This week at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center in Saudi Arabia, the 40th edition of the international exhibition for Agriculture, Food, Aquaculture, Packaging and Agro-industry took place, with several greenhouses suppliers present.
The team of Gakon Greenhouse Projects helped visitors interested in greenhouse growing
Jurnjan Bremer & Robin Dirks. MJ-tech helps growers deal with high temperatures, thanks to their high-pressure fogging solutions. Growtec supplies irrigation and gutter solutions.
Alweco was present as well. "We started there last year on the Saudi market with our partner Flora Engineering Services Llc with whom we already did screen systems in UAE", says Nico Niepce. "And since last year they are expanding their services to KSA."
"The fair was worth it. There was a lot of interest in Dutch technology. Especially in the field of water, they face challenges for which we have solutions. Our creativity and solution orientation are appreciated", said Hugo Paans with Erfgoed.
Damion
Jeroen De Wit was representing Van der Ende Group at the Holland Pavilion
Expected growth
The organizers shared IMF forecasts the Saudi GDP to Grow at 7.6%, the highest such rate globally. "Riyadh is the center of the largest regional market and its agriculture sector is experiencing unprecedented rates of growth. The Agricultural and Food Industries sectors are one of the most important contributors in the development of the national economy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and meeting Vision 2030 goals, and has a major role in achieving food security. The agricultural contribution to GDP amounted to about US$ 19.37 billion in 2022. Greenhouse’s production increased by 58% from 257,000 tons to about 407,000 tons."
Farming & greenhouses productions value is estimated at US$ 12.88 Billion. "Saudi Arabia is modernizing its farming sector. Population growth and rising incomes are driving large demand for increasing farming and production in greenhouses near urban centers. New investments, innovative technologies, and green house solutions are being sought to improve productivity, quality, reliability, and food safety."
Local supplier Neox7 had busy days at the show
Bert-Jan Nolden with Taks Handling Systems
Exhibition and seminars
In addition to the exhibition, several seminars were organized. Enough to discover, one would say, and that's exactly what many suppliers agreed upon. In total, 380 companies were present, with approximately 20% being from the greenhouse industry, both internationally and from the Gulf region. The trade show attracted investors and growers. Especially during the opening of the show, done by Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, resulted in busy booths.
During the inauguration, Al-Fadley highlighted the importance of innovation and technology in developing the agricultural sector and enhancing the efficiency of natural resources, which can be done by using the latest innovations and technologies along with advanced agricultural engineering tools in order to achieve a sustainable agricultural and environmental system.
The Netherlands has unveiled the single largest national pavilion at the 2023 Saudi Agriculture exhibition. The country’s pavilion reflects its strong agricultural ties with the Kingdom, organizers said, and offers an opportunity to exchange technological expertise, while exploring investment and employment opportunities in both countries.
