Bahrain Food Monitor - April 2023

Monitor Bahrain

Could Fytofoam be the answer for the GCC?

Myna CEO shares his insights

The Big Interview: global hunger expert

Paul Newnham

DO YOUR BIT

How to compost at home

How to grow an urban garden

How to reduce food waste

CO2 FOOD

is at its highest level in 2 million years.

& commodity prices are at an all time high, creating a cost of living crisis.

3BN

people globally suffer from malnutrition.

These challenges may seem overwhelming, but it turns out, there is an incredible innovation that exists. You might even have it in your kitchen already.

It’s nutritious, delicious, easy to grow, and beneficial for people and planet. That simple? Yes.

Join us to double global bean consumption by 2028.

Chairman’s Letter

Welcome to Bahrain Food Monitor, a magazine that provides up-to-date information on food security and sustainability, logistic and value chains as well as consumption management. We are a magazine driven by MENA Centre for Investment, a non-profit organization that works with Bahrain and other GCC countries in tackling many issues with food security being one of the most important.

The purpose of Bahrain Food Monitor is to bring all stakeholders of food security together and present meaningful dialogues that would benefit the people and businesses that form the regional food security chain. With a broad regional focus, we will discuss the steps necessary to improve food security, address the lack of resources in the sector and push for food security policies that are practical and responsive to reduce wasteful food in the region.

We are mandated to provide connection among experts and decision makers in order to meet these challenges head on. That’s why we’re honoured to announce the launch of Bahrain Food Monitor, a magazine to tackle food insecurity in the region. More information can be found on bahrainfoodmonitor.org.

We recognize that no single individual or entity can adequately tackle the challenge of food security. The complexity of the issue requires a coordinated effort of public, private and civil society partners, coming together with a shared commitment to a brighter future in food security and sustainability.

We invite you to join us in our efforts to make this initiative a success, and are committed to serving as a platform for promoting the advancement of food security and sustainability in Bahrain through innovation and development. We hope to expand into the GCC. Sincerely,

COMPANY

UData is a data sciences and analysis consultancy company, which helps businesses and financial investors in Bahrain and the MENA region to create and update business systems and strategies.

Due to the digital transformation and the latest technologies, UData provides products and services using advanced AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology and Machine learning to discover important hidden patterns in different types of data whether it is big or small, structured or unstructured, to shape robust business systems for superior growth and development.

Management Consultation Information Technology Consultation Executive Education - Data Science Solutions U Data W.L.L

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Provide data Insights & analytics services that Improve your products & user experience. Build data driven services & products.

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EDITOR’SLetter

Our interviewees also include Sami Al Saif, President of Shell Fisheries, who shares insight into how his company employs 500 people in Bahrain as well as how Bahrain is exporting some of its products.

Welcome to the very first edition of Bahrain Food Monitor magazine, focused on sustainability, water, aquaculture, hydroponics, agriculture, aquaponics, fishing, food logistics and food monitoring in Bahrain and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

Are you aware that food security is a growing global threat? Hunger has now spread across the world like never before. From major cities to the deepest rural regions, there are many so-called "hunger hot spots," where millions of people suffer due to malnutrition and famine.

This is why this magazine has been created—to offer a fresh, engaging, and much-needed discussion on how to tackle the problems that impact food security and nourishment across the GCC.

In this first issue, we look at how to address potential food insecurity and how the private sector and governments are addressing the issue from the grassroots level to the corporate and civil levels.

Through engaging and thought-provoking conversations, we provide expert insights from Executive Director, SDG2 Advocacy Hub, Paul Newnham, a world hunger expert.

We chat to Roots and Shoots farmer, Andrea Pucciarelli, about starting a farm in Bahrain.

Our look at food security is supplemented by interviews with Myna CEO, Joao Lopes, who opens up about the scarce resource of water in the GCC and future predictions.

We chat to Hans Mol of FytoFoam about how this foam is saving water and could change the farming landscape in Bahrain.

In addition to interviews, our first edition also looks at simple food security measures to be taken at home to help promote self-sufficiency and zero waste.

This edition also gives an overview of major events and updates across the GCC to keep you abreast with the latest developments in the field.

We invite you to explore our new publication and embark on a journey to better understand the key concepts in food security and sustainability. At the heart of our magazine lies a core focus—to challenge ourselves and others in making the GCC region a world leader in terms of food security.

Don't forget to check out our website www.bahrainfoodmonitor.org for more information on food security and food related events in the GCC.

We thank you for your time and interest in the Bahrain Food Security magazine and we hope you continue to support our mission.

Yours sincerely,

News and Updates

12 Mark your calendars - top shows to attend

14 The Gulf at a glance – your look at food trends across the GCC

16 Report: Bahrain International Garden Show

17 Gulf Food Report - what does the future of food look like?

18 Exorbitant food prices cause strife across the globe

20 UN Food Security Report

21 Food inflation rate Bahrain updates

22 Hunger Hotspots

24 Fitch predictions 2025 Bahrain

Agriculture and Poultry

26 How I started a farm in Bahrain - Andrea Pucciarelli’s success story in our own backyard

29 Agrint technology could save date farmers in Bahrain

30 Acquaresins – the future for the GCC

32 Plant based future: Are beans, chickpeas and legumes the next best thing?

Sustainable Food Security

34 The Big Interview Paul Newnham Sustainability Expert shares insights into food security and what can be done to combat it

38 How to compost at home - easy peasy and in your own yard

39 LALALAPLAST bioplastics- the way forward for biodegradable bags in Bahrain

40 Learn to Grow -Teaching kids from a young age about the environment and food security

42 How to reduce food waste - every little bit counts

43 Grow your own urban garden: tips and tricks to get proudly self sufficient

44 Scrumptious recipes to try at home –meat free and what to do with leftovers

Fisheries, Aquaculture & Water

48 Shell Fisheries - Sami Al Saif opens up about his company

50 Hydroponics - What you need to about this farm in the UAE

52 Myna - Interview with newly appointed CEO Joao Lopes

54 What is Aquaponics? A break down on what could save the GCC in Agriculture

Food Manufacturing, Processing and Logistics

56 How food trends affect food supply chain

58 How to eat local

59 Learn about the Bahrain Food Bank

60 Guide to organisations in Bahrain

62 Saudi FDA Industry

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NEWS & UPDATES

This section provides up-to-date information on food security in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Bahrain. Through news, updates and events, readers will learn more food security and gain insight and knowledge to ensure food security in this region and become better informed of how countries are taking measures to promote food security.

EVENTSround up

Dubai Food Festival, UAE (28 April-7 May)

The 10th season of the Dubai Food Festival is an annual culinary celebration that promises to plate up something to suit every palate. There will be a range of activities from bespoke gourmet meals to intimate cooking showcases featuring world-famous chefs. Visit: www.visitdubai.com

EXPOCulinaire, UAE (15–17 May)

Dedicated to chefs, bakers, students and professionals, this event showcases food, drink, ingredients, equipment, services, skills and education. Visit: www.expoculinaire.com

Africa Food Manufacturing, Egypt (28–30 May)

AFM is a one-stop point for food and beverage professionals in Egypt and the wider region to find innovative ingredients, processing and packaging equipment and logistics solutions. Visit: www.africafoodmanufacturing.com

Saudi Food Expo, Saudi Arabia (05-08 June)

This annual event held at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center showcases a plethora of companies in the food and beverage sector. Visit: www.saudifoodexpo.com

Foodex, Saudi Arabia (17-20 September)

Participants from the mass distribution, retail, manufacture, and hospitality sectors will have the opportunity to source products from over 50 countries. Visit: www.foodexsaudiexpo.com

Free From Food Dubai, UAE (19-20

September)

Free From Food Dubai is an expo and

We roundup the upcoming food events, conferences and talks across the region.

business summit for the FMCG food industry. It will offer the latest in healthy food, as well as vegan, organic and free-from products.

Visit: www.dubai.freefromfoodexpo.com

Saudi Agro-Food, Saudi Arabia (23-26

October)

This four-day international trade exhibition gathers the region’s leading professionals in the agriculture and food industries.

Visit: www.saudi-agriculture.com

Gulfood Manufacturing, UAE (07-09

November)

Taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre, Gulfood Manufacturing is set to unveil the next era of food manufacturing including new ingredients and advanced technologies.

Visit: www.gulfoodmanufacturing.com

The Speciality Food Festival, UAE (07-09

November)

The Speciality Food Festival is the home of fine food, exotic ingredients and artisanal discovery for buyers from across the food service, hospitality and retail sectors. Visit: www.speciality.ae

Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition (27-29 November)

Accelerating change in the food industry requires global thought leadership, global perspective and global collaboration which is offered by ADIFE. Visit: www.adife.com

Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition, UAE (27-29

November)

The inaugural edition of Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition is the world’s only dedicated B2B event for date palm fruit.

Visit: www.abudhabidatepalm.com

The GCC at aGlance

The six nations that make up the GCC are developing a range of innovative projects to boost food security. We take a look at the strides each country has made in recent months.

Saudi Arabia

- Tanmiah Food Co. plans to invest US$1.2 billion by 2030 to cover 80% of the country’s poultry needs by 2025. Furthermore, a community partnership initiative with small investors in the poultry industry aims to produce 1.2 million chickens per day. A new healthy production line called “Tanmiah Life”, which focuses on healthy poultry products, will be launched soon.

- National Grain Company, a US$110 million project aims to meet the future demand for major grains in Saudi Arabia. The company will oversee the trade, handling, and storage of grains between its sources and will start with a capacity of about 3 million tons per year in 2022, and gradually increase to 5 million tons per year.

The UAE

- Agritech leader Veggitech recently unveiled a Saffron farm in Sharjah, the first of its kind the UAE and largest in the Mena region.

- Food Tech Valley is a UAE government-led initiative, which is a first-of-its-kind initiative uniting the complete food and agriculture ecosystem. The project aims to bring together stakeholders to pioneer sustainable food production that will reimagine how the world produces and consumes food.

Oman

- Al Bashayer Meat Company, the largest integrated meat project in the region, is expected to contribute to increasing the self-sufficiency of red meat in Oman from 37 percent to 46 percent. The project features an array of farms for the rearing of cattle, goats and sheep and capacity is in excess of one million heads of livestock annually.

- The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has signed a contract worth USD$ 77million to establish a finfish farm in Muscat. Production capacity of the first phase of the project using floating cages is projected to be 3,000 tonnes.

Kuwait

- Green Life Company launched its innovative smart agriculture project that uses Aeroponic technology for air farming. The project aims to build a more adaptable and sustainable food system by incorporating advanced food technologies to achieve sustainable food production throughout the year.

- Kuwait is on track to launch XZERO City, which will span 1,600 hectares with 30,000 residential units. The city aims to provide a net zero-carbon lifestyle for 100,000 residents and be self-sufficient, by producing the resident’s food intake on-site and harvest renewable energy locally.

Bahrain

- Earlier this year, a $12million facility was launched by Bahrain Agricultural Foods Storage and Security, which aims to produce and distribute grains locally and export them internationally.

- The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) announced that the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix 2023 is the most environmentally friendly motorsport event in history due to its special composting machines and recycling facilities. The BIC plans to expand its solar farm to further reduce energy consumption for future events.

