Abu Dhabi opens new wholesale farmers’ market in Mina Zayed – News

With 13 marketing outlets, the market caters to 20 local farmers and sells 20 tons of produce per day

Mina Zayed officials at the opening of the farmers market. – Photos provided

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Port has opened a new wholesale farmers’ market to promote local produce, increase farmers’ income and strengthen internal trade networks.

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) on Monday announced the opening of a new “farmers’ market” in line with leaders’ pledge to enhance food security.

From February to May, the Wholesale Farmers Market is open daily from 1pm to 10pm. It has 13 marketing outlets, serves 20 local farmers, and can sell about 20 tons of agricultural products every day. The marketplace provides a platform for wholesalers, retailers and consumers interested in buying medium to large volumes of locally sourced products.

ADAFSA is the main supporter and sponsor of this market, which aims to create innovative marketing opportunities for small agricultural producers of animal and plant products, increase the competitiveness of local products and make them more accessible to consumers. The marketