Page 20 - Vol.39-No.8 issue

AGRICULTURE PRODUCT & SERVICE

REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE VENTURE PROGRAMME LAUNCHED

TO ENABLE CLIMATE-RESILIENT AGRICULTURE IN MENAT

A leading social enterprise dedicated Regenerative agriculture, through its key Abella added: “Our ambitious program
to accelerating sustainability and climate principles and adoption of resilient crop embarks on a transformative journey to
action, today announced the launch of varieties that require less water, fewer establish concrete and scalable impact
the Regenerative Agriculture Venture pesticides, and reduced chemical inputs, solutions for regenerative agriculture,
Programme. is an approach that translates as a vital significantly fortifying the MENAT region's
component in addressing the region- spe- sustainable development and environmen-
cific agriculture and climate challenges of tal health. We are not just imagining a future
the MENAT region Regenerative Agricul- of regenerative agriculture; we are strongly
ture also holds the potential to sequester facilitating its emergence. Together with
carbon dioxide, making it a climate change a new generation of thinkers and innova-
mitigation and adaptation solution. tors, we are dedicated to empowering im-
The Regenerative Agriculture Venture pactful change that preserves our precious
Programme has a multifaceted approach environment for future generations and
aimed at bolstering support to the knowl- positioning MENAT as a climate-resilient
Launched in partnership with HSBC Bank edge economy by emphasizing research, agriculture hub.”
Middle East Limited and SAB (Saudi Aww- science, and data-driven solutions. It also
al Bank), and supported by the European strongly focuses on capacity building for
Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) academia and researchers, fostering en-
Food, Goumbook’s Regenerative Agricul- trepreneurship and business skills to bridge
ture Venture Programme aims to empower the gap between the academic, research
and upskill researchers and students who and business sectors. Furthermore, the
are actively engaged in addressing the programme aims to transform research
fundamental agricultural challenges facing solutions into long-term, accessible, scala-
the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey ble, and sustainable impact solutions; that
(MENAT) region. are within reach of small and medium farm
The primary objective of the programme holders. Lastly, it strives to initiate a re- David Ramos, Head of Sustainability at
is to chart a sustainable path toward a generative agriculture movement in the HSBC Middle East, said: "This is an impor-
greener future by supporting innovative MENAT region, positioning regenerative tant programme which we hope will help
solutions in process methods and tech- agriculture as a critical response to climate support regenerative agriculture, enhance
nology, addressing a broad spectrum of change & resilience and to the unique agri- food and water security and aid in climate
challenges including hunger, nutrition, cultural challenges faced in this arid, saline, change mitigation."
climate change mitigation, and adapta- desert, and water-scarce region. Mai Bin Dayel, Head of Corporate Com-
tion, among other matters. In doing so, it Students and researchers focusing on munications & ESG at SAB, stated: “The
will position regenerative agriculture as a innovative and applicable solutions within Regenerative Agriculture Venture Pro-
beacon of hope in the battle against the the domain of regenerative agriculture for gramme represents a convergence of
regional agricultural obstacles, fostering the MENAT region can submit their appli- scientific inquiry and practical application,
a more resilient and prosperous MENAT cations for the programme online by 18th aimed at enhancing soil vitality, conserving
region for generations to come. December 2023 at www.RegenerativeA- water, and securing food resources in a
The solutions proposed by the partici- gricultureVenture.com. climate-impacted world. It's a visionary
pants must yield net beneficial econom- approach that seeks to not only mitigate
ic, environmental, and social impacts for environmental challenges but to regenerate
farmers and local communities, tailored to the very foundation of our ecosystems.
the unique agricultural conditions of the Our support signifies a deep investment in
MENAT region to drive sustainable, long- not just the present, but also in a thriving,
term change. sustainable legacy for our communities and
the environment that sustains us all.”
Recent research1 reveals that earth has
only 60 years of nutritious topsoil left, The programme will culminate at the fi-
equating to approximately 60 harvests, as a nal, where participants will showcase their
result of conventional agricultural practices. innovative solutions to a panel of esteemed
A thin layer of topsoil is responsible for Tatiana Antonelli Abella, Founder and judges, with the chance to win one of three
95% of all the food produced for human Managing Director at Goumbook, said: $10,000 cash prizes, with further oppor-
consumption2. "In a world grappling with pressing ag- tunities to support the solutions to scale for
ricultural, climate change, and food and impact, further recognizing and support-
The Food and Agriculture Organization water security challenges, we recognise ing their ground breaking ideas. The final
(FAO) of the United Nations also reports the urgency to innovate and maximise re- 3 candidates will engage in collaborative
that globally, conventional agriculture ac- source efficiency, especially in our region's efforts with farmers to refine their proof of
counts for 72% of all surface and ground- harsh farming conditions. Regenerative ag- concept, thereby guaranteeing their ideas'
water withdrawals, mainly for irrigation, riculture, with its holistic approach that practicality and high impact, firmly rooted
which is straining and depleting water enhances soil health, fosters biodiversity in substantial knowledge and skills.
supplies in many regions. and reduces greenhouse gas emissions,
offers tremendous potential.”
18 Vol. 39 No. 8
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