Qatar

Qatar has achieved self-sufficiency in producing five basic types of vegetables. The goal, however, is to reach 70% of the market demand in less than a decade.

- WadiWater has developed a technology that produces potable water from humidity in the air, and its largest units are capable of producing 5,000 litres of fresh drinking water a day. The company signed an agreement with IPA Qatar that will enable it to provide innovative technologies to the agriculture industry to reduce water waste.

- Qatari-based Agrico has relied on its own research and tech to build technologically sophisticated organic farms and fisheries, enabling year-round food production. The company uses hydroponics and aquaponics to support a circular farming model that is both organic and self-sustaining.

Learnings From

3. Agriculture in the region

he 2023 edition of Bahrain International Garden Show (BIGS), the leading gardening and agricultural show in the Arabian Gulf held under the patronage of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and supported by HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of HM the King and the President of the Advisory Council of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) conclud ed in March.

Here are our findings:

1. Water is an important theme

The international garden show deals annually with a different theme that touches on agricultural reality and requires us to work on developing systems and methods and finding solutions and alternatives that contribute to the advancement of the agricultural sector in the Kingdom. This year, BIGS is held under the theme “Water: Regenerating Life" and it focused on the importance of water and ways to preserve it to ensure its sustainability as it is the core of life and the basis of sustenance on the surface of the earth.

2. It's much more than a garden show

Over its previous editions, the exhibition formed an essential bridge for communication and fruitful cooperation between the participating regional and international institutions and their local counterparts.

Kuwait-based Society of Agriculture Engineers also participated alongside (KISR) and presented information about different water sources and choosing the right trees based on the amount of available water and the correct irrigation methods. It offers opportunities for the exchange of knowledge especially water technology to create green belts.

4. Exhibitors

More than 176 exhibitors participated in BIGS 2023 with their designs, products, technologies and innovations. Included in the list of exhibitors was the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Climate Change & Environment, which explained its sustainable goals and how inner-city parks and mangrove forestation contribute to Sustainable Development Goals.

5. Discovering AGRO BH

AgroBH is a landmark initiative spearheaded by the NIAD to unite efforts towards developing and strengthening the Agricultural Sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Through this curated database, NIAD hopes to assist in accomplishing the Kingdom's economic, social & environmental development goals; and to establish an effective agricultural sector that is compliant with the purposes of the reform project of HM the King and the economic vision 2030.

The future

of food in the Gulf

The Gulfood Exhibition is an international event held in Dubai each year, attracting hundreds of vendors and thousands of attendees from all over the world. Bahrain Food Monitor visited the exhibition earlier this year and here are some key findings:

As the world's largest food exhibition, Gulfood showcases products and trends from more than 90 countries and hundreds of exhibitors.

Growth and opportunities in cultural and religious diets sectors

IIn a Fireside chat hosted by Paul Newnham, Executive Director - SDG2 Advocacy Hub with Awal Fuseini, Halal Sector Senior ManagerAgriculture and Horticulture Development Board and Qasim Al Shamsi, Section Head - Emirates

Iinternational Accreditation Centre around Halal food growth and trends. On the topic of Halal food safety assurance, hygiene and reliability were raised. Various standard requirements around the

Bahrain’s participation

Bahraini companies participating in this year's edition of the Bahrain Pavilion at "Gulfood 2023" were Awal Dairy, Deeko, BMMI, and Kazerooni Brothers. In addition to a special section for startups that includes MEST, Akron Pack Factory, Labelle Group, Tradish, and Eco Fibre.

Going green:

The first GULFOOD GREEN 2024 event, launching in the UAE in September will provide an indispensable global platform for the entire food ecosystem to share and exchange on technology, regulations, practices, solutions and changes in consumer food culture to achieve sustainability in all its dimensions from farmers, to supply chains, food production, logistics, consumption, and demand for food traceability and security.

globe when it comes to halal slaughter and possibly looking at an international agreement which would make halal slaughter more efficient and more sustainable was also discussed. The talk also looked at the production, certification and regulation and how to navigate these was another topic discussed. The role of halal accreditation bodies in developing the halal food sector and how meeting the halal meat production leaders, learning about their best practices and how these opportunities would be beneficial for this sector as a whole concluded the conversation.

Agriculture will be huge at the next event

GULFOOD AGROTECH 2024 will run in tandem with GULFOOD GREEN and will galvanise all sectors of the global agriculture and food supply chains to create a more sustainable food ecosystem for all, bringing together like- minded stakeholders from around the world to explore the innovative ways and transformative technologies required to address development challenges and advance the global transition to sustainable food systems.

FOOD PRICEScause global strife

The situation is set to get worse as high fertiliser prices, and resulting lower yields from reduced use, may cause further food inflation in 2023. These price rises will lead to many people’s diets becoming poorer, with up to 1 million additional deaths and 100 million more people undernourished.

This isn’t just happening because of reductions in food exports from Ukraine and Russia, which are less of a driver of food price rises than feared. And unlike previous food price spikes higher food prices may be set to last. This could be the end of an era of cheap food.

Disruption to food and fertiliser markets

While commodity prices have come down from the peaks of mid-2022, they remain high. At the end of 2022, the global price of maize was up 29% and wheat up 34% since January 2021. This has increased food price inflation, for example in the UK inflation rose by 16.8% in 2022. Two of the main drivers for these increases are higher energy prices and disruptions to international trade, both with strong links to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Sanctions and other war-related trade disruptions were high profile, yet appear to have diverted attention away from the more important issue. Energy prices affect food prices directly by increasing the costs of agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, since natural gas is used to make nitrogen fertiliser and accounts for 70%-80% of the total cost of fertiliser production. Additionally, farmers may respond by using less, which leads to lower crop yields, pushing up food prices further.

Commodity market prices for wheat and maize, natural gas and urea, all indexed from 01/2021. Peter Alexander (Data: World Bank)

From 2021 to 2022, urea (a common nitrogen fertiliser) almost doubled in price and natural gas more than doubled, although both are below their mid-2022 peaks. These changes led to cuts in nitrogen fertiliser production as plants became uneconomic, particularly in Europe where 70% of production capacity has been curtailed.

Impacts in 2023 and beyond

In our study, we attempted to better understand how energy and fertiliser price rises and export restrictions affect future global food prices. And we wanted to quantify the scale of harm that hikes in the price of food could have on human nutritionalhealth and the environment. We did this using a global land-use computer model (LandSyMM)

Food prices in the UK are at their highest for 15 years and something similar is happening in almost every country around the world.

which simulates the effects of export restrictions and spikes in production costs on food prices, health and land use.

We found that surging energy and fertiliser prices have by far the greatest impact on food security, with reduced food exports from Ukraine and Russia having less impact on prices. The combined effect of export restrictions, increased energy and fertiliser prices could cause food commodity prices to rise by 81% from 2021 levels.

Such a rise would imply that wheat prices will increase in 2023 by the same percentage again as they did in 2022. While the cost of wheat is only a part of the cost of bread, in the UK the average price of a large wholemeal loaf of bread rose from £1.09 at the start of the year to £1.31 at the end. If the inflation rate continues through 2023, that loaf would cost £1.57.

Our modelling estimates that sharp increases in the cost of fertilisers – which are key to producing high yields – would greatly reduce their use by farmers. Without fertilisers more agricultural land is needed to produce the world’s food. By 2030 this could increase agricultural land by 200 million hectares, an area the size of much of Western Europe – Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain plus the UK combined. This would mean a lot more deforestation and carbon emissions, and a huge loss of biodiversity.

While almost everyone will feel the effects of higher food costs, it’s the poorest people in society, who already struggle to afford enough healthy food, who will be hit hardest.

Subsidising fertilisers may seem an obvious solution to a problem created in large part by the high cost of fertiliser. However, this just maintains a food system which has given us an obesity epidemic, left millions malnourished, contributes to climate change and is the main factor in the loss of biodiversity.

Chart showing average price of bread over the years

After a few stable years, the price of bread in the UK shot up in 2023. ONS Export restrictions account for only a small fraction of the simulated price rises. Halting exports from Russia and Ukraine would increase food costs in 2023 by 2.6%, while spikes in energy and fertiliser prices would cause a 74% rise.

Too expensive to eat well

Food price rises will lead to many people’s diets becoming poorer, especially those with the lowest incomes. Our findings suggest there could be up to 1 million additional deaths and more than 100 million people undernourished if high fertiliser prices continue. The greatest increases in deaths would be in Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and the Middle East, as people become unable to afford sufficient food for a healthy diet.

Targeted actions to ensure healthy and nutritious food is affordable for everyone may be more cost effective in reducing negative consequences from higher food prices and help to transform the food system to a healthier and more sustainable future.

This article was written by Peter Alexander, Senior Lecturer in Global Food Security: The University of Edinburgh. It was first published by The Conversation. For more information visit: www.theconversation.com.

Global hunger numbers risesignificantly

The number of people affected by hunger globally rose to as many as 828 million in 2021, an increase of about 46 million since 2020 and 150 million since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This shows the world is moving further away from its goal of ending hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms by 2030.

The numbers paint a grim picture:

* After remaining relatively unchanged since 2015, the proportion of people affected by hunger jumped in 2020 and continued to rise in 2021, to 9.8 percent of the world population. This compares with 8 percent in 2019 and 9.3 percent in 2020.

* Around 2.3 billion people in the world (29.3 percent) were moderately or severely food insecure in 2021 – 350 million more compared to before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

* The gender gap in food insecurity continued to rise in 2021. Some 31.9 percent of women in the world were moderately or severely food insecure, compared to 27.6 percent of men – a gap of more than 4 percentage points, compared with 3 percentage points in 2020.

* Almost 3.1 billion people could not afford a healthy diet in 2020, up 112 million from 2019, reflecting the effects of inflation in consumer food prices stemming from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures put in place to contain it.

* An estimated 45 million children under the age of five were suffering from wasting, the deadliest form of malnutrition, which increases children’s risk of death by up to 12 times. Furthermore, 149 million children under the age of five had stunted growth and development due to a chronic lack of essential nutrients in their diets, while 39 million were overweight.

Looking ahead, projections are that nearly 670 million people (8 percent of the world population) will still be facing hunger in 2030.

Repurposing agricultural policies

The report notes that worldwide support for the food and agricultural sector averaged almost US$ 630 billion a year between 2013 and 2018. The lion’s share of it goes to individual farmers, through trade and market policies and fiscal subsidies. However, it is not reaching many farmers, hurts the environment and does not promote the production of nutritious foods that make up a healthy diet. That's in part because subsidies often target the production of staple foods, dairy and other animal source foods. Rice, sugar and meats of various types are the most incentivised food items worldwide, while fruits and vegetables are relatively less supported, particularly in some low-income countries.

The evidence suggests that if governments repurpose the resources they are using to incentivise the production, supply and consumption of nutritious foods, they will contribute to making healthy diets less costly, more affordable and equitable for all.

Finally, the report points out that governments could do more to reduce trade barriers for nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables and pulses.

This report was jointly published by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The 2022 United Nations’ State of Food Security and Nutrition report shows the world is moving backwards in efforts to eliminate hunger and malnutrition.

