly to coffee producers in Africa and South America, securing long-term supplies, importing coffee beans to Dubai, processing it here, and then re-exporting a good volume of the processed beans. "We also sell to supermarkets, hotels, besides running retail outlets at over 130 fuel stations in the country."
The company used to import about two tonnes of coffee beans per month four years ago. The volume has now grown to about 18 tonnes a month - a figure that Jones said could have grown higher had a global financial turmoil did not happen in 2008-09. The company's exports head primarily to countries like Oman, Jordan and Malaysia. Jones said that companies like his currently operating in the UAE would number less than 10.
Others from the field said there is a lot of potential for coffee companies in the region. "When the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) called a conference of tea producers recently, a good number of coffee producers had also come in. The GCC itself has one of the highest per capita consumption of beverages in the world, and, therefore, it makes sense to establish coffee roasteries here," a senior executive at a coffee company said.
Similar statistics are not available for coffee. Compared to tea, Dubai sources coffee from much more diverse locations ranging from countries in South America to the ones in Africa and Asia, but the geographical scope of exports is narrower. Senior executives from coffee companies said steps like easy financing and launch of coffee futures on the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange can help develop Dubai as a hub of coffee trade.
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100607041801/Coffee%20re%2Dexport%20is%20Dubai%27s%20cuppa
Posted by Zawya
Emirates Business 24-7, 07 June 2010
Dubai, especially the Jebel Ali Free ZoneJebel Ali Free ZoneLoading..., is increasingly becoming a hub of coffee re-export as more and more companies import coffee beans from Africa and South America to export it to countries in the GCC and the rest of the Middle East.
In the past five years, there has been a change in trend of how coffee has flowed into the emirate and the region.
Earlier, coffee beans roasted in the UK (London) and other European countries were brought into the region. Lately, however, companies have set up roasting facilities in Dubai and are sourcing raw coffee beans from producer countries and exporting it to destinations in the GCC, the wider Middle East and parts of Asia and Europe.
Richard Jones, Managing Director of Coffee Planet, the UAE, said his business grew 17 per cent in 2009 and 28 per cent in 2008. "We began our operations in Dubai about five-and-a-half years ago. We initially imported coffee beans roasted in London. But in the beginning of 2008, we established a roastery in Dubai," he said.
The company's strategy includes reaching out directly to coffee producers in Africa and South America, securing long-term supplies, importing coffee beans to Dubai, processing it here, and then re-exporting a good volume of the processed beans. "We also sell to supermarkets, hotels, besides running retail outlets at over 130 fuel stations in the country."
The company used to import about two tonnes of coffee beans per month four years ago. The volume has now grown to about 18 tonnes a month - a figure that Jones said could have grown higher had a global financial turmoil did not happen in 2008-09. The company's exports head primarily to countries like Oman, Jordan and Malaysia. Jones said that companies like his currently operating in the UAE would number less than 10.
Others from the field said there is a lot of potential for coffee companies in the region. "When the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) called a conference of tea producers recently, a good number of coffee producers had also come in. The GCC itself has one of the highest per capita consumption of beverages in the world, and, therefore, it makes sense to establish coffee roasteries here," a senior executive at a coffee company said.
Similar statistics are not available for coffee. Compared to tea, Dubai sources coffee from much more diverse locations ranging from countries in South America to the ones in Africa and Asia, but the geographical scope of exports is narrower. Senior executives from coffee companies said steps like easy financing and launch of coffee futures on the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange can help develop Dubai as a hub of coffee trade.
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100607041801/Coffee%20re%2Dexport%20is%20Dubai%27s%20cuppa
Abu Dhabi food authority goes?high tech
Posted by Zawya
Khaleej Times
07 June 2010
ABU DHABI -- The Abu Dhabi Food Control AuthorityAbu Dhabi Food Control AuthorityLoading... (ADFCAADFCALoading...) is using technology to its benefit more than ever.
Part of the efforts are the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Food Import Management Information System, the setting up of the Abu Dhabi Farmers' Service Centre and the system for registering, coding and numbering cattle.
This was announced by Rashed Mohamed Al Shariqi, Director General, ADFCAADFCALoading..., on the sidelines of the eighth meeting of the food and agriculture body's Scientific Committee.
Held at the Rotana Beach Hotel in the Capital, the meeting reviewed the various food safety and agricultural strategies being implemented in the emirate currently by the Authority.
Apart from the members of the Committee, the meeting was attended by a number of senior officials of ADFCAADFCALoading..., including Al Shariqi, Dr. Maryam Harib Al Yousef, Executive Director, Policy and Legislation Division, Khalifa Al Ali, Executive Director, Strategic Planning Division and Mubarak Al Mansouri, Executive Director, Agricultural Affairs Division.
