New Ag International Expo set for Egypt

(AgLineNews) -- Early bird registration for the 9th New Ag International Conference and Exposition is now open through Dec. 15. Register now and save more than $200.

After a highly successful conference and exposition earlier this year in Miami, the 2011 edition is set for March 15-17 at the Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel in Cairo, Egypt. This marks the first time the event will be held in the Middle East-West Asia-North Africa region (WANA).

As has become its trade mark, the 9th New Ag International Conference and Exposition will be a unique venue to conduct business and get the latest information on plant nutrition, irrigation, fertigation, biocontrols and greenhouse management.

Building on the solid success of the eight previous conferences, attracting delegates from five continents and more than 60 countries, the Cairo event will host the top suppliers from all over the world as well as key buyers, distributors and consultants from Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and west Asia.

Some prestigious companies have already signed on as key sponsors. These include: SQM (Chile), Tradecorp (Spain), Valagro (Italy), and Yara (Norway). More global suppliers, especially key players from the irrigation and biocontrol sectors are expected to join the list.

The event is officially supported by the Arab Fertilizer Association (AFA) and organizers have invited the Egyptian Minister of Agriculture Amen Abaza to officially open the event.

Three Key Themes of the Conference Program

The final program for the New Ag International conference will be published early next year. It will include a list of about 20 keynote lecturers and papers. Topics will include technical and market developments in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) with emphasis on specialty plant nutrition, fertigation, irrigation, biological plant protection and greenhouse technology.

Topics of particular interest will include:

Fertigation: Is it developing as quickly as it should in this region?
The challenge of GAP and biocontrol products in this region.
The future of greenhouse production in this region.

Individuals wishing to present a paper should submit their abstract no later than Oct. 30. Already, several outstanding speakers will give keynote talks during the opening conference session:
Dr. Prem Warrior, senior program officer, Bill and Malinda Gates Foundation, will speak on, “The Need for Innovation in Crop Management Inputs and Techniques.”
Dr. Nigel Garbutt, managing director of the Global GAP organization, will discuss, “The Harmonizing of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) world wide, challenges and opportunities for suppliers of Agricultural inputs.”

High Demand for Exhibition Space

An exhibition of small trade stands and tables will accompany the conference providing and ideal platform for manufacturers and suppliers to showcase their products to a highly focused and professional local and international audience.

Exhibition-only badges will be provided to a number of local visitors. Demand for space is expected to be high and space limited so it is important to contact Andrew Osborne as soon as possible. The exhibition floor plan will be available in early October, but reservations and inquiries are welcome now. Contact by Email: exhibitions@newaginternational.com

Cairo: A Fascinating Venue

Cairo is the capital of the historic and fascinating country of Egypt. Boasting a population of 6.8 million, it is the largest city in Africa and the Arab world.

Nicknamed “The City of a Thousand Minarets” for its preponderance of Islamic architecture, Cairo has long been the center of the region’s political and cultural life. Even before Cairo was established in the tenth century, the land composing the present-day city was the site of national capitals whose remnants remain visible in parts of Old Cairo. Cairo is also associated with Ancient Egypt due to its proximity to the Great Sphinx and the pyramids in adjacent Giza. Many international media, businesses, and organizations have regional headquarters in the city, and the Arab League has been based in Cairo for most of its existence.

Standing on the site of the historic Semiramis Hotel, Semiramis InterContinental Cairo, where the conference will take place, is a symbol of modern style. Located in the heart of the city centre, facing the River Nile, the hotel is close to the marvelous Egyptian Museum, the Cairo Opera House and the Cairo Tower. The Citadel, Old Cairo, downtown shops and commercial centre are nearby. The world-famous Giza Pyramids and Cairo International Airport are just 25 km (16 miles) away. Finally, Arabian nights and delights are always found at Haroun Al Rashid.

And of course Egypt is one of the most important countries for agriculture in the region, where attractive markets exist for just about every agricultural input, from low tech to high tech. One more reason not to miss a unique opportunity to travel there!

The conference brochure, registration forms, the call for papers and other details on the conference and exhibition are available for downloading at:
http://www.newaginternational.com/cairo/cairo.html

Agriculture and Antiquities

For North Americans attending the conference and exposition, being in Egypt offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For that reason, a post-conference tour may be offered as a separate venue. The tour would tentatively include two days in Cairo and three days visiting the historic cities along the River Nile.

For more information, drop an Email to: JimMooreInk@gmail.com