Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture

3-5 February 2014. Abu Dhabi, The Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture presented the world’s largest collection of sustainable agriculture inventions and pool together the highest level of expertise, investors and suppliers to show the world how big ideas can be developed to solve the world’s ever increasing food needs.

The multi-faceted event included an exhibition with over 125 exhibitors plus an 1800-delegate conference comprising keynote sessions, panel discussions, an African Ministerial discussion and 150 innovation presentations by 180 speakers.

Under the title ‘Visions for an Agricultural Revolution’, the Opening Ceremony was chaired by BBC journalist and broadcaster Stephen Sackur. It also included Keynote Speeches from Bill Gates, co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr Frank Rijsberman, CEO of CGIAR, Dr Mark Post, the scientist behind the Google-funded lab burger, and Andras Forgacs, CEO of Modern Meadow and pioneer of cultured meat and leather.

Addressing the assembled dignitaries via video address, Bill Gates used his speech to emphasise the significance of technological innovation in combating the problems of the poor.

“In a world where most of the poorest are farmers, investments in agriculture are the best weapons against hunger and poverty. To help the poorest seize agriculture’s potential, we need to unleash as much innovation as possible,” said Gates.

Ministers from Africa agreed steps to speed up the adoption of agricultural innovations. Following Ministers attended the GFIA conference: Egypt- Dr. Aiman Abo Haded; Ethiopia- Hon. Ato Tefera Derebew; Ghana- Hon. Clement Kofi Humado; Kenya- Hon. Dr. Sally Kosgei, M.P. ; Morocco- Hon. Aziz Akhannouch ; Mozambique- Hon. José Condugua António Pacheco ; Nigeria- Hon. Akinwumi Adesina ; South Africa- Hon. Tina Joemat-Peterson ; South Sudan- Hon Beda Machar Deng ; Tanzania- Hon. Eng. Christopher Kajoro Chiza ; Zambia- Hon. Robert Sichinga.

There were two well-attended Breakout Sessions. Stephen Sackur chaired The BIG Investment Debate looking at the most promising technologies and research for investment and how innovations can be brought to market more effectively. A second session, The E-Agriculture Revolution, looked at the application of information technology in agriculture and how it will change the way we produce food, increase yields and boost profits.

GFIA 2014's NGO Pavilion brought together more than 20 NGOs, ranging from the world's largest private foundation to smaller organisations with a specific local and regional focus in sustainable agriculture projects across the MENA region and Sub-Saharan Africa. All will have a key role to play in ensuring that the technologies showcased at GFIA can be put to practical use increasing agricultural productivity in developing countries.

As GFIA's Global Development Partner, the Gates Foundation is advising GFIA on agricultural development projects around the world, particularly those with a focus on applying innovation in developing regions. CGIAR is a vital partner for GFIA, with Dr Frank Rijsberman, CEO of CGIAR, who delivered a Keynote Speech.

FARA receives an award for successfully facilitating agribusiness

 incubation model (UniBRAIN) in Africa during GFIA 2014 

in Abu Dhabi. FARA is represented by Dr. Adewale Adekunle, 

Mr. Ariho Alex and Ms. Christiana Ayine during the side event 

that was officiated by Dr William Da, Director General ICRISAT 

on 4th February 2014 among others.

4 February 2014. AFRICA: The Frontier for Arid Farming

• Developing innovation systems
• Dynamic growth through capacity building and entrepreneurship
• Private sector engagement
• Accelerating impact – changing the thinking between local and global bodies 

Panelists:

• Pierre Herben, CTO, Yara International, Belgium 
• Dr. Roy Steiner, Deputy Director Agricultural Development, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USA
• Johan Steyn, Managing Director, Middle East & Africa, Egypt Cargill, Egypt 

  

  FARA Exhibition Unit 136 C GFIA 2014, 

  attracted regional and international development partners 

  in Agriculture research, development and business investors. 

• Dr. William D Dar, Director General, ICRISAT, India
• Dr. Amit H. Roy, President & CEO, IFDC, USA

The NGO revolution!
NGOs channel billions of dollars of foreign investment and aid into developing countries. What is their role in driving innovation to revolutionise the way the world grows food?

• Microfinancing and risk management
• Providers of agricultural advice and inputs to communities
• Developing cooperatives/producer companies
• Advocacy for sustainable future systems and rights of the poor

Moderator: Mark Holderness, Executive Secretary of the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR), Italy
Panelists:

• Dr. Yemi Akinbamijo, Executive Director, FARA, Ghana
• Noor Ullah, Global Agri Manager, Acumen, Pakistan
• Dr. Marcel Nwalozie, NEPAD Agency, Senegal
• Eric Solomson, Agriculture Research Manager, One Acre Fund, Kenya
• Alfred Evans, CEO, Climate Change Capital, UK
• Paul O'Brien, Director New Business Development, Concern Worldwide, Ireland

GFIA GALA DINNER OPENER_SAME DAY EDIT from Ross Hockrow on Vimeo.

GFIA 2014 Opening Ceremony Video from Animus Studios on Vimeo.