Rising

Food Cost

To combat the increase in food inflation, the Bahraini government has taken a number of measures, including providing subsidies for essential food products, such as meat and bread

The World Bank’s most recent report on food security, states that among the list of high-income countries, the Kingdom recorded a significant increase in food prices, ranging from between 5% to 30%.

Meanwhile Kuwait’s food inflation rate increased by 7.1%, Oman’s rose by 5%, Saudi Arabia’s climbed by 3.7% and Qatar reported a marginal increase of 0.3%. There is no official data available for the United Arab Emirates. The high inflation rate can be attributed to a number of factors, including the start of the Russian-Ukrainian war and the global supply chain crises, rising fuel prices, and supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is worth noting that food inflation rates in other countries around the world are also increasing due to similar factors such as supply chain disruptions, and rising global food price. While the report states that 87.3% of high-income countries experienced a high increase in food price inflation.

The Central Bank of Bahrain has implemented monetary policies such as interest rate adjustments to manage inflation. Additionally, the government has implemented measures to promote food security and self-sufficiency, such as investing in agriculture and supporting local food production to reduce its dependence on imports.

As Bahrain relies heavily on imports for its food supply, these global factors have a direct impact on local food prices. Additionally, the introduction of value-added tax (VAT) in Bahrain in 2019 has also contributed to higher prices for goods and services. The impact of the increase in food inflation is being felt across Bahrain, with households experiencing a decrease in purchasing power due to higher prices for essential food products.

AS BAHRAIN RELIES HEAVILY ON IMPORTS FOR ITS FOOD SUPPLY, THESE GLOBAL FACTORS HAVE A DIRECT IMPACT ON LOCAL FOOD PRICES.

Hunger

Hotspots

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) warn that acute food insecurity is likely to deteriorate further in 19 countries–called hunger hotspots.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) warn that acute food insecurity is likely to deteriorate further in 19 countries– called hunger hotspots. Acute food insecurity globally continues to escalate. According to the recently published Global Report on Food Crisis 2022 mid-year update, up to 205 million people are expected to face acute food insecurity and to be in need of urgent assistance in 45 countries. This is the highest number recorded in the seven-year history of the report.

Around 45 million people in 37 countries are projected to have so little to eat that they will be severely malnourished, at risk of death or already facing starvation and death, if no action is taken. Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Sudan, Somalia and Yemen remain at the highest alert level, as they all have populations facing or projected to face starvation or at risk of deterioration towards catastrophic conditions as they have already critical food insecurity. These countries require the most urgent attention.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Kenya, the Sahel region, the Sudan and the Syrian Arab Republic remain of very high concern. Guatemala, Honduras, Central African Republic, Pakistan and Malawi have been added to the list of hotspot countries. Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Madagascar remain hunger hotspots. All these hotspots have a high number of people facing critical acute food insecurity, coupled with worsening drivers that are expected to further intensify life-threatening conditions in the coming months.

Organised violence and conflict remain the primary drivers of acute hunger, with key trends indicating that they both continued to increase in 2022. Moreover, weather extremes such as tropical storms, flooding and drought remain critical drivers in some regions. Of particular concern, the drought in the Horn of Africa, already persisting for two years, is highly likely to further worsen due to a looming unprecedented fifth poor rainy season.

On the economic front, elevated global prices for hydrocarbons and agricultural commodities continue to cause increases in domestic food and energy prices. Monetary-tightening measures enacted by numerous central banks – including major advanced economies – to curb rising inflation rates have enhanced the cost of credit and curbed financial inflows directed towards

developing countries. Combined with growing risks of recession, or a significant slowdown in major economies such as the European Union and China, these dynamics are boosting macroeconomic risks for developing economies. This is in turn causing increasing difficulties for several countries in financing the import of essential items and servicing their debt loads, which for many economies have increased rapidly over the last decade.

Funding shortfalls and rising operational costs have reduced humanitarian assistance across many of these hunger hotspots. Targeted humanitarian action is urgently needed to save lives and livelihoods in the 19 hunger hotspots. Moreover, in six of these hotspots – Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen –humanitarian actions are critical in preventing further starvation and death.

This report was published by WFP and FAO (2022). Hunger Hotspots. FAO-WFP early warnings on acute food insecurity: October 2022 to January 2023 Outlook. Rome.

Bahrain’s Food Industry Is Poised For Growth

rate of 3.6% per year

The 2021 Food and Drink Report by Fitch

Solutions predicts an optimistic outlook for Bahrain’s food industry for the next three years. Key driving factors for the projected growth include growth in the key buying age segment and rising levels of private final consumption and household spending. The Kingdom’s relatively wealthy population means that food consumption is already high and there is diversification in the diets of citizens. Consumer spending patterns are expected to remain favourable over the coming years.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH

The report highlights some key investment opportunities:

Investment in Bahrain’s transport infrastructure and location is likely to lead to growth in logistics, which could benefit food manufacturers and lead to a rise in spending on food and drinks.

The tourism market is projected to grow as strong efforts are being made to draw in international visitors from the Middle East, North Africa and Asia Pacific regions.

Premiumisation will become a noteworthy driver of growth due to high per capita incomes and the sizeable number of expatriates. More premium restaurants with diversified menus are likely to open to cater to an increased numbers of tourists and expats.

FAST-GROWING CATEGORIES

The meat and poultry category is expected to

perform strongly and grow by an annual average of 3.5% due to a growing demand for protein, which forms a big part of many Bahrainis diets.

Furthermore, the rising number of fine dining and fast food outlets is contributing to the increased demand for meat and poultry.

Dairy sales are predicted to grow by an annual average 4.2% through to 2025. Vegetable sales are growing substantially, averaging 4.9% growth per year over the next three years.

SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS

As a proportion of total household budgets, the average Bahrain-based household is forecast to spend 12.9% on food by 2025, a decline from 14.2% in 2005.

Bahrain’s small population, which is forecast to reach 1.87million in 2025 (making it the smallest GCC country), coupled with a modest share of food spending within total household budgets, means total food spending is low by regional and international standards.

Total food spending is predicted to reach US$1.2billion (BHD457.8mn) in 2025, compared to US$21.7billion in the UAE and US$5.9billion in Qatar. The largest proportion of food spending in Bahrain goes towards meats and poultry, accounting for nearly a fifth of total food spending. This category will see its share increase over 2021-2025 period.

For more information about the 2021 Food & Drink Report, visit: www.fitchsolutions.com

The food sector is forecast to grow at an average

until 2025, which presents a number of investment opportunities.

NAZLEY JORDAN

Poultry

The agricultural and poultry sector in the GCC has been steadily growing over the last few years, spurred on by increasing investment from the region's governments. This has allowed the sector to capitalise on technological advancements and focus on producing quality produce for both local and international markets. The region has also made strides in developing strategies for producing organic and eco-friendly food sources, as well as incorporating more efficient processing systems. With continued commitment to modernising and expanding this sector, the GCC countries are positioned to become world-leading exporters of quality food products.

How I started a farm in Bahrain

Established in 2019, Roots & Shoots is a family business owned by renowned chef Susy Massetti and her daughter Andrea Pucciarelli. The farm is situated off Hamala Avenue and comprises 12,000 sqm of land.

Pucciarelli, the farm manager, says the last four years have been a steep learning curve. “When we established the farm, there wasn’t a lot of information about farming in Bahrain available, particularly for organic farmers. We couldn’t just copy and paste methods that were used in the US or Europe so there was a lot of risk involved, as well as a lot of trial and error.”

Now the farm sells 30+ varieties of fruit and vegetable including tomatoes, eggplants, onions, cabbage, broccoli and a range of leafy greens. The farm also rears a number of goats, sheep, cows and birds that are farmed for milk, eggs, meat and poultry. Each week Chef Susy uses the fresh produce available at the farm as inspiration for her weekly menu for her sought-after restaurant Fishbone.

Becoming self-sustainable

Roots & Shoots utilises a Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) farming model. Consumers have the option to buy shares in the produce of each season, which enables the farm to achieve financial security and in return, consumers receive fresh fruit and vegetables.

Roots & Shoots Organic Farm is committed to supplying quality organic produce, while encouraging locals to grow their own produce.

Farming is incredibly rewarding. Each year we try planting new crops to determine which ones are successful. I’m really proud that we are able to produce food in such a clean, healthy way and supply it to our community.”

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Andrea Pucciarelli, Roots & Shoots Organic Farm Manager.

“This model allows us to have a fixed income each season so there is more wiggle room to experiment with new seeds or farming methods,” explains Pucciarelli.

All the seeds used at the farm are 100% non-GMO and organic. In the early years, the majority of the seeds were imported from across the globe but the family’s goal has always been to produce their own organic seeds. They currently grow their own tomato, eggplant, zucchini and squash seeds. “We are very proud that we are self-sustainable in a growing number of crops,” says Pucciarelli.

“We plan to sell our seeds to locals so that they can also grow their own organic produce. The seeds of some vegetables such as carrots are difficult and time-consuming to produce so it isn’t an option to grow these seeds now, but we are very happy with the progress we have made.”

The pros and cons of organic farming

Roots & Shoots does not till or aerate their soil because it causes desertification and disrupts the micro biome. Furthermore, the farm practices regenerative farming so everything that isconsidered waste is reused for compost. No chemical fertilizers are used, only farm produced compost and manure.

This method is incredibly unpredictable, says Pucciarelli. “Nothing is guaranteed. If a crop does really well one year then we usually do the exact same thing the following year. However, if there is a change in the weather or the crop is inundated with insects then it just doesn’t grow and isn’t much we can do about it. We just have to take the loss.

“Having said that, farming is incredibly rewarding,” she adds. “Each year we try planting new crops to determine which ones are successful. I’m really proud that we are able to produce food in such a clean, healthy way and supply it to our community.”

Looking ahead

The big challenge currently facing farmers in Bahrain is climate change. Pucciarelli laments that she has seen tangible differences in the climate since she started farming four years ago. According to the Bahrain Meteorological Directorate, climate change has led to more extreme weather events such as heat waves and dust storms and shifts in temperature and rainfall patterns, which have had a significant impact on the farming sector.

“Unpredictable weather is very challenging. Just when we think we have things figured out, the weather changes and our crops don’t grow they way we anticipate. We have to be flexible and adapt our methods each year,” says Pucciarelli.

The farm currently has no plans to grow in size. Instead, the family would like to invest time and energy into establishing sister farms and teaching the community how to grow their own produce. Roots & Shoots offers a farm tour where participants, as well as school kids, can learn how the farm is run.

“We have no interest in becoming a big corporation. What’s important to us is to train and guide people in our community to start their own farms, and to encourage people to support their local farmers,” she concludes.

“This model allows us to have a fixed income each season so there is more wiggle room to experiment with new seeds or farming methods,” explains Pucciarelli.

A solution to keep Bahrain’s

Palm Trees Growing

Originating from the Sudan region of Africa, the red palm weevil was introduced into the Middle East when a few adults were found in an Egyptian port city.

The destruction has had severe implications for farmers and agricultural businesses in the Middle East, as the red palm weevil larvae feed on the growing tissue of the tree and completely girdle the tree, which stops the flow of essential nutrients from the roots to the crown and causes the tree to eventually die. Even worse, these insects spread from tree to tree quickly and effectively, meaning they can infest multiple trees in a very short time frame.