"The task being currently carried out by ADFCAADFCALoading... is to bring food safety and agricultural practices in the emirate on par with the best anywhere in the world. This is part of the integrated vision of the Government of Abu Dhabi to ensure overall advancement across different sectors and spheres," Al Shariqi said in his opening remarks to the meeting.
© Khaleej Times 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100607042539/Abu%20Dhabi%20food%20authority%20goes%20high%20tech
Posted by Zawya
Khaleej Times
07 June 2010
ABU DHABI -- The Abu Dhabi Food Control AuthorityAbu Dhabi Food Control AuthorityLoading... (ADFCAADFCALoading...) is using technology to its benefit more than ever.
Part of the efforts are the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Food Import Management Information System, the setting up of the Abu Dhabi Farmers' Service Centre and the system for registering, coding and numbering cattle.
This was announced by Rashed Mohamed Al Shariqi, Director General, ADFCAADFCALoading..., on the sidelines of the eighth meeting of the food and agriculture body's Scientific Committee.
Held at the Rotana Beach Hotel in the Capital, the meeting reviewed the various food safety and agricultural strategies being implemented in the emirate currently by the Authority.
Apart from the members of the Committee, the meeting was attended by a number of senior officials of ADFCAADFCALoading..., including Al Shariqi, Dr. Maryam Harib Al Yousef, Executive Director, Policy and Legislation Division, Khalifa Al Ali, Executive Director, Strategic Planning Division and Mubarak Al Mansouri, Executive Director, Agricultural Affairs Division.
"The task being currently carried out by ADFCAADFCALoading... is to bring food safety and agricultural practices in the emirate on par with the best anywhere in the world. This is part of the integrated vision of the Government of Abu Dhabi to ensure overall advancement across different sectors and spheres," Al Shariqi said in his opening remarks to the meeting.
© Khaleej Times 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100607042539/Abu%20Dhabi%20food%20authority%20goes%20high%20tech
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Investments in Poultry Industry in the Kingdom Exceed SR 35 billion
Posted by Zawya
Saudi Press Agency
05 June 2010
Riyadh -- The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Fahd bin Abdulrahman Balghunym opened the 3rd Poultry Producers Forum here today.
Addressing the Forum, Dr. Balghunym commended the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Ibn Abdulaziz for the support provided to agricultural cooperative societies in general and cooperative associations of poultry producers in particular.
On his part, the Chairman of Board of Directors of Poultry Producers Association Abdullah Bakr Qadhi said in his speech that investments in poultry industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have exceeded SR 35 billion, nearly 12 per cent of gross national product, pointing to self-sufficiency in eggs with the production of more than 35 billion eggs annually, in addition to the production of 600 million chickens annually, an equivalent of 60 per cent of self-sufficiency.
© Saudi Press Agency 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/
Posted by Zawya
Saudi Press Agency
05 June 2010
Riyadh -- The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Fahd bin Abdulrahman Balghunym opened the 3rd Poultry Producers Forum here today.
Addressing the Forum, Dr. Balghunym commended the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Ibn Abdulaziz for the support provided to agricultural cooperative societies in general and cooperative associations of poultry producers in particular.
On his part, the Chairman of Board of Directors of Poultry Producers Association Abdullah Bakr Qadhi said in his speech that investments in poultry industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have exceeded SR 35 billion, nearly 12 per cent of gross national product, pointing to self-sufficiency in eggs with the production of more than 35 billion eggs annually, in addition to the production of 600 million chickens annually, an equivalent of 60 per cent of self-sufficiency.
© Saudi Press Agency 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/
Qatar: Food shipments rejected for violating norms
Posted by Zawya
The Peninsula
06 June 2010
DOHA: The Joint Committee for Monitoring Food Products in its meeting chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Public Health Department Manager, rejected imported food consignments for failing to fulfil the standard measures of food products (citric acid, mixed sauce, special flavours, tea and coffee).
The shipments were rejected as expiry dates were printed on the external label which is a violation of Qatar standard specifications. The local specification ban the placement of additional production and expiry labels and the existence of double production and expiry dates in the same packaging.
Coffee and tea shipments manufactured in Portugal were rejected because the production date were not translated into Arabic, in violation to the provisions requiring clear production and expiry dates on the packaging. The Joint Committee for Food Inspection released shipments of Malaysian-made Olin oil, German-made food flavours, Sri Lankan-made multiple flavour tea, jam, Australian frozen meat, 15kg of honey and 15kg of Yemen-made sesame oil.
