Non, Paris!
OPINION: Critics of NZ’s commitment to the Paris Accord, such as Groundswell and others, continue to push for an exemption for ag, arguing that the threat of trade retaliation is more hypothetical than real.
He will speak upcoming Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture (GFIA), which claims to be world's largest showcase of game-changing agricultural innovations and technology.
The solutions-driven event and will run from February 3-5 at Abu Dhabi's National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC).
Gates, world-renowned innovator and co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will deliver a speech at the GFIA Opening Ceremony in Abu Dhabi on February 3.
"We are delighted to have the support of Bill Gates and his team at the Gates Foundation. The work that the Gates Foundation undertakes in support of agricultural innovation is of critical importance in reducing poverty and improving food security for millions of families across Africa and Asia. Those attending GFIA will undoubtedly be inspired by Mr Gates' dynamism, innovation and entrepreneurship," said Mark Beaumont, GFIA project director.
Gates and other world-leading experts in the fields of agricultural innovation and research will give their 'Visions for an Agricultural Revolution'.
Dr Frank Rijsberman, CEO of CGIAR Consortium, will to deliver a keynote speech. CGIAR is a global research partnership for a food-secure future that brings together 15 research organizations. CGIAR has recently announced that its funding has doubled in five years, from $500 million in 2008 to $1 billion in 2013.
Andras Forgacs, CEO of Modern Meadow and the pioneer of 3D-printed meat and leather, is confirmed as GFIA's final keynote speaker. An entrepreneur and venture investor, Forgacs' work was named one of the top inventions of 2010 by Time Magazine.
Also confirmed to speak is Dr Mark Post, Professor of Vascular Physiology at Holland's Maastricht University, better known as the scientist behind the world's first lab-grown burger.
GFIA will also host two areas dedicated to entrepreneurs - an Innovation Zone that will showcase cutting-edge technologies such as algae-based fuel production, aquaculture and desalination, and an Incubator Zone in which the next generation of innovators and start-ups from around the world will be looking to strike up relationships with investors and business partners to help get their products to market. Amongst the many exhibited innovations will be an underground irrigation system, nano-tech micronutrients and sensor technology.
For further information and to register for GFIA, please visit the website at http://www.innovationsinagriculture.com/