Agrint's "loTree" technology is helping farmers in Bahrain and beyond to deal with the devastation these insects bring to the island's once thriving date palm farmers. Over the last decade these insects have rampaged through Bahrain's once thriving palm tree areas killing off thousands.

Agrint Tech promises to solve the problem says Fouad ElKhazen with the ground breaking technology which offers farmers real-time data on their trees and insight into what action to take.

He says, "Prior to the 90s, it was estimated that Bahrain had around one million date palm trees. The most recent satellite survey has shown a significant decrease of anywhere between 50% to 70%. Though agriculture experts suggest it is around 400 thousand, the exact current number is still disputed. Globally, the Middle East is estimated to hold 70% of the world's date palm trees.

The date farmers in Bahrain have faced struggles, as they have not been compensated fairly for their labour. Even when a tree survives, it takes one attack to disrupt the production of that tree forever. In order to support these farmers, initiatives have been put in place to help them survive and prosper." According to Fouad, as it stands, the farmers often receive 500 fils for each kilo of dates, but the cost at supermarkets can be as much as five dinars per kilo.

As a result, farmers find it not economically viable to sell their produce, often opting to use it for animal feed instead. The proposed technology is meant to raise the financial gain for the farmers, thereby encouraging them to cultivate the crops. He adds, "Additionally, cautioned against the over usage of pheromone traps in an attempt to mitigate the damage caused by the red palm weevil. The problem is that these weevils can fly up to 25 kilometres in one day and, if there is a pheromone trap in the vicinity, it can be even worse."

"A very overlooked aspect is the issue of pesticides. Firstly, there is considerable evidence that the weevil is becoming resistant to conventional pesticides. So ever larger quantities are being used. Secondly these pesticides, as they are neurotoxins, have been shown to cause neurological diseases in farmers exposed to them. Using the Agrint detecton which detects the larvae in early stages means a targeted approach which minimizes pesticide usage. Finally, because the system can tell if the treatment against the Weevil larvae has been effective, a wider set of treatment options is available", he concludes.

The red palm weevil is an insect that has been wreaking havoc on date palm trees in the Middle East.

Is foam the next big thing

in water-saving tech?

Dutch company Aquaresins Technologies has been revolutionising the farming sector with its innovative use of foam technology.

Founded in 1984, Aquaresins Technologies manufacture a range of hard foam products, which are used for a range of purposes including industrial applications and cavity wall insulation. A subsidiary company called Resins Agro was launched in 2007, which utilises the hard foam technology in agriculture and landscaping.

“The unique cell structure of the company’s foam allows for a water/air retention ratio of 70/30, which promotes healthier plant root growth and reduces water consumption,” explains Hans Mol, CEO of the company.

The foam is used in soilless cultivation systems, such as hydroponics and aeroponics, where the foam serves as a growing medium providing a stable and consistent environment for the plants to grow in. One of the key benefits of this technology is its sustainability. By improving the efficiency of agricultural inputs, the foam can reduce the need for fertiliz ers and pesticides. Furthermore, the foam is inert and biodegrades within 10 to 15 years, making it safe to use in food crop growing.

Resins Agro has experienced rapid growth in recent years. The company expanded its production by launching its products that are currently being used in more than 30 countries worldwide. Now the company is setting its sights on the Middle Eastern market.

By using Resins Agro’s water saving foam products, farmers will be able to create lush, green, plant structures in harsh environments such as deserts

or city rooftops. The foam products are ideal for hydroponic or vertical farms, which are growing in number in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Resins Agro has done a number of trials in the region, including one with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority. After just three months the farm reported a 22% increase in crop yield, as well as a 20% reduction of water consumption. At Yas Links Golf course in Abu Dhabi, the driving range reduced its water consumption by 38% in three months, and the Anantara resort on Banana Island in Qatar reported water savings of 54% during a five-month trial in 2020.

Another success story is a project at a Spanish golf course in Murcia, which is a semi desert area. “By installing our foam-based products, we were able to achieve less compaction of the soil, a much stronger turf and water saving of about 45%. The golf course reduced it’s water usage to nearly four litres per square metre per day. While most golf courses in the same area require between eight to 12 litres/m2 of water a day,” says Mol.

Now the company is looking to expand into the GCC market, with Bahrain as its base.

“Bahrain is a stable market with favourable labour laws and a commitment to food security so it is the ideal place for our business to be,” explains Mol. “At the moment, hydroponic farmers in the GCC are importing their equipment from around the world but there is no need for that. This is a superior product that can be produced in the GCC for local farmers.”

Sports and schools

Aside from the obvious agricultural benefits of Resins Agro’s foam products, they can be used to improve the quality and durability of sport fields and playgrounds, which require strong and dense plant growth to withstand constant, heavy footfall.

Aquaresins Technologies has partnered with schools and football clubs in the US to transform baseball pitches into football fields. Fytofoam, a water saving foam, is installed to hold the perfect amount of water for strong and healthy root systems of grass mats. It also helps with the quick recovery of damaged areas of turf. This creates a greener, more stable, and consistent surface for the players.

“The results have been promising thus far. The goal is to transform football pitches at about 70 more schools in the US,” says Mol. “The success of this project shows that our foam products have a wide range of benefits that can be utilised by different industries and communities.”

What is Fytofoam?

Fytofoam is made of aminoplast resin and water. Its key features are:

- Water absorption capacity of 70% by volume.

- The foam is biodegradable.

- High permeability of air and water and easy moisture transfer to the root zone.

- Good permeability and movement of nutrients.

- Environmentally safe, sterile and inert material.

A plant-based future

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards plant-based diets, with many people opting to reduce or eliminate meat consumption altogether. This trend is being driven by concerns relating to health and the negative impact meat production has on the environment, as well as concerns about animal welfare and the ethical implications of consuming animal products.

As a result, the global plant-based meat market is growing at a rapid pace. A report by Grand View Research reveals that the market is expected to grow by 19.3% from 2022 to 2030.

In a region where traditional food is heavily dominated by meat, the plant-based market is relatively small compared to Europe and the US. However, things are changing. In previous years, products such as soy-based burgers and vegetarian sausages dominated the meat alternative market, but there are a growing number of innovative alternatives emerging. These include plant-based seafood, meat alternatives made from fungi and algae, and lab-grown meat, which is grown from animal cells in a lab rather than being produced through traditional farming methods.

Over the last few years, many alt-meat brands entered the GCC market including Beyond Burger, Meatless Farm, Impossible Burger, Linda McCartney and Quorn. Now two new players are set to shake up the landscape.

BLACK SHEEP FOODS

Saudi Arabia’s Prince HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud is a pioneer in the plant-based food market in the region.

In December 2022, his company KBW Ventures invested in US-based alternative meat company Black Sheep Foods.

The San Francisco-based start-up launched in 2019 and has raised US$ 12.3million in Series A funding thus far. The company specialises in plant-based meat alternatives and its best selling product is a plant-based lamb meat alternative, which HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud reportedly described as “shockingly good”.

Consumers in the Middle East are known to be particularly discerning about lamb, but the product is already garnering high praise.

THRYVE

In November 2022, UAE-based group IFFCO announced the launch of THRYVE, which it claims is the Gulf region’s first 100% plant-base meat venture.

IFFCO is an international group that manufactures and markets FMCG brands such as Noor, Rahma, Al Baker, Hayat and Savannah. In a statement, the company announced that THRYVE aims to be an innovative plant-based food hub that will develop, manufacture and market sustainable alternative products. Furthermore, the company will utilise new research and technology and blend it with Middle Eastern cuisine and traditions to create products that cater specifically to the region’s demand for sustainable foods.

In conclusion, the move from meat to plant-based diets is a growing trend that is being driven by a range of factors and the GCC is no exception. Therefore, the meat alternative market is expected to continue to grow and innovate, with new products, stakeholders and innovations entering the market in the next few years.

NAZLEY JORDAN

Consumer demand for alternative protein is growing and supermarket chains, big brands and startups are all vying for a slice of the market.

S SecuritySustainable Food

ustainable food security is an important issue for individuals and communities alike. By transitioning to an agricultural system that conserves the environment, and supports human and animal welfare, we can ensure our ability to access safe and nutritious food now and in the future. Taking steps such as organic farming, reduced meat consumption, eliminating food waste, and supporting local farms are some of the strategies to reduce environmental degradation and create a more equitable food system. To ensure food security in the future, it is important to create initiatives and education campaigns to promote sustainable agricultural practices and fair food pricing. Doing so will enable us to build resilient communities with a reliable food source and nourishing food supply.

The HungerExpert World

Paul Newnham is the director of SDG2

Advocacy Hub, an initiative bringing together NGOs, advocacy groups, civil society, the private sector, and UN agencies to coordinate global campaigning and advocacy to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2.

He talks to Bahrain Food Monitor about food security, world hunger and why the GCC’s plans for food production is exciting.

What inspired you to dedicate your career to creating a world free of hunger?

I grew up in my formative and teenage years, in Bangladesh, India, and Malawi, with extensive travel to many other countries in between. I began to realise early on in my life that many people did not have enough food to feed their families. That this was often the result of things outside their control. That access and affordability were big barriers to preventing people from having good food on their tables. I also realised, that so much of living, is spent celebrating and coming together around food. I wanted to be a voice that advocated for Good Food for All. In turn, focusing on those who didn’t have enough of the right foods to thrive. Those who can’t afford good food. Who don’t have access to good food. Who are caught in conflict and power struggles where food is used as a weapon. Who are unable to grow food in the face of a changing climate. This propelled me forward to do the work I do now.

Do you think the globe is on track to achieve SDG2 by 2030?

The world is currently off track to achieve the 2030 Agenda and specifically SDG2. Hunger and malnutrition are once again on the rise. Smallholder farmers are on the frontlines of both fragile food systems and climate change, without the necessary tools to adapt and continue to grow good food. Significant actions are required, urgently, if we hope to reach these goals.

This back slide on SDG2 has been compacted by rising costs and the cost of living crisis, Covid 19, Conflict, and unchecked Climate. If the current trajectory continues, 670 million people, or 8% of the world’s population will still face hunger in 2030.

Aside from the war, what are the key challenges facing food security and sustainability today?

In the Sustainable Development Goal space, we refer to the key drivers of hunger and food insecurity as the 4 C’s – Cost, COVID, Climate and Conflict. Or, more recently, a term first mentioned

at Davos during the World Economic Forum in January this year – a polycrisis. When multiple global crises become entangled with one another and compound each of the issues, presenting challenges at an unparalleled level: countries across the globe struggle to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and face a cost of living crisis, while unchecked climate change, protracted conflicts and inequalities further drive food insecurity and malnutrition.

What are some examples of sustainable agriculture practices that can help address these challenges?

We need to look to regeneration in our practices on the whole increasing Biodiversity. The good news is that we know what works. Smallholder farmers, many of whom are women, are the stewards of local food and environment systems who have been growing food and taking care of the planet for centuries. As such, smallholders can play a critical role in meeting many of the challenges we face: safeguarding biodiversity by diversifying food production for nutritious and affordable diets as well as building resilience in food, water and environmental systems to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Smallholders are also critical in ensuring the continuation of local food production and thus reducing food insecurity in conflict areas. However, urgent investments that equip smallholder farmers to respond to these challenges must be accessible in low and middle-income countries, particularly for women and youth.

