Company Announcement - The Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture (GFIA Africa) has launched the Call for Innovations for the regional Africa edition of GFIA, to be held from 1-2 December 2015 in Durban. GFIA Africa forms part of the world’s most influential series of events for the future of sustainable agriculture. It connects key private and public sector decision-makers from across the agriculture spectrum with innovators to demonstrate how game-changing technologies can impact agriculture and ultimately help feed the world.

The Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture held annually in Abu Dhabi, with the support of over 40 international partners, welcomes 4500 visitors from 85 countries each year. Now GFIA organiser Turret Media, in association with local partner, Montgomery Africa (Pty) Ltd, will replicate this global event when it launches the regional Africa edition of GFIA at the Durban Exhibition Centre, in KwaZulu-Natal, from 1-2 December 2015. The GFIA Call for Innovations is an invitation for innovators to showcase their game-changing technology at GFIA Africa to a highly relevant and captive audience.

“This opportunity is aimed at any companies, NGOs, academic institutions, farmers or individuals that have created an innovation, technology, or service that can improve farm productivity and support agricultural development in Africa,” says Mark Beaumont, GFIA Project Director. “We are looking for innovations from all disciplines, backgrounds and perspectives, including private companies, entrepreneurs, not-for-profits, universities and research centres.” GFIA provides an opportunity for innovators to collaborate with governmental, commercial, academic and non-profit partners. From new ideas to firmly established projects, hi tech or low tech - if it challenges conventional methods and has the potential to improve productivity, save water, protect the environment or mitigate climate change, - GFIA want to hear from you.

All entries should be made online at www.gfiaafrica.com before 12 June 2015 and will be judged by an international steering committee. The finalists will be invited to present their innovations to an audience of well over 500 delegates at the GFIA Africa Conference in Durban this December. GFIA Africa is comprised of a two-day conference and exhibition. It brings together food producers, policy-makers, investors, ministerial buyers, NGOs, research organisations, resellers, agents, innovators and other industry leaders.

“The GFIA Call for Innovations is just one way in which we are hoping to identify those game-changing technologies that may revolutionise the African agricultural landscape,” says Beaumont. “We are certain that Africa boasts some impressive innovations, and having already received 170 exceptional submissions. We look forward to seeing what else is to come, and giving these innovators the opportunity to showcase these exceptional ideas at GFIA’s inaugural Africa edition,” he concluded.