The Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia (AFTEA) in partnership with DLG (German Agricultural Society) is a Constellar event scheduled to take place on 26 October at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore and will showcase the latest innovations and tech solutions in the agriculture sector, as a means of addressing the ongoing farming and food supply challenges in Southeast Asia.
According to the World Bank, agriculture has accounted for nearly 11% of ASEAN’s gross domestic product in 2020, making it one of the most important sectors in Southeast Asia. However, numerous factors such as climate change, supply chain disruptions and labour shortage resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to a fall in production.
In a report published by Agriculture Post, Constellar Group CEO, Jean-François Quentin said, “There is an increasingly critical need for collective action and expertise to accelerate the pace of technology adoption and innovation in the region.”
This month, AFTEA will focus on tech solutions to enhance the efficacy and output of agricultural processes and boost crop production. In addition to this, regional, international debuts and product launches have also been planned to discuss agritech solutions and breakthroughs among sectors such as aquaculture, food processing and packaging, sustainability and resource management, and novel food technologies, to name a few. More than 200 exhibitors from over 15 countries are expected to attend.
Moreover, through targeted engagement platforms such as the Sandbox and the Living Lab, delegates will get an opportunity to directly interact with industry experts, business executives, and other stakeholders to discuss topics such as aquaculture innovation, digital labelling, green financing, localising alternative proteins, building sustainable, inclusive and resilient agri-food tech ecosystems and urban agriculture. This will enable them to explore solutions and collaborations with more knowledge while also building valuable connections.
To elaborate, the Sandbox is a platform which will primarily focus on newly formed collaborations. The Living Lab on the other hand, enables delegates to personally experience innovative solutions within Agri-Food production. Examples include 3D bioprinting of meat and seafood products, vertical and urban farming solutions and circular aquaculture. Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will support startups and companies to engage on food technology, go-to-market strategies, OEM manufacturing, as well as other R&D initiatives. These MoUs are signed by Singapore’s first venture capital food accelerator with facilities, Innovate 360.
Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia will also be co-hosting the Sustainable Urban Agriculture Forum to address food security challenges such as energy consumption and increased farming expenses. According to Tobias Eichberg, Member of the Board of Directors of DLG and managing director of DLG Exhibitions, Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia’s position in Singapore, a country which is widely known as Asia’s urban innovation hub, will fulfil DLG’s aim to boost knowledge in the international food and agriculture sectors.