More efforts to increase production, particularly researching and investing in climate-hardy indigenous, forgotten and neglected species, to discover what used to be grown before food could be imported, is needed, to get the GCC to a level where they can be sufficiently food secure.

How can different governments, NGOs, and the private sector across the globe work together to address food security and sustainability challenges?

I think sharing information and data is key. Agricultural data is critical for informed decision-making and often is not available. They can join networking groups and organised bodies such as farmer networks and advocacy networks like the SDG2 Advocacy Hub networking group!

Additionally, food systems transformation is an urgent, complex and ambitious endeavour that needs all stakeholders to play their part. That’s one of the great things about the UN Food Systems Summit and its Coalitions, such as the School Meals Coalition, that gathers all stakeholders together with a shared ambition and agenda to share learnings and skillsets with other parts of the globe.

How can we ensure that small-scale farmers and producers are able to participate in and benefit from sustainable food systems?

Great question! We see small-scale farmers and producers as critical agents in delivering food systems transformation. Due to their relative size and proximity, smallholder farmers have a critical role to play in producing diverse and nutritious diets, adapting to climate change and safeguarding the health of the planet. Small-scale food producers must have a seat at the table and their voice heard in key global fora, such as COP28. Recognising their unique role in shaping the future of food, our team led throughout 2022 the development of a new consensus with small-scale food producers that, based on the findings of Ceres2030, outlined a political call to action that elevates the voices and priorities of this critical stakeholder group for the delivery of SDG2 and food systems transformation.

How can consumers make more sustainable food choices, and what role do they play in promoting food security and sustainability?

Consumers have a huge amount of power when it comes to participating in food systems transformation. They create demand and can use their buying power to support produce that is grown using regenerative practices.

People can choose to eat produce that is climate-friendly and highly nutritious plus being more affordable, such as beans, peas, pulses, lentils and legumes. They can become aware of where food comes from and choose local over imported. All of this requires investing in educating citizens about food systems, and how they can play a role in positively transforming them. Governments have a big role to play, as they can mandate policies that enforce this, as well as work cross-sectoral to incentivize good agricultural practices, positive public messaging campaigns and promote sustainable businesses.

What are your future plans in your capacity as Executive Director: SDG2 Advocacy Hub Secretariat?

Right now, I am very focused on our priorities for 2023. Hungry for Action – a campaign calling for an urgent response to the global food crisis – is a huge priority for this year. 49 million people face emergency levels of hunger or are at risk of famine and 828 million do not know what food they will eat for their next meal. This is simply not acceptable to me, especially when the world collectively has the means to prevent this.

In late 2022 we also launched Beans is How – a campaign to double bean consumption by 2028. We are building a strong coalition of partners, as well as putting in place a global strategy to help achieve this goal.

I continue to actively build food champions such as chefs who are part of our Chefs’ Manifesto network. As well as seek out opportunities to advocate for Good Food For All.

All of this requires a dedicated and conscientious team, who continue to grow and work hard to support our wider mandates.

Governments in the GCC are investing a lot into domestic food production and diversifying their food sources. Is enough being done?

It is exciting to see the collective efforts across the GCC as for so long, they have been food insecure. Farms such as Emirates Bio Farm in the UAE, are leading the way on growing fresh produce locally, for 6 months of the year. They take active efforts in the non-growing seasons, to pickle and preserve as much as they can. It is very difficult though, with such hot climates and little rainfall, and 80% of food on average still being imported. More efforts to increase production, particularly researching and investing in climate-hardy indigenous, forgotten and neglected species, to discover what used to be grown before food could be imported, is needed, to get the GCC to a level where they can be sufficiently food secure. This would need to be coupled with behaviour change campaigns for the wider population, to decrease demand for food importation.

Food waste is a big problem in the region. What can be done to address this issue?

It is, like many issues facing our food systems, a multi-faceted problem. 1/3 food produced is wasted, often between harvest and consumption. Therefore, there needs to be more efficient harvesting practices, as well as distribution. Citizen awareness – the more individuals and communities are aware of their own footprint, the more they can demand and generate change. Education, empowerment, and action – keys to any change at any level. People need to know before they can act. They need to have agency to be empowered. And they need to have practical ways they can generate change. There are many great companies and businesses that are working on reducing food waste. Find them and support them! Start food repurposing kitchens. Create campaigns to call on hotel chains to stop serving buffets, where so much food is wasted. Have chefs take training courses such as ‘Wasted’ where they can learn how to eliminate food waste in their kitchens.

Tips and tricks

to start your own compost garden

Composting is not only good for the environment, it’s a great way to ensure sustainable practices when it comes to food waste.

Forest Abbott-Lum (MEM ’21), composter in residence at the  Yale Sustainable Food Program, describes composting as “the managed process of decomposition.” Composting can help reduce the amount of waste we produce, and even save money! Here are some steps you can follow to get started:

2. Collect

1. Find your place

Find a place to store your compost. The best place to store your compost is outdoors in a bin or a pile in an area that won’t get in the way of other activities. It's also important to ensure your compost isn't in direct sunlight and that there is sufficient air circulation to ensure the composting process is efficient.

5. Air

Stir the compost. To ensure air is reaching all the layers of the compost, give it a good stir every couple of weeks with a pitchfork. This will help speed up the composting process.

Collect your organic material. Start by gathering organic materials such as fruit and vegetable scraps, leaves, grass clippings, eggshells, and coffee grounds. This can be saved in a bin in the kitchen until you’re ready to add it to the compost. It's also a good idea to shred or cut larger pieces into smaller pieces so they can break down faster.

4. Moisture

Add water. After you have collected the organic material and created a balance of green and brown materials, it is important to keep the compost moist. Sprinkle some water over the compost every week or two.

6. Crumble it

3. Green vs Brown

Balance your green and brown materials. Compost needs a balance of carbon-rich materials, called browns, and nitrogen-rich materials, known as greens. Brown materials include dry leaves, straw, and shredded paper. Green materials include fresh leaves, vegetable and fruit scraps, and grass clippings. A good ratio to remember is 2:1 (two parts browns to one part greens).

6. Harvest your compost. Your compost will be ready to use in 3-6 months, depending on the size of your pile and the conditions in which it is stored. To check if the compost is ready, simply take a handful and try to crumble it. If it's ready, the compost will be dark and crumbly. If it is not quite ready, you may need to stir and water it some more.

Creating a better world

Plastics have infiltrated our ecosystems and threaten both animal and human health. Unsurprisingly, the costs are astronomical, estimated to be $75 billion each year, with food and beverage companies accountable for the greatest proportion at 23%. Further contributing to the

based plastic bags. Due to its unique composition, it is widely considered in the world as one of the lowest costs for bio-plastic.

The need for the bags was created by the need to solve numerous problems, mainly the amount of waste Bahrain produces. Understanding and defining what biodegradable actually means as as well as what is compostable. “Our products are starch based and are fully biodegradable and compostable, in that they will not harm the environment, and will break down and are safe to the earth.”

growing micro and macro plastic pollution crisis, diets that incorporate excessive amounts of packaged ultra-processed and fast foods have seen a rise in takeaway food containers becoming a leading source of global aquatic litter. As such, this growing problem is compromising food security, forcing us to question our decisions around the food that we consume.

After 20 years in the banking sector, Waheeda Qerashi - a dedicated entrepreneur is ready to bring sustainable production to the table with her biodegradable bags and through her company

LALAPLAST Manufacturing Biodegradable Plastics. She talks to Bahrain Food Monitor about her latest venture.

“After investing two years and managing to get the location, and the factories I'm now on my way to getting the machinery. In November 2023, we will be able to use these machines with a trainer guiding us in their usage and applications,” says Waheeda.

LALAPLAST bags are a bio-based alternative that becomes the ideal replacement to petroleum

She adds: “Numerous established companies will often make more specific claims, primarily certifying that their bioplastics are compostable. Compostable plastics are a subset of biodegradable plastics, defined by the standard conditions and timeframe under which they will biodegrade. All compostable plastics are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable plastics would be considered compostable.”

Despite the utmost efforts by governments in the region to introduce new laws and regulations around single-use plastics Waheeda still believes there is a serious need for education in and around the use of single plastic usage. She says: "To create lasting change in Arab countries around plastic usage, we need more education, better rules, and effective guidelines that promote a greener and healthier lifestyle. People need to be informed and educated about the devastating effects of plastic on our planet. Only then can we take the necessary steps towards building a better, more sustainable future for our environment and for the generations to come."

LALAPLAST will be available from summer 2023.

One woman is on a mission to reduce single-use plastics in Bahrain by creating an entirely new compostable and biodegradable bag.

communityGrowing a green

Learn to Grow is an outdoor educational centre that provides opportunities for people to connect with nature and learn about the principles of permaculture.

Founder of Learn to Grow, Reem Yateem spent 10 years working in education in California where she saw first-hand how beneficial outdoor learning can be for young

children. In October 2021, she decided to launch a holistic permaculture educational program in a small garden behind her parent’s home in Adliya. The classes were incredibly well received by the

community, so in October 2022 the organisation expanded and moved to a new site in Janabiya.

So far, over 600 people have participated in a diverse range of classes, which take place at school clubs, camps and on fieldtrips. Each class provides young people with an immersive experience in nature while developing their problem-solving, collaborative and creative skills. Students can harness the health benefits of being in nature and enjoy the balanced offering of science, art, movement, mindfulness and nutrition.

Class topics include compost or soil health, native birds or insects, painting with seeds, free play with shovels and mud, and breathing or yoga routines. The field trips are more structured and academic to meet Bahraini school standards and focus on seed germination, weather patterns and the history of resources.

In July 2022, Learn to Grow partnered with the Rotary Club of Salmaniya to install a sensory garden for Alia Rehabilitation Centre. The garden was designed to give autistic learners the space to explore their five senses.

Yateem says the best moments arise when learners are driven to ask questions and continue learning at home. “We want children to develop a deeper relationship with the land they live on. We believe that this can ignite a sense of belonging that will push them to conserve our planet.” says Yateem.

Permaculture classes

Learn to Grow also has a Permaculture Club for kids that meets every Tuesday.

“It’s important for young people to learn about permaculture because it encourages them to think about the natural resources that they use everyday. It pushes them to consider how much energy goes into turning on their lights, taking a shower and eating a cheeseburger.

“Permaculture connects us to the footprint and effect we have on our planet whether positive or negative. Once we understand this we can start to think of ways we can change our actions to positively impact and regenerate the world around us,” she concludes.

Would you like to join a class?

The organisation intends to host more field trips, camps, and events throughout the year. Yateem also plans to sell kits that families can take home, enabling them to grow produce in their free time.

Each kit comes in a box with a list of easy-to-follow activities, as well as the seeds and goodies needed to successfully start a garden.

Get

www.learntogrowbh.com

How To Reduce Food Waste

Some 250,000 tonnes of unwanted food is thrown out each year, according to a UN Environment Programme 2021 study. This equates to an average of 132kg per capita per annum.

