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“Food security is a strategic priority for the UAE and we seek to achieve this by strengthening our agricultural sector and mainstreaming advanced agricultural practices with the support of relevant stakeholders in the country,” the minister said.
She added: “The establishment of a Farmers Council will drive this priority as it will highlight the challenges facing the sector and the best ways to overcome them. Through its members representing all regions of the country, the Council aims to ensure that farmers have a voice To be heard, and to raise awareness in the farming community about relevant government programs and ways to support them.”
The Minister commended the important role played by local farmers in developing the sector by adhering to relevant laws and regulations and turning to modern agriculture to reduce the sector’s impact on the environment and climate.
The meeting agenda outlines the Council’s tasks. These include promoting the adoption of state-of-the-art farming methods, developing annual agricultural plans, identifying applicable agricultural systems, authorizing the implementation of applied agricultural research programs on selected farms, organizing capacity building and experience sharing activities for farmers, approving annual agricultural production plans and agricultural products Marketing Plan.
Members outlined the Council’s workflow for identifying priority challenges and projects, developing action plans, and assigning tasks and timelines. They also discussed the pledge signed by government entities at the UAE’s annual government meeting on November 22, which pledged to increase production capacity on local farms by 2023 and encourage and increase support for the food sector by 100% by 2030.
In addition, the council explored the UAE Development Bank’s financial solutions for modern agricultural SMEs and start-ups, and highlighted the next steps in developing targeted extension services for farmers. Against this background, MOCCAE will update the database of farmers in the next few weeks.
Council member Hamid Obaid Al Zaabi, who represents farmers in Ajman, stressed the importance of involving farmers in government decision-making and future plans for the agricultural sector.
Council Member Hamid Al Hamad, representing farmers in Abu Dhabi, said: “The Council is a platform that brings together policymakers and experts from the government and private sector to inform stakeholders about relevant policies and directions and challenges facing the sector. By empowering our farmers, we strive to realize the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to transform the country into a global leader in agriculture.”
In November, Minister Mariam issued Ministerial Resolution No. 353 of 2022 establishing the Farmers’ Council. She is the chairperson of the council. MOCCAE’s membership includes the Assistant Undersecretary and Vice Chair for Food Diversity, the Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services, the Central, Eastern, and Northern Regional Director, and the Upper Office of the Head of Support and Follow-Up. In addition, the committee includes two representatives of farmers from the Central Region, Eastern Region, Northern Region, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
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