© The Peninsula 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100606041752/Qatar%3A%20Food%20shipments%20rejected%20for%20violating%20norms
Posted by Zawya
The Peninsula
06 June 2010
DOHA: The Joint Committee for Monitoring Food Products in its meeting chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Public Health Department Manager, rejected imported food consignments for failing to fulfil the standard measures of food products (citric acid, mixed sauce, special flavours, tea and coffee).
The shipments were rejected as expiry dates were printed on the external label which is a violation of Qatar standard specifications. The local specification ban the placement of additional production and expiry labels and the existence of double production and expiry dates in the same packaging.
Coffee and tea shipments manufactured in Portugal were rejected because the production date were not translated into Arabic, in violation to the provisions requiring clear production and expiry dates on the packaging. The Joint Committee for Food Inspection released shipments of Malaysian-made Olin oil, German-made food flavours, Sri Lankan-made multiple flavour tea, jam, Australian frozen meat, 15kg of honey and 15kg of Yemen-made sesame oil.
© The Peninsula 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100606041752/Qatar%3A%20Food%20shipments%20rejected%20for%20violating%20norms
Saturday, June 05, 2010
KAUST, NPC eye collaboration on research
Posted by Zawya
The Saudi Gazette
03 June 2010
JEDDAH - A high-ranking delegation from King Abudullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) visited the National Prawn CompanyNational Prawn CompanyLoading... (NPC), located south of Jeddah, to explore opportunities for collaboration on a variety of mutually beneficial research projects.
NPC operates one of the world's largest fully integrated prawn farming operations, is located on the shore of the Red Sea near Al Lith on a coastal strip occupying an area of just under 250 sq km.
Ahmad R. Al Balla, managing director of NPC, and other senior officials received the KAUST delegation which comprised of senior faculty members. The hosts took them on an extensive tour of the aquaculture operations unit in Al Lith.
The university delegation, headed by Dr Abdullah L. Almojel, vice president for university relations, included members of the following faculties: Chemical and Life Sciences and Engineering; Red Sea Science & Engineering; Computational Biosciences; Water Desalination and Reuse Centre besides acting KAUST provost, Dr Brian Moran.
Dr Abdullah L. Almojel said "we can see opportunities to collaborate across a range of fields from genome research, water management, marine biology and biotechnology. Any projects we develop together will provide value to our departments, our students and the Kingdom as a whole."
NPC has started a fish farming operation with Greater Amberjack and is also developing 'what will become one of the world's largest sea cucumber aquaculture operation.'
In addition to aquaculture, NPC has significant projects in chitin production and phytoplankton (algae) development in its marine agriculture arm.
NPC engineered the development of its farms from the very beginning taking into account required water flows and minimizing energy usage. In addition, its breeding program is one of the most advanced in the world as the company constantly strives to improve its broodstock.
The scientific approach NPC took from its inception in 1982 has resulted in a fully sustainable operation and allowed it to have the R&D expertise to develop new areas of business such as its marine agriculture project.
Al Balla said "I look forward to establishing a strong relationship with KAUST. The development of marine sciences can, I believe, provide a strong platform for the development of aquaculture and associated industries in the Kingdom, which could help diversify the economy over the coming years." "NPC, as a leading global aquaculture company, is committed to helping develop the industry in Saudi Arabia. We are open to working with all academic institutions that wish to collaborate", he noted.
"We have a strong working relationship with KAAU's marine sciences faculty and we would welcome a similar relationship with KAUST."
© The Saudi Gazette 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100603042655/KAUST%2C%20NPC%20eye%20collaboration%20on%20research%20
Posted by Zawya
The Saudi Gazette
03 June 2010
JEDDAH - A high-ranking delegation from King Abudullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) visited the National Prawn CompanyNational Prawn CompanyLoading... (NPC), located south of Jeddah, to explore opportunities for collaboration on a variety of mutually beneficial research projects.
NPC operates one of the world's largest fully integrated prawn farming operations, is located on the shore of the Red Sea near Al Lith on a coastal strip occupying an area of just under 250 sq km.
Ahmad R. Al Balla, managing director of NPC, and other senior officials received the KAUST delegation which comprised of senior faculty members. The hosts took them on an extensive tour of the aquaculture operations unit in Al Lith.
The university delegation, headed by Dr Abdullah L. Almojel, vice president for university relations, included members of the following faculties: Chemical and Life Sciences and Engineering; Red Sea Science & Engineering; Computational Biosciences; Water Desalination and Reuse Centre besides acting KAUST provost, Dr Brian Moran.