The Food Waste Index reports that 17% of all food in grocery stores, households and restaurants ends up in waste bins and landfills. Furthermore, 64% of wasted food comes from households.

While food waste in the region is high all year round, it increases significantly during the holy month of Ramadan.

Conserving Bounties Society, a non-profit, voluntary association licensed by the Ministry of Social Development, urges individuals and families to exercise moderation and discipline through Ramadan.

Here’s how you can reduce waste in your household:

Plan your meals

Many families prepare too much food during Ramadan. It is advisable to prepare a menu for all suhoor and iftar meals so you can consider the number of dishes and portion sizes your family requires. Write a grocery list to avoid unnecessary shopping.

Store your food correctly

It’s important to store meat, poultry and dairy correctly particularly in hot weather. Ensure that all your food is sealed and stored at the correct temperature.

Read food labels

Make yourself aware of best before and expiration dates. If food items are close to their expiration date, consume them as soon as possible.

Share what you can't eat

If you are unable to consume all of your food, consider safe ways to donate leftover food or unopened products to families or individuals in need.

Food waste contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Here’s how to play your part to reduce food waste.

How to master

Urban gardens are a great way to grow your own produce, add more colour to your home and do your bit for the environment. Just follow these simple steps…

urban gardening

Setting up your own garden has a host of benefits. It allows you to become more self-sufficient and spend less on grocery bills. Furthermore, it reduces food insecurity and greenhouse gas emissions.

Step 1: Designate an area

It’s possible to grow a garden even if you have limited space available. The key is to utilise your space well. If your have an outdoor area such as a balcony, patio or rooftop then clear the area and invest in space-saving containers such as grow bags, hanging baskets and planters to allow for more growing space.

If you don’t have an outdoor space, start a container garden in a suitable area in your home. Decorative pots from nurseries can be expensive so opt for buckets or up-cycled items such as crates and paint cans to pot plants.

good quality soil to plant the seeds. Follow the depth and spacing directions carefully.

Step 4: Take care of your garden

Familiarise yourself with the water needs of your plants. Gently spray your garden with water but take care not to overwater. Then give your produce enough space and time to grow. Ensure that you harvest fruits and vegetables when they are ripe and tender but only pick them when you plan to consume them. Lastly, enjoy the fruits of your labour!

Tips from an expert

Reem Yateem, Founder of Learn to Grow, a Holistic Permaculture Education Program centre, says the most important thing about growing a successful garden is observing and interacting with nature. You want to work with nature instead of against it. Some good questions to ask are:

· What direction does the wind come from?

· Where is your main water source?

· How can you use your water (including grey water and rain water) more effectively)?

· How can you rejuvenate the soil to restart the food web (bacteria, fungi, microorganisms)?

Step 2: Determine what to grow

Understanding your garden’s conditions is key to success. Consider how much direct sunlight and square footage you have when you determine what kind of plants you will grow.

Vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber and cabbage are easily cultivated in Bahrain. Depending on the season, fruit such as watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, papaya, mango, lemon, oranges and dates are good options.

Step 3: Pot your plants

Prep your containers by adding drainage holes large enough for excess water to drain out. Use

She adds that Bahrain has really sandy soil, which can make it difficult to grow healthy produce. In order to improve your soil there are three important strategies you can use.

1. Plant trees and grow a canopy because shade is very important during the hot summer months.

2. It’s vital to have a proper ground covering because it keeps the soil moist, prevents any evaporation and it gives nutrients to the soil. A ground covering can consist of dead leaves or live plants. Purslane is a great plant to use as ground covering because it takes out the salt from water.

3. Once your soil is healthy, decide where to plant your crops and design your garden.

Instagram: @learntogrow.bh Website: www.learntogrowbh.com

Recipes Meat Free

Meat free is a great way to live sustainably, especially when you consider shopping seasonally and at your local farms. Here are three great recipes to try.

Vegetable Pizza

1 large eggplant, sliced

4 medium zucchini, sliced

12 button mushrooms, sliced

1 red capsicum, quartered

480g wholemeal pita breads

1/2 cup tomato pizza sauce

1 cup Bulla Cottage Cheese

Basil leaves, to serve

Step 1

Char-grill eggplant, zucchini, mushroom and capsicum on a non-stick grill or BBQ until tender. Remove skin from blackened red capsicum and cut into strips.

Step 2

Spread the pita breads with tomato sauce and top with vegetables. Dollop evenly with cottage cheese.

Step 3

Bake at 200°C for 10-15 minutes or until base is crisp and the cheese has browned. Serve topped with basil leaves.

Spring Dhal

This hearty braised dhal recipe will become a go-to weeknight recipe for when you're short on time. In just 45 minutes you'll create a high fibre,  vegetarian dinner as pumpkin, silverbeet and lentils cook in one pan.

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve

1 brown onion, finely chopped

1 tsp yellow mustard seeds

2 tsp garam masala

2 garlic cloves, crushed

2cm piece fresh ginger, finely grated

1/4 cup tomato paste

2 cups Massel vegetable liquid stock

1 1/2 cups dried green lentils, rinsed

300g butternut pumpkin, peeled, cut into 1cm pieces

3 stems silverbeet

2 tbsp fresh coriander sprigs

Step 1

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until softened. Add mustard seeds, garam masala, garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute or until just fragrant.

Step 2

Stir in tomato paste. Add stock and 2 cups of water. Bring to a simmer. Stir in lentils. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover. Cook for 20 minutes or until lentils are almost tender.

Step 3

Add pumpkin. Cook, covered, for a further 8 minutes or until lentils and pumpkin are tender.

Step 4

Meanwhile, remove and discard stalk and centre vein from silverbeet. Roughly chop leaves. Add to lentil mixture. Cook for 2 minutes or until just wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Serve dhal topped with coriander and drizzled with extra olive oil.

Vegetable Ribbon Skewers

Whether cooked in your pan or on the barbecue, the combination of zucchini, pumpkin and tomato salsa flavours on these skewers is just right.

2 (450g) zucchini, peeled into ribbons

400g butternut pumpkin, peeled into ribbons

1 red capsicum, cut into 2.5cm pieces

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp dried oregano

50g goat’s cheese, crumbled

Tomato salsa:

3 roma tomatoes, seeded, finely chopped

1/2 small red onion, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, crushed

1 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil

2 tbsp finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

2 tbsp red vinegar

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Step 1

Place zucchini, pumpkin and capsicum in a large bowl. Add oil and oregano. Toss well to coat. Thread pieces of capsicum, zucchini and pumpkin onto a skewer in alternating order. Repeat for the remaining skewers.

Step 2

Make Tomato Salsa: Combine tomato, onion, garlic, basil, parsley, vinegar and oil in a glass or ceramic bowl. Season well with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Heat a chargrill pan or barbecue grill on medium heat. Cook skewers, turning occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until vegetables are golden and tender. Transfer to a serving tray. Spoon

Tomato Salsa over skewers and sprinkle with goat’s cheese. Serve.

Source: Taste.com

Leftover Recipes

Frittata

This frittata recipe is super flexible. You can use just about anything that's leftover in the fridge. Each serving provides 337 kcal, 21g protein, 15g carbohydrates (of which 5g sugars), 21g fat (of which 7g saturates), 4.5g fibre and 1g salt.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

100g cooked sweet potato, cut into small chunks

175g (around 3) cooked new potatoes, cut into small chunks

100g (¼ head) broccoli, stem sliced and remainder cut into small florets

½ red pepper, seeds removed, cut into small chunks

1 leek, cut into chunks

handful (50g) frozen peas

1 red or green chilli, finely chopped (deseed first if you like)

100g feta, roughly broken

6 large free-range eggs

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

green salad leaves, to serve

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a medium non-stick frying pan (ideally ovenproof) and gently fry the sweet potato, new potatoes, broccoli, pepper and leek for 5–7 minutes, or until the potatoes are lightly browned and the other vegetables are just tender, stirring regularly. Stir in the peas, chilli and feta.

2. Break the eggs into a bowl and add a good pinch of salt and lots of black pepper. Beat well using a large metal whisk. Pour the eggs into the pan and give it a little shake, so they run down between all the vegetables.

3. Cook the frittata over a gentle heat for 5 minutes without stirring, or until the egg is almost set. Meanwhile, preheat the grill to high. Place the frittata under the hot grill for 3–4 minutes, or until set.

4. Loosen the sides of the frittata and slide onto a board. Cut into wedges and serve with a green leafy salad.

Chicken egg-fried rice

Chicken egg-fried rice is a quick, easy and cheap way to use up leftovers. Perfect for late-night meals or dinner in a hurry.

Ingredients

1 tsp vegetable oil

1 large free-range egg, lightly beaten

2 spring onions, sliced 50g frozen peas

250g pouch microwavable rice large handful leftover roast chicken (or shop-bought cooked chicken), shredded

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

1 tbsp dark soy sauce

Method

1. Heat half the oil in a wok or large frying pan over a high heat until it just starts to smoke. Add the egg and quickly stir-fry until just under-cooked. Remove from the wok and set aside.

2. Heat the rest of the oil in the wok and add the spring onions and frozen peas. Stir-fry until the peas have defrosted.

3. Squeeze the rice pouch a few times to break up the rice, then add the rice to the pan with the roast chicken. Stir-fry until the rice has started to crisp a little and the chicken is hot through.

4. Stir in the cooked egg, toasted sesame oil and soy sauce and serve.

Using leftovers to recreate new meals is a great way to save food and spend less money on creating new meals. Here are two recipes to help you to use your leftovers creatively.

Fisheries and Acquaculture

The management of aquatic life through various farming and harvesting techniques such as fisheries, aquaponics and aquaculture has seen a major boost in popularity recently, with more people recognising the value of maintaining sustainable and healthy water sources. Fisheries refer to the extraction of wild-caught fish, often with large scale operations requiring detailed management to avoid over-fishing and depletion of the stocks.

Aquaponics on the other hand uses a combination of plants and fish together in a symbiotic relationship, allowing water to cycle back into the system rather than become polluted.

Finally, aquaculture takes this approach a step further by breeding and raising fish in specially designed enclosures with complex hydrodynamic designs to manage the environment, ensuring the fish grow to maturity in a safe and clean environment. Overall, managing aquatic life responsibly can provide important benefits for both human society and the environment.

Connecting Bahrain to a

Global Market

Bahraini-based Shell Fisheries is contributing to improving food security in the region, while exporting a wide range of products to the Middle East, Asia and North America.

In 2001, Shell Fisheries launched a processing plant located in the industrial area of Salmabad. Over the last two decades the company has expanded its operations and invested in modern processing technology. With three specialised factories sourcing products from local and international markets, the business currently has a total plant capacity of 4500 MT per annum.

Sami Al Saif, President of Shell Fisheries, says the company strives to operate as sustainably as possible.

There is a big market for frozen fish such as hamour, salmon and shrimp in the Middle East and North Africa markets so these products are imported from international sources, processed and sold in Bahrain, the GCC, Iraq, Jordan and Egypt. Shell Fisheries also sells a range of value added products including breaded shrimp, fish nuggets, cooked shrimps and fish burgers in the same markets.

