Africa-Israel Agri Trade Mission promotes regional cooperation

With global population numbers increasing rapidly, greater regional cooperation within the agricultural sector has become imperative. All four corners of the world are concerned today with this issue and must develop techniques to increase outputs in order to feed their populations and the rest of the world. Arable land can no longer stay idle and should instead be turned into productive agricultural land.

"More than ever, getting access to the newest techniques in terms of agricultural and especially smart irrigation is necessity for many countries in Africa and around the world. Israel continuously develops its ground-breaking technology with an emphasis on exporting this further afield. These Agricultural Missions are critical for the Africans and for the Israelis as well as to the global community," explains Idit Miller, EMRC International's vice president.

Several African countries face malnutrition

With food production a worldwide priority today, sub-Saharan Africa's potential has come under the spotlight with its vast and still untouched arable plains. Oxfam announced at the beginning of March 2012 that Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and northern parts of Senegal face dangerous levels of malnutrition.

Israel, due to its harsh climatic environment, has since its inception had to push the boundaries of agricultural and irrigation technology. Today the country has become a world leader, which can be witnessed at the Agritech convention, a gathering held every three years for the international agricultural community with an expected 30 000 visitors coming from across the world. Participants of the trade mission will visit Agritech and will have guided tours of farming areas and agricultural-linked sites to witness first hand innovations and systems essential to increase output and quality.

For more information, go to www.emrc.be.