Dr Abdullah L. Almojel said "we can see opportunities to collaborate across a range of fields from genome research, water management, marine biology and biotechnology. Any projects we develop together will provide value to our departments, our students and the Kingdom as a whole."
NPC has started a fish farming operation with Greater Amberjack and is also developing 'what will become one of the world's largest sea cucumber aquaculture operation.'
In addition to aquaculture, NPC has significant projects in chitin production and phytoplankton (algae) development in its marine agriculture arm.
NPC engineered the development of its farms from the very beginning taking into account required water flows and minimizing energy usage. In addition, its breeding program is one of the most advanced in the world as the company constantly strives to improve its broodstock.
The scientific approach NPC took from its inception in 1982 has resulted in a fully sustainable operation and allowed it to have the R&D expertise to develop new areas of business such as its marine agriculture project.
Al Balla said "I look forward to establishing a strong relationship with KAUST. The development of marine sciences can, I believe, provide a strong platform for the development of aquaculture and associated industries in the Kingdom, which could help diversify the economy over the coming years." "NPC, as a leading global aquaculture company, is committed to helping develop the industry in Saudi Arabia. We are open to working with all academic institutions that wish to collaborate", he noted.
"We have a strong working relationship with KAAU's marine sciences faculty and we would welcome a similar relationship with KAUST."
© The Saudi Gazette 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100603042655/KAUST%2C%20NPC%20eye%20collaboration%20on%20research%20
Agro-Food Industry Needs Gov't Support
Posted by Zawya
Iran Daily
03 June 2010
Iran has launched its 17th International Agricultural Trade Fair to provide a platform for domestic and foreign businesses to put their products on display.
Participants in the fair said the four-day agricultural show would provide a great opportunity for cooperation and exchange of views among businesspeople around the world.
The fair that kicked off on Sunday in Tehran will also put on display Iran's agricultural machinery along with livestock and poultry production, organizers said.
The trade fair, supported by Iran's ministries of agricultural jihad and industries and mines, is taking place alongside "Iran Food and Hospitality 2010" where more than 350 international exhibitors are presenting their food products and services.
A group of producers present in the Iran Agro-Food Expo 2010 underlined the need for more support and supervision of the government over the agro-food sector.
These people told Iran Daily that the country's conditions regarding producing livestock and agro products are favorable and the main problem of the agro and food sector in terms of exports is mode of distribution and packaging.
The executive manager of the fair, Ladan Maleki, said in this year's event some 541 domestic companies and 290 foreign firms have participated.
"In the domestic section the number of participating companies rose by 20 percent compared to last year and in the foreign section the number of participating companies increased by about 12 percent compared to the previous year," she added.
This year 30 countries, including Spain, Australia, Austria, the UAE, Britain, Italy, Germany, Bahrain, Brazil, Belgium, Bulgaria, Portugal, Thailand, Taiwan, Turkey, China, Denmark, Russia, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Finland, Canada, Lebanon, Poland, Egypt, Holland, India and Greece are present in the undertaking.
Last year, 24 countries were present in the expo.
This year, the expo is being held in three sections. The Iran-Food Section includes food products, processing industries and related sectors. The Iran-Food tech Section pertains to food-related machinery, equipment and technology and packaging and Iran-Agro Section is linked to agro and irrigation machinery and equipment, agro industries as well as animal husbandry and related industries.
Knowhow Exchange
Maleki recalled that this year's event is aimed at upgrading exchange of information in agro and foodstuff industries, introducing the country's capabilities and advances in this arena and improving the level of trade exchanges for promoting non-oil exports.
"Since food industry is among rapid-profit yielding industries and it has abundant value added on the global level, it can play an effective part in promoting non-oil exports," Maleki said.
Managing director of a company producing honey in Khansar, Majid Jenabi said his company before having packaging machinery exported its honey to the UAE in bulks and the country presented the product to markets under its own name.
"Arab countries are typically deprived of honey production due to climatic conditions and hence they enthusiastically receive Iranian natural honey which has favorable scent and flavor," he noted.
Exports manager of a large company producing foodstuff, Touraj Parsi said industrial units in the foodstuff sector do not get anywhere without governmental support.
"Government's support is not just limited to material and credit support, but rather it includes cases such as reducing tariffs and offering facilities which result in reduction of the final price. The situation must become ripe so that our producers can advertise and do packaging in accordance with the cultural conditions of Western countries and they face less restrictions in this respect," he noted.
Managing director of a rice importing company, Kamal Khanbabaei said the costs for producing Iranian rice are high and hence imports procure local needs for this product.