The regional market for certain frozen crustaceans such as crab is relatively small so the bulk of these products are exported to South Korea, Japan, Malaysia and the USA.

Shell Fisheries has also found a market for trash fish, which refers to non-targeted fish that are often considered to be of low commercial value and are typically discarded by fishermen.

However, in recent years there has been a growing interest in utilising trash fish as a source of food and income, particularly in developing countries where food security is a concern. Shell Fisheries processes and exports a range of trash fish including catfish, queenfish, ribbonfish and jellyfish to markets across Asia.

“Not only does our company source fish that sell well in the region, we purchase unwanted fish or bycatch to export to Asia. This benefits local fishermen as they are able to sell everything they catch which enables them to have a steady income.” says Sami Al Saif, President of Shell Fisheries.

Sustainability

The fishing sector plays a vital role in ensuring food security in Bahrain as it provides a significant portion of the country’s seafood. However, the industry has undergone significant changes in recent years due to pollution, land reclamation and climate change. Furthermore, the waters surrounding Bahrain have been heavily exploitedfor decades, and as a result, many fish species have become depleted.

Al Saif says Shell Fisheries is committed to ensuring that all of its products are sustainably sourced. “Over the last 20 years we have lobbied for the government to implement various measures to regulate the sector.”

To protect the oceans and ensure the sustainability of the fishing sector, the government of Bahrain has passed several regulations. One of the most important regulations is the Marine Resources Law, which was first enacted in 1981 and has been amended several times. This law regulates the fishing industry and sets limits on the size and quantity of fish that can be caught. It also established a closed season during which fishing is prohibited and stipulated that fishermen need to obtain licenses before they can operate. Those who violate the regulations will face penalties.

The government has also established marine protected areas (MPAs) to conserve the marine environment. This describes areas of the ocean where human activities are restricted or prohibited to protect marine biodiversity and ecosystems.

“The passing of these laws have resulted in a more regulated industry,” says Al Saif. “It has removed unhealthy competitors who used to cut corners from the sector. Furthermore, food safety measures have been improved across the board which is a very good thing.”

Looking ahead, Al Saif says Shell Fisheries plans to open a new processing plant in Sitra by early 2023. “This will enable us to add new production lines and expand our capacity. We also intend to expand our range of breaded and cooked products. This will allow us to continue generating export revenue, while supporting local fishermen.”

www.shell-fisheries.com

+973 1778 6110

info@shell-fisheries.com

The way forward

for farming in the UAE?

The UAE is utilising modern farming technology to boost local food production and improve food security. In the last nine months, the country has launched the world’s biggest vertical farm, as well as the largest hydroponic farm.

High temperatures, limited water supplies and finite arable land present a number of challenges for the farming sector in the Gulf region. According to the Global Food Security Index, these countries consume approximately US$29.5 billion worth of food per year, 85% of which is imported. This means that the region lacks control over its food sources and is vulnerable to disruption in supply chains and price fluctuations.

Due to concerns about the country’s dependence on foreign-grown food, the UAE’s government has been accelerating its support of AgriTech companies. Abu Dhabi has launched a number of initiatives, including US$41million in grants and incentives worth US$545million to support expansion.

Vertical farming

AeroFarms AgX, the largest indoor vertical farm of its kind, was launched in Abu Dhabi in February 2023. At 65,000 square feet, the farm will focus on bringing Research and Development (R&D) to the UAE and the Middle East. This new venture, which is supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), aims to lead the way in breakthrough

innovations to solve some of the world’s most pressing agriculture challenges.

“The grand opening of AeroFarms AgX, and our ongoing partnership with ADIO reflects our bigger commitment to help transform agriculture, accelerate innovating cycles, and commercialise new products for the region and the world,” said David Rosenberg, Co-Founder and CEO of AeroFarms, in a statement.

Vertical farming is a process that involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers or structures. Produce is typically grown indoors, in buildings or warehouses, in a controlled environment that provides plants with the ideal growing conditions, such as temperature, light, humidity and nutrient levels.

Another large indoor farm called Green Factory Emirates facility in Abu Dhabi is able to grow around 10,000 tonnes of fresh produce a year. By controlling the growing conditions, farmers can produce crops all year-round, regardless of weather conditions or outdoor climate. Furthermore, growing vertically allows for conservation in space, resulting in a higher crop yield per square foot of land used. It also requires less water than traditional farming methods.

Saudi Arabia has also began investing in vertical farming. US-based farming specialist AeroFarms

and the Saudi government-owned Public Investment Fund have partnered to develop a network of vertical farms. The first of which will launch in Riyadh next year. It is set to be the largest of its kind in the region, with annual production of up to 1.1 million kilograms of leafy greens and herbs.

Marc Oshim, AeroFarms Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, said in a statement, that his company plans to develop several more facilities in the Middle East and North Africa region in the coming years.

Security Committee constantly reviews current opportunities and challenges within the national food security strategy framework. Our plans for enhancing self-sufficiency in the agricultural sector by supporting the use of technologies and applied research in food processing and agriculture are focused on meeting the current and future needs of Dubai’s citizens and residents.”

In February 2023, the first permanent Manbat shop, which aims to provide a link between local farmers and consumers in the UAE, was launched in Sharjah.

Hydroponics

This modern way of farming involves growing plants in nutrient-rich water, without soil. This technique is gaining popularity worldwide as it allows farmers to grow crops efficiently throughout the year in controlled environments, using less space and about 90% less water than traditional farming.

In July 2022, a 330,000 square-foot hydroponic farm called Bustanica, was launched by a joint venture between Emirates' flight catering unit and indoor vertical farming firm Crop One. The US$40 million venture is set to grow more than a million kilograms of leafy greens per year, or about 3,000kgs per day. By utilising machine learning and artificial intelligence, the farm will save 250 million litres of water and grow fresh produce without pesticides, herbicides or chemicals.

The produce, such as lettuce, arugula, mixed salad greens and spinach, is already being served to passengers on Emirates’ flights. Consumers in the UAE will be able to purchase the produce at supermarkets in the coming months, Emirates said in a statement.

At the official launch of the farm, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, said: “The Dubai Food

The Manbat initiative is a partnership between property developers Arada and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The first phase of the initiative began in 2021 with the roll out of Emirati farmers’ markets, which are currently taking place on a weekly basis during the growing season across the country. These markets allow Emirati food producers to sell their wares directly to customers and retail buyers, which helps to reduce the country’s greenhouse emissions and boost the local agriculture sector. The shop also has an on-site hydroponic farm and offers educational tours that focus on nutrition and Emirati culture. The Manbat Shop is open daily and is located at the Areej 6 building in Aljada in Sharjah.

While hydroponic and vertical farms have some drawbacks such as the high cost of setup and maintenance and requires specialised equipment and expertise, it offers farmers ample opportunity to combat the challenges posed by hot weather and limited water supplies, and bolster food security in the region.

AeroFarms AgX: www.aerofarms.com

+971 055 228 2484

@aerofarms

Bustanica: www.bustanica.ae

+971 50 387 3692

Manbat: www.manbat.ae

+971 56 773 7001

@manbatuae

Myna Making a splash with

Bahrain Food Monitor chats to the newly appointed CEO, Joao Lopes about this home grown brand.

What is Myna?

Myna, a low sodium bottled water, is the natural choice for health-conscious consumers.

Where is the water sourced from?

Derived from a natural water source deep beneath the island, myna is bottled in a state-of-the-art facility with a low sodium mineral balance. The result is a refreshing and healthy premium brand of bottled drinking water that is ‘the truly natural choice of Bahrain’.

What makes Myna sustainable?

Bottles are reused and recycled at the end of their life. it means no virgin plastic is added in the economy. This means reduced plastic waste,

reusable water bottles, reduced CO2 emissions and reliable own water source (borewells) at two strategic locations and bottled in its own factory. It’s a natural water without any process of desalination which makes it more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Take us through the water sourcing and bottling process?

Myna meets the Gulf Standard Organisation (GSO 1025) standard for bottled drinking water.

Borewell water undergoes reverse osmosis (RO) to eliminate contaminants from water before bottling. In RO, water is forced through a semipermeable membrane. The membrane permits the minuscule water molecules to pass through while straining out impurities dissolved in the water. The water is re-mineralized, disinfected with UV and Ozone and rigorously tested in the inhouse lab.

How would you describe your technical expertise?

Professionally managed company under the leadership of AMA Group. Proper management structure and qualified staff handling  state-of-the-art equipment with quality accreditations.

What are the expansion plans?

The demand for pure and safe water is increasing  and it’s matching the added value that Myna is providing to our customers. Providing quality premium water to each home/office at an affordable price is the goal. The increase in health awareness will increase the demand for our bottled water market and our company will expand accordingly.

Myna�is a premium brand of mineral water launched by Ahmed Mansoor Al-A’ali Co. a leading multidisciplinary company long established in the Kingdom of Bahrain.�Myna� originates from a natural water source deep beneath the island. From here, it is hygienically treated and bottled in apurpose-built, state-of-the-art facility. Myna�has been formulated with a mineral balance to create healthy, refreshing water; ideally suited to Bahrain’s environment. This has resulted in a product that can truly be called “The natural choice of Bahrain”.

Are there threats to water supply in the gulf?

Water scarcity is the single biggest risk for the Middle East. Modern and efficient ways of water production is the top priority for the country. The Bahrain government has invested in a new

desalination plant and wastewater treatment plant which would reduce the threat level significantly in the short term. The willingness on the part of government to involve private sector companies in water management can bring modern technologies and the know-how to train a new cadre of local water experts and managers. Myna water is and will continue to contribute to the solution in terms of volume and quality of our water.

Bahrain is predicted to have a water crisis in 25 years what can the country do?

The drinkable ground water source is not much in Bahrain hence, the sea water desalination is the only major source of water supply in the country and hence the country will have to keep building desalination plants. The underground water in the deep aquifer is known to flow from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bahrain and the management and control of it will of critical importance. Changing public mindset through education on social responsibility and sustainability to prepare the next generation would bring the change in consumption and waste. The Government must continue its efforts on public awareness for more sustainable water consumption and keep supporting the private sector companies on the investment in this sector. We at AMA will keep contributing to the management of water in Bahrain and to deliver it at the highest standards.

Aquaponics: The future

of farming in the Middle East?

Aquaponics is an innovative and sustainable method of food production that combines aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as fish) and hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) in a mutually beneficial system. It can be used to grow a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs.

The system functions within the circular loop that aims to waste nothing. Fish are kept in a tank where they produce waste, which is then broken down by bacteria into nitrates and other nutrients. The nutrient-rich water is then pumped to a hydroponic grow bed, where plants are grown using the water as their primary source of nutrients. As the plants absorb the nutrients, they clean the water, which is then returned to the fish tank, creating a continuous cycle of nutrient exchange.

What are the pros and cons?

One of the biggest advantages of aquaponics is that it requires 90% less water than traditional farming methods, which is highly beneficial for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) where water supply is generally low. Furthermore, no harmful chemicals are used, which means the produce is free of pesticides and herbicides; and the fish are free of growth hormones and antibiotics.

