Middle East: AI-assisted international press reviewPress review

Olam Agri Expands Presence in Eastern Europe with CFG Integration

The Saudi sovereign fund SALIC reorganizes its strategic assets by integrating the Ukrainian producer Continental Farmers Group (CFG) into Olam Agri, in which it now holds an 81.81% stake. The stakes are high: leveraging CFG's agricultural production power in Eastern Europe (over one million tons of grains per year) with Olam Agri's global logistics and trading strength.

IMAD Acquires 35% Stake in Limagrain Vegetable Seeds, Global Seed Leader

Vilmorin & Cie (Limagrain Group) has finalized the entry of IMAD, the Abu Dhabi sovereign fund, with a 35% stake in its subsidiary Limagrain Vegetable Seeds (LVS). This major financial alliance is accompanied by a strategic research agreement with Silal (IMAD's agritech branch) to develop vegetable seeds suited for arid and desert conditions. With a projected revenue of €839 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, LVS is accelerating its international development while maintaining unchanged governance under the French cooperative.

Leguminous Crops: Towards a Global Production of 70 Mt by 2034

According to the OECD, leguminous crop production is expected to grow by 26 Mt by 2034, with Canada as the leading exporter. Despite the anticipated increase, few countries will achieve self-sufficiency, particularly India, which remains the largest producer but cannot meet its population's needs. Innovative agricultural techniques and yield improvements are essential to meet the rising demand.

Elite Agro Holding Opens 200-Hectare Berry Farm in Morocco

The Emirati company Elite Agro Holding, through its subsidiary Elite Harvest Morocco, has opened a new 200-hectare farm in Kenitra, dedicated to the production of blueberries and raspberries. This investment of over 500 million AED underscores the group's commitment to the Moroccan agricultural market, creating more than 8,000 jobs and aiming to become the leader in berry production in the Arab world. The farm, equipped with modern technologies, is part of a strategy for sustainable development and competitiveness in international markets.

Terraxy Secures $3 Million for Soil Regeneration in Saudi Arabia

Terraxy, a startup emerging from Saudi research, has secured $3 million in funding to develop soil regeneration technologies in desert environments. This funding will support the transition to industrial production, with the construction of a commercial facility in Al Zulfi. Its product, Carbosoil, promises to regenerate desert soils by enhancing plant growth while sequestering CO₂, addressing soil degradation challenges.

Bio-solutions in Turkey: A Potential of €10.8 Billion by 2035

The bio-solutions sector in Turkey, currently valued at €4 billion, could more than double by 2035 with adequate political support. Bio-solutions are essential for improving industrial efficiency, enhancing export competitiveness, and supporting sustainable economic transformation. Policy recommendations are proposed to unlock the potential of this strategic sector.

Agriculture in Arid Environments: UAE Unveils New Generation of High-Protein Wheat

The Sharjah Desert Wheat Project in the UAE has produced second-generation plants with a protein content of 19.3%, surpassing global standards. The integration of precision agriculture, AI, and ground sensors optimizes irrigation and reduces water loss, providing an innovative solution for food security in arid regions.

Agri-biotech: Elicit Plant Strengthens Its International Offensive Against Water Stress

Global Agribusiness: Saudi Agricultural Investment Company Acquires Olam Agri for $4 Billion

Olam Group has announced the completion of the sale of 44.58% of its subsidiary Olam Agri to the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) for approximately $1.88 billion. This transaction values Olam Agri at $4 billion, allowing SALIC to become the majority shareholder with 80.01% of the shares.

Food Security in the Gulf: Balancing Ambitions and Realities

Recent geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East have reignited concerns about the resilience of food supply chains in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Giovanni Angiolini, representative of Dutch agritech companies, emphasizes the need to treat food production as a long-term investment. Despite notable progress, challenges remain, particularly regarding regulations and infrastructure. Circular models already developed for Qatar and Oman could serve as a foundation for other GCC countries.