"Rice production in the country does not take place in a mechanized manner while labor costs in countries such as India are much lower," he said.
Technical manger of a company producing water purification and salt removal machinery, Ali Mohammadi Mahjoub said, "Seven years ago most of the salt removal equipments were imported but at the moment my company can produce them."
"Of course, at present the government does not exercise any supervision on importation of foodstuff-related machinery and due to absence of suitable quality control schemes many of the existing machinery become outdated after operating for a while," he added.
By Sadeq Dehqan
© Iran Daily 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100603050352/Agro%2DFood%20Industry%20Needs%20Iranian%20Gov%27t%20Support
Posted by Zawya
Iran Daily
03 June 2010
Iran has launched its 17th International Agricultural Trade Fair to provide a platform for domestic and foreign businesses to put their products on display.
Participants in the fair said the four-day agricultural show would provide a great opportunity for cooperation and exchange of views among businesspeople around the world.
The fair that kicked off on Sunday in Tehran will also put on display Iran's agricultural machinery along with livestock and poultry production, organizers said.
The trade fair, supported by Iran's ministries of agricultural jihad and industries and mines, is taking place alongside "Iran Food and Hospitality 2010" where more than 350 international exhibitors are presenting their food products and services.
A group of producers present in the Iran Agro-Food Expo 2010 underlined the need for more support and supervision of the government over the agro-food sector.
These people told Iran Daily that the country's conditions regarding producing livestock and agro products are favorable and the main problem of the agro and food sector in terms of exports is mode of distribution and packaging.
The executive manager of the fair, Ladan Maleki, said in this year's event some 541 domestic companies and 290 foreign firms have participated.
"In the domestic section the number of participating companies rose by 20 percent compared to last year and in the foreign section the number of participating companies increased by about 12 percent compared to the previous year," she added.
This year 30 countries, including Spain, Australia, Austria, the UAE, Britain, Italy, Germany, Bahrain, Brazil, Belgium, Bulgaria, Portugal, Thailand, Taiwan, Turkey, China, Denmark, Russia, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Finland, Canada, Lebanon, Poland, Egypt, Holland, India and Greece are present in the undertaking.
Last year, 24 countries were present in the expo.
This year, the expo is being held in three sections. The Iran-Food Section includes food products, processing industries and related sectors. The Iran-Food tech Section pertains to food-related machinery, equipment and technology and packaging and Iran-Agro Section is linked to agro and irrigation machinery and equipment, agro industries as well as animal husbandry and related industries.
Knowhow Exchange
Maleki recalled that this year's event is aimed at upgrading exchange of information in agro and foodstuff industries, introducing the country's capabilities and advances in this arena and improving the level of trade exchanges for promoting non-oil exports.
"Since food industry is among rapid-profit yielding industries and it has abundant value added on the global level, it can play an effective part in promoting non-oil exports," Maleki said.
Managing director of a company producing honey in Khansar, Majid Jenabi said his company before having packaging machinery exported its honey to the UAE in bulks and the country presented the product to markets under its own name.
"Arab countries are typically deprived of honey production due to climatic conditions and hence they enthusiastically receive Iranian natural honey which has favorable scent and flavor," he noted.
Exports manager of a large company producing foodstuff, Touraj Parsi said industrial units in the foodstuff sector do not get anywhere without governmental support.
"Government's support is not just limited to material and credit support, but rather it includes cases such as reducing tariffs and offering facilities which result in reduction of the final price. The situation must become ripe so that our producers can advertise and do packaging in accordance with the cultural conditions of Western countries and they face less restrictions in this respect," he noted.
Managing director of a rice importing company, Kamal Khanbabaei said the costs for producing Iranian rice are high and hence imports procure local needs for this product.
"Rice production in the country does not take place in a mechanized manner while labor costs in countries such as India are much lower," he said.
Technical manger of a company producing water purification and salt removal machinery, Ali Mohammadi Mahjoub said, "Seven years ago most of the salt removal equipments were imported but at the moment my company can produce them."
"Of course, at present the government does not exercise any supervision on importation of foodstuff-related machinery and due to absence of suitable quality control schemes many of the existing machinery become outdated after operating for a while," he added.
By Sadeq Dehqan
© Iran Daily 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100603050352/Agro%2DFood%20Industry%20Needs%20Iranian%20Gov%27t%20Support
Food Safety Conference to shed light on food practices, innovations
Posted by Zawya
Press Release
03 June 2010
In a bid to create greater awareness on food safety measures and to synergize the collaboration between government and private sector on food safety standards, Oman International Trade and ExhibitionsOman International Trade and ExhibitionsLoading... (OITEOITELoading...) -Conferences Division will host for the first time the Oman Food Safety Conference from 25th to 26th October to be held at the Al Bustan Palace Intercontinental.