The big drawback is that aquaponics systems can be relatively expensive to set up, although the long-term savings on water and fertilizer costs can make it a cost-effective solution over time.

Additionally, farmers need to maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem, which can be disrupted by changes in water quality or temperature.

Growth of the sector

Aquaponics is a rapidly growing industry because it allows for a continuous production of food. Countries across the GCC are investing in aquaponics projects to increase local food production and reduce reliance on imported produce.

According to a study by Market Data Forecast, the Middle East and Africa aquaponics system market was worth USD 49 million in 2021 and is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 15.7% to reach USD 101 million by 2026. The study reports that rising populations, an increase in disposable income and a growing demand for organic produce is driving market growth.

Bahraini farmers have shown interest in aquaponics, with several small-scale systems being set up in recent years. One such farm is the Bahrain Line Aquaponic Centre in Hamala, which was established in 2014. The family-operated business produces about 40 different crop varieties throughout the year, and focuses its aquaculture on a combination of tilapia, koi and barramundi. By using innovative technologies and methods, the farm aims to improve market supply and set a benchmark for freshwater fish in the region.

Using far less water than traditional farming methods, aquaponics appears to be the perfect solution to agriculture’s ails, but is it a fad or a viable method of food production?

Food Manufacturing, Processing & Logistics

Food manufacturing, processing and logistics are increasingly intertwined to provide an efficient global food supply chain. Companies in the food manufacturing and processing industries face complex decisions around location and distribution in order to maximize productivity, efficiency and freshness. On the other side, companies in the logistics industry provide a comprehensive suite of services to food processors and manufacturers to meet the global demand. Together, they allow food companies to increase operational efficiency, reduce waste and deliver better tasting, fresher products to their consumers. These sectors must constantly monitor and analyze data in order to adapt quickly to shifts in customer demand. In addition, advanced technologies are used to integrate data and optimise operations for greater visibility and more efficient use of resources. This complex network of services and processes enables the secure, safe, and cost-effective delivery of food products around the world.

How do food trends affect the food chain?

Consumers' food preferences are continuously evolving. Diets such as Keto, Paleo and plant-based often promote the consumption of specific ingredients, but what impact does this have?

Each year a new wave of food fads surface. This occurs when there is a lot of buzz and excitement about a particular ingredient, dish or cooking method. For example, over the last decade the leafy vegetable kale became ubiquitous on grocery lists and menus globally. When there is increased demand for a particular ingredient, however, it can lead to potential shortages or price increases. Fads are usually short-lived, therefore their impact on the food chain is often fleeting.

In contrast, food trends tend to be more gradual and steady, building up over time until they become a permanent part of the culinary landscape. Trends are usually more expansive and involve a broader range of foods and cooking techniques, which can have a significant impact on the food chain and environment. We take a look at the prevalent food trends affecting the current landscape:

Superfoods

Over the last decade a number of ingredients have been dubbed “superfoods”, which are nutrient-dense foods. This has led to an increase in the demand for ingredients such as kale, quinoa, acai berries, chia seeds and sea moss.

A research study by the Basque Center for Climate Change analysed the environmental impact of harvesting six of the most popular superfood crops. The study reports that local communities have been growing these crops sustainably for millennia, but once they are deemed “superfoods” the production is often taken over by large corporations

that focus on short-term profit rather than long-term sustainability. In some cases, this erodes local food-producing systems, which negatively affects local farmers and communities.

The study also found that the increased demand for these foods can lead to greater pressure on natural resources such as land and water, as well as a reduction in biodiversity. Additionally, the production and transportation of these foods can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Plant-based diets

Vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian diets have become more mainstream in recent years. These diets emphasise ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. To cater to this growing market, there has been a significant boom in meat-alternative products in supermarkets, restaurants and fast food chains. A report by Grand View Research reveals that the market for meat-alternatives is expected to grow by 19.3% from 2022 to 2030.

The Keto diet

This diet has become an increasingly popular diet in recent years. It promotes the consumption of high-fat, low-carbohydrate foods and limits the intake of grains, fruits, and other carbohydrates. In some markets, Keto has lead to an increased demand for meats, cheeses, and other high-fat foods, as well as certain vegetables such as cauliflower and avocado. High demand for certain foods can put pressurev on the producers and suppliers of these ingredients, which could potentially lead to higher prices and shortages in certain regions.

Gluten-free:

Diets that limit gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley and rye due to gluten sensitivity have become more commonplace. This has opened markets for a wider assortment of alternative flours and foods made from non-wheat ingredients, such as pastas made from quinoa and flours made from nuts, rice and oats

Non-dairy

The demand for plant-based milk products such as almond milk, soymilk, rice milk and coconut milk is on the rise due to increased occurrences of lactose intolerance and the rising vegan population.

According to a report by Grand View Research, the global plant based milk market size is expected to reach a valuation of US$ 19.8 billion by 2023. It is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9% from 2023 to 2033. Plant based milk sales are set to account for a significant part of the global dairy market in future years.

Overall, food fads and trends can have a significant impact on the food chain and the environment. It is important to be mindful of the potential harm and to consider the broader implications of our food choices.

A beginner’s guide to eating seasonally

Eating food that is in-season and locally grown is generally fresher, tastier and more nutritious. It’s likely to be cheaper too!

Each country has its own seasonal calendar, which dictates when locally grown fruits and vegetables are ready for consumption. Seasonal produce is picked at its peak so it does not spend weeks or months in storage or on shelves. Making yourself aware of which ingredients are in season enables you to take advantage of the freshest and most flavorful produce available.

Buying in-season is also beneficial for local farmers because it enables them to sell their crops directly to consumers, cut out the middleman and keep more of the profits for themselves. Furthermore, the produce does not have to be packaged and transported long distances to reach consumers, which reduces the carbon footprint of your food choices.

What to look out for

In Bahrain, the growing season for many fruits and vegetables is from October to May, while the summer months tend to be too hot and dry for many crops. Look for markets that stock locally produced produce such as Budaiya Farmer’s Market, Hoorat Al Ali Farmer’s Market or the Central Market in Manama. You could also visit local Bahraini farms such as Tasneem Garden and Roots & Shoots to get an indication of what is in season. If you can, try to talk to the farmers that grow your produce and ask when they anticipate your favourite fruit and vegetables will be available to purchase.

Here are some of the ingredients that are in season in Bahrain at different times of the year:

October to December: During the winter months, some of the most popular seasonal produce in Bahrain include tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, lettuce, spinach, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli and strawberries.

January to March: As the temperatures begin to increase, you can find a variety of tropical local fruits such as mangoes, papayas and bananas. Other seasonal produce during this time include radishes, fava beans, peas and lemons.

April to May: Towards the end of the growing season, you can find a variety of melons, such as watermelon and cantaloupe, as well as figs and apricots. Tomatoes, cucumbers and eggplants are also still in season.

If you cannot find produce grown in Bahrain, opt for fruit and vegetables that are grown in the Middle East or Africa. The rule of thumb is: the closer you are to the country of origin, the better. A shorter distance between the farm and your plate means better produce because there is less time spent in storage and transportation, which helps to ensure that your food is as fresh as possible!

Feeding thousands

Each day the Kingdom of Bahrain disposes of 400,000+ kgs of waste, which is a figure the Bahrain Food Bank is working tirelessly to reduce by feeding families in need.

NAZLEY JORDAN

Some 146,000 tons of food waste is discarded each year, which costs the Kingdom 95 million BD per annum. The Food Bank is trying to combat this problem by collecting and repackaging surplus food and distributing it to people in need.

Established in 2017, the Food Bank is run by the Conserving Bounties Society (CBS), which is a non-profit, voluntary association licensed by the Ministry of Social Development. Since the outbreak of the Corona virus pandemic, the organisation has provided meals for 10,000 individuals and 1,800 families.

The Food Bank works with local charities and non-profit organisations to distribute food to low-income families, migrant workers, and individuals who are homeless or living in shelters. By providing nutritious meals to those in need, it is helping to improve public health and reduce the risk of malnutrition and foodborne illnesses.

The initiative has helped to reduce the volume of food waste that is sent to landfills, which not only helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also conserves valuable resources such as water, energy, and land.

“Through our work, we notice that the percentage of food waste during the holy month has almost doubled due to the large number of family gatherings and special occasions for Ramadan breakfasts and ghabgas,” Mr Ahmed Al Kuwaity, Managing Director of the Bahrain Food Bank (BFB) told Gulf Daily News.

“We urge the Bahraini society, institutions and individuals to support us in achieving our goals in reducing wastage,” he told the publication. BFB, which aims to reduce waste through several awareness campaigns follows two main aims of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) –eradication of hunger and changing consumption and recycling patterns.

Another pillar of the organisation is limiting food waste, which is being addressed through a number of awareness campaigns. CBS aims to encourage citizens to avoid buying or preparing more food than is necessary, as well as saving surplus food and distributing it to people in need.

The organisation has also established a sustainable agriculture programme to promote local food production and reduce reliance on imported foods.

While the food bank operates throughout the year, the holy month of Ramadan tends to be its busiest time.

IMPORTANTContacts

Bahrain

list of important contacts making a contribution to food security in the region:

Unpacking the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA)

The SFDA was launched in 2003 in response to concerns about the safety and quality of food and drug products in the Saudi market. Due to its arid and water-scarce environment, the country was previously very reliant on food imports, so it began heavily investing in domestic food production and diversifying its food sources. Prior to the launch of the SDFA, there were few regulations in place, which posed a significant risk to public health. The Kingdom has since made tremendous progress in food production, distribution and security.

Today the Authority’s main objectives include:

Strengthened regulatory framework

The SFDA has introduced a range of regulations, guidelines, and standards for foods, drugs, medicines, and diagnostic devices that are imported or locally made, which has helped to reduce the risk of harm to consumers. By streamlining the regulatory process for imports and exports it has become easier for companies to do business in the country. This has helped to attract foreign investment and develop the healthcare and food manufacturing industries.

Inspection and testing

A number of inspection and testing programmes and laboratories were established, which aim to monitor compliance with the SDFA’s standards. Strict penalties have been implemented for companies that fail to comply with the country’s regulations.

Furthermore, the SDFA’s food traceability system allows for the tracking of food products from the point of origin to consumption, which helps to identify and address any issues that may arise during the production, processing, or distribution of food products. This helps to identify any potential health dangers and minimise the risk of foodborne illness.

Consumer awareness

The SFDA publishes regular articles and updates to inform consumers about developments in food, drug safety and medical device safety. It also publishes information that dispels myths, provides clarity on rumours and issues warnings about products that may be contaminated.

In 2020, the SFDA issued new regulations requiring all food products sold to be labeled with a clear and accurate list of ingredients, as well as a nutrition label. It also has a public database that lists approved products and companies enabling consumers to make informed decisions when shopping.

Earlier this year, the Smart Shopper campaign was launched, which aims to increase awareness about healthy eating choices, safe shopping, food waste and nutritional claims.

Overall, the SFDA's efforts to improve food security have helped to ensure that the country has a more secure food supply and all of its citizens have access to safe and nutritious food.

+966 11 203 8222 @saudi_fda

Since its launch, the SFDA has made significant strides in promoting food safety and security in the country, which has had positive ramifications across the region.