Q: On 10th and 11th September the „The Vertical Farming Show“ trade fair will once again be held in Dubai. Can you please tell us a bit about the importance of your trade fair in the Middle East and perhaps also give us a few figures?
A: The Global Vertical Farming Show also known as GVF is the Middle East’s Largest Only Exclusive Vertical Farming and CEA Event – uniquely designed to help vertical farming and related industries’ stakeholders benefit from a power-packed exhibition and a parallel high-profile closed-door conference.
Our show holds great importance in vertical farming and CEA space because, unlike other agriculture events, GVF highly focuses on gathering the value chain of this emerging industry. Be it farm owners (growers), vertical farming tech solution providers, investors, policymakers key associations, industry-specific media houses and other relevant stakeholders – you’ll find everyone coming together in this show.
The last 4 editions have been major hits and had an opportunity to establish hundreds of vertical farming business owners in UAE by giving them a platform to showcase their innovative products and solutions, connect with the decision makers, speak about their success in front of prominent dignitaries in the conference, endless branding opportunities pre, during and post-event – all that coupled with exclusive media highlights.
The support GVF had from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and other growth accelerators including Bustanica, Uns Farms, Veggitech, Smart Acres, Elite Agro Projects, Emirates Environmental Group, Emirates Nature WWF, ADAFSA, AAAID speaks that we have a long mile to go.
Last year, we hosted 5000+ targeted attendees in UAE from 30+ countries and this year, we are confident to surpass all previous records.
Q: This leads to the question, what significance does vertical farming have in Dubai in particular, but also in the region as a whole?
A: UAE imports 85% of the total food due to its fullest inability to produce locally – one of the reasons being a dry and humid climate, with water scarcity. The vertical farming sector is rapidly gaining momentum in the Middle East, especially in the UAE, driven by its promising growth prospects and the enduring advantages it offers in food security and sustainability.
After 2023 was declared as the “Year of Sustainability” by the UAE government and COP 28 gave major sustainability and food security goals to the region, everyone just started talking about vertical farming and eyeing the plans and policies revealed in 2023.
We must also remember that globally, urbanization is leading to a decrease in arable land converting agricultural spaces into cities and factories. Climate change also poses a major threat to fresh produce. Hence, across the region, vertical farming promotes local food production, reduces transportation costs and carbon footprints and contributes to the overall resilience of the agricultural sector in arid and densely populated areas.
Q: What significance do start-ups have for your trade fair? And how would you assess the start-up scene in the Middle East in terms of innovative farming methods?
A: Startups hold great significance in our expo as their ideas and innovative vertical farming products and solutions motivate other key attendees from various companies to develop and innovate similar products.
GVF has a special package for startup companies or those fairly new in this space under the “Startup Exhibitor” Package.
This package allows them to opt for various perks including branding and marketing, product showcase, social media marketing, one-to-one business meetings, networking opportunities, attracting a broader audience and potentially driving new business opportunities and partnerships via our tailored strategies.
The Middle East has always been a technology champion and has supported innovative farming methods through its flexible farming approach. The region boasts a mix of conventional and contemporary farming practices and has always backed newer companies to develop advanced vertical farming technologies.
GVF paves a greater platform for startups, giving them:
1) Opportunity to Showcase their Products – In the presence of key vertical farming stakeholders – startup companies get to exhibit and meet people who matter most to their business.
2) Space for Investors’ Collaboration – GVF has various investors including Grover Venture – Dubai, Dubai Cultiv8 Investment, Food Seed Tech VC, EY Parthenon and many others who will be keen on meeting newer players in the vertical farming industry for future investments.
3) Platform to Know Upcoming Projects – GVF unites key stakeholders including government bodies such as the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID), Nitaj – Oman Food Investment Holding (S.A.O.C), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and many other who will be eager to have a closer look at the startup companies and invite them for their upcoming projects.
4) Exposure, Credibility and Market Insights – Since startups are relatively newer players in the industry, it is important for them to become visible in the eyes of the stakeholders, earn credibility and know well of the untapped opportunities. GVF does this all for them.