The Food Safety Conference is set to be an unprecedented platform for stakeholders, food safety players including the government food control officers, health officials, food safety and health officers, food technologists, nutritionists, owners, outlet and general managers of food business, chefs, food and beverage managers, food manufacturers, and distributors to forge partnerships, whilst providing the best opportunity to learn the latest innovations and practices in the food supply management chain. Aimed to shed light on global innovative food practices, the inaugural Food Safety Conference is set to take the Sultanate's food safety to an international level.
The forum will also be open to all professionals in the storage and refrigerated transportation, traders, importers, exporters, academia, research groups and students, consumer group representatives and industry associations' representatives.
Sherwin Sevillena, Sr. Manager for Research and Development and Conferences at OITEOITELoading..., said "A Scientific Committee comprising key officials from the government and industry experts have been formed to serve as advisers and help steer the general direction of the event, offering advice on relevant matters concerning Oman's food safety systems. The Committee helps ensure that the inaugural Food Safety Conference will be a valuable platform to all and aims to foster cooperation and collaboration between government and private operators, thus helps increase awareness on food and safety to the consumers.
"The committee is composed of leading players, which include the Ministry of Commerce and Industry - Standards and Specification Division, Ministry of Regional Municipalities & Water Resources - Food Monitoring Division, Muscat Municipality - Health Affairs, Sultan Qaboos University - Faculty of Agriculture - Animal & Veterinary Science Department, Nestle Middle East, Food Safety Consultant, Food Safety Academy, National Hospitality Institute, Khimji's Training Institute, ATTCO, Industrial Services Company, amongst others".
"The Oman Food Safety Conference will present the best opportunity for industry players to exchange insights, network amongst peers. Participants attending the event will definitely gain updated information and broader view of the sector, their important role in securing and protecting a safe food supply. Alongside the conference will be a mini exhibition, which will offer delegates an exclusive insight into the latest cutting-edge technologies, services and products", Sherwin said. Interested parties who wish to get updates on Food Safety can check the website www.omanfoodsafety.com
-Ends-
© Press Release 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100603070602/Food%20Safety%20Conference%20to%20shed%20light%20on%20food%20practices%2C%20innovations
Posted by Zawya
Press Release
03 June 2010
In a bid to create greater awareness on food safety measures and to synergize the collaboration between government and private sector on food safety standards, Oman International Trade and ExhibitionsOman International Trade and ExhibitionsLoading... (OITEOITELoading...) -Conferences Division will host for the first time the Oman Food Safety Conference from 25th to 26th October to be held at the Al Bustan Palace Intercontinental.
The Food Safety Conference is set to be an unprecedented platform for stakeholders, food safety players including the government food control officers, health officials, food safety and health officers, food technologists, nutritionists, owners, outlet and general managers of food business, chefs, food and beverage managers, food manufacturers, and distributors to forge partnerships, whilst providing the best opportunity to learn the latest innovations and practices in the food supply management chain. Aimed to shed light on global innovative food practices, the inaugural Food Safety Conference is set to take the Sultanate's food safety to an international level.
The forum will also be open to all professionals in the storage and refrigerated transportation, traders, importers, exporters, academia, research groups and students, consumer group representatives and industry associations' representatives.
Sherwin Sevillena, Sr. Manager for Research and Development and Conferences at OITEOITELoading..., said "A Scientific Committee comprising key officials from the government and industry experts have been formed to serve as advisers and help steer the general direction of the event, offering advice on relevant matters concerning Oman's food safety systems. The Committee helps ensure that the inaugural Food Safety Conference will be a valuable platform to all and aims to foster cooperation and collaboration between government and private operators, thus helps increase awareness on food and safety to the consumers.
"The committee is composed of leading players, which include the Ministry of Commerce and Industry - Standards and Specification Division, Ministry of Regional Municipalities & Water Resources - Food Monitoring Division, Muscat Municipality - Health Affairs, Sultan Qaboos University - Faculty of Agriculture - Animal & Veterinary Science Department, Nestle Middle East, Food Safety Consultant, Food Safety Academy, National Hospitality Institute, Khimji's Training Institute, ATTCO, Industrial Services Company, amongst others".
"The Oman Food Safety Conference will present the best opportunity for industry players to exchange insights, network amongst peers. Participants attending the event will definitely gain updated information and broader view of the sector, their important role in securing and protecting a safe food supply. Alongside the conference will be a mini exhibition, which will offer delegates an exclusive insight into the latest cutting-edge technologies, services and products", Sherwin said. Interested parties who wish to get updates on Food Safety can check the website www.omanfoodsafety.com
-Ends-
© Press Release 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100603070602/Food%20Safety%20Conference%20to%20shed%20light%20on%20food%20practices%2C%20innovations
Environmental researcher calls for banning fishing near Boubyan Island
Posted by Zawya
KUNA (Kuwait News Agency)
04 June 2010
KUWAIT -- An environmental researcher has called on concerned authorities to halt fishing near BoubyanBoubyanLoading... Island, due to its fragile environmental situation.
Head of the Kuwaiti Bird Society, Engineer Abdulrahman Al-Sarhan, told KUNA on Friday that allowing fishermen to fish at BoubyanBoubyanLoading... Island has made birds avert the location.
The birds stay clear from the movement of people and boats, which often destroy their natural habitat," he explained.
Al-Sarhan added that the creeks in the island are were a location where fish liked to lay their eggs, and that tampering with such locations would reduce fish stock and subsequently drive the cost of fish on the market higher.
"Director General of the Environment Public Authority Dr. Salah Al-Muth'hi announced earlier the possibile total immersion of BoubyanBoubyanLoading... Island and other Kuwaiti islands by the year 2020, due to worldwide environmental changes that can cause a rise in sea level," added Al-Sarhan.
The island constitutes a sizeable five percent of the country's land mass at low tide, about 850 square kilometres, and around half that when the tide comes in.
By Montaha Al-Fadhli
© KUNA (Kuwait News Agency) 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100605073908/Environmental%20researcher%20calls%20for%20banning%20fishing%20near%20Boubyan%20Island%20
Posted by Zawya
KUNA (Kuwait News Agency)
04 June 2010
KUWAIT -- An environmental researcher has called on concerned authorities to halt fishing near BoubyanBoubyanLoading... Island, due to its fragile environmental situation.
Head of the Kuwaiti Bird Society, Engineer Abdulrahman Al-Sarhan, told KUNA on Friday that allowing fishermen to fish at BoubyanBoubyanLoading... Island has made birds avert the location.
The birds stay clear from the movement of people and boats, which often destroy their natural habitat," he explained.
Al-Sarhan added that the creeks in the island are were a location where fish liked to lay their eggs, and that tampering with such locations would reduce fish stock and subsequently drive the cost of fish on the market higher.
"Director General of the Environment Public Authority Dr. Salah Al-Muth'hi announced earlier the possibile total immersion of BoubyanBoubyanLoading... Island and other Kuwaiti islands by the year 2020, due to worldwide environmental changes that can cause a rise in sea level," added Al-Sarhan.
The island constitutes a sizeable five percent of the country's land mass at low tide, about 850 square kilometres, and around half that when the tide comes in.
By Montaha Al-Fadhli
© KUNA (Kuwait News Agency) 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100605073908/Environmental%20researcher%20calls%20for%20banning%20fishing%20near%20Boubyan%20Island%20
Thursday, June 03, 2010
KAUST, NPC eye collaboration on research
The Saudi Gazette
03 June 2010
JEDDAH - A high-ranking delegation from King Abudullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) visited the National Prawn CompanyNational Prawn CompanyLoading... (NPC), located south of Jeddah, to explore opportunities for collaboration on a variety of mutually beneficial research projects.
NPC operates one of the world's largest fully integrated prawn farming operations, is located on the shore of the Red Sea near Al Lith on a coastal strip occupying an area of just under 250 sq km.
Ahmad R. Al Balla, managing director of NPC, and other senior officials received the KAUST delegation which comprised of senior faculty members. The hosts took them on an extensive tour of the aquaculture operations unit in Al Lith.
The university delegation, headed by Dr Abdullah L. Almojel, vice president for university relations, included members of the following faculties: Chemical and Life Sciences and Engineering; Red Sea Science & Engineering; Computational Biosciences; Water Desalination and Reuse Centre besides acting KAUST provost, Dr Brian Moran.
Dr Abdullah L. Almojel said "we can see opportunities to collaborate across a range of fields from genome research, water management, marine biology and biotechnology. Any projects we develop together will provide value to our departments, our students and the Kingdom as a whole."
NPC has started a fish farming operation with Greater Amberjack and is also developing 'what will become one of the world's largest sea cucumber aquaculture operation.'
In addition to aquaculture, NPC has significant projects in chitin production and phytoplankton (algae) development in its marine agriculture arm.
NPC engineered the development of its farms from the very beginning taking into account required water flows and minimizing energy usage. In addition, its breeding program is one of the most advanced in the world as the company constantly strives to improve its broodstock.
The scientific approach NPC took from its inception in 1982 has resulted in a fully sustainable operation and allowed it to have the R&D expertise to develop new areas of business such as its marine agriculture project.
Al Balla said "I look forward to establishing a strong relationship with KAUST. The development of marine sciences can, I believe, provide a strong platform for the development of aquaculture and associated industries in the Kingdom, which could help diversify the economy over the coming years." "NPC, as a leading global aquaculture company, is committed to helping develop the industry in Saudi Arabia. We are open to working with all academic institutions that wish to collaborate", he noted.
"We have a strong working relationship with KAAU's marine sciences faculty and we would welcome a similar relationship with KAUST."
© The Saudi Gazette 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100603042655/KAUST%2C%20NPC%20eye%20collaboration%20on%20research%20
The Saudi Gazette
03 June 2010
JEDDAH - A high-ranking delegation from King Abudullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) visited the National Prawn CompanyNational Prawn CompanyLoading... (NPC), located south of Jeddah, to explore opportunities for collaboration on a variety of mutually beneficial research projects.
NPC operates one of the world's largest fully integrated prawn farming operations, is located on the shore of the Red Sea near Al Lith on a coastal strip occupying an area of just under 250 sq km.
Ahmad R. Al Balla, managing director of NPC, and other senior officials received the KAUST delegation which comprised of senior faculty members. The hosts took them on an extensive tour of the aquaculture operations unit in Al Lith.
The university delegation, headed by Dr Abdullah L. Almojel, vice president for university relations, included members of the following faculties: Chemical and Life Sciences and Engineering; Red Sea Science & Engineering; Computational Biosciences; Water Desalination and Reuse Centre besides acting KAUST provost, Dr Brian Moran.
Dr Abdullah L. Almojel said "we can see opportunities to collaborate across a range of fields from genome research, water management, marine biology and biotechnology. Any projects we develop together will provide value to our departments, our students and the Kingdom as a whole."
NPC has started a fish farming operation with Greater Amberjack and is also developing 'what will become one of the world's largest sea cucumber aquaculture operation.'
In addition to aquaculture, NPC has significant projects in chitin production and phytoplankton (algae) development in its marine agriculture arm.
NPC engineered the development of its farms from the very beginning taking into account required water flows and minimizing energy usage. In addition, its breeding program is one of the most advanced in the world as the company constantly strives to improve its broodstock.
The scientific approach NPC took from its inception in 1982 has resulted in a fully sustainable operation and allowed it to have the R&D expertise to develop new areas of business such as its marine agriculture project.
Al Balla said "I look forward to establishing a strong relationship with KAUST. The development of marine sciences can, I believe, provide a strong platform for the development of aquaculture and associated industries in the Kingdom, which could help diversify the economy over the coming years." "NPC, as a leading global aquaculture company, is committed to helping develop the industry in Saudi Arabia. We are open to working with all academic institutions that wish to collaborate", he noted.
"We have a strong working relationship with KAAU's marine sciences faculty and we would welcome a similar relationship with KAUST."
© The Saudi Gazette 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100603042655/KAUST%2C%20NPC%20eye%20collaboration%20on%20research%20
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Saudi cooperates with Yemen's agricultural sector
Posted by Zawya.com
Yemen Observer
01 June 2010
The Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Mansour al-Hawshabi, said that Yemen and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are cooperating well in agricultural and on combating trans-boundary animal diseases.
In a statement to the News Yemen website, the minister also said that the future will see further cooperation between the two neighbors aiming at boosting exports and imports, confronting agricultural diseases, supporting farmers and coordinating on agricultural products.
The coordination takes place within mutual accords that also call for fighting desert locusts, he said.
By Observer Staff
© Yemen Observer 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100601072418/Saudi%20cooperates%20with%20Yemen%27s%20agricultural%20sector
Posted by Zawya.com
Yemen Observer
01 June 2010
The Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Mansour al-Hawshabi, said that Yemen and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are cooperating well in agricultural and on combating trans-boundary animal diseases.
In a statement to the News Yemen website, the minister also said that the future will see further cooperation between the two neighbors aiming at boosting exports and imports, confronting agricultural diseases, supporting farmers and coordinating on agricultural products.
The coordination takes place within mutual accords that also call for fighting desert locusts, he said.
By Observer Staff
© Yemen Observer 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100601072418/Saudi%20cooperates%20with%20Yemen%27s%20agricultural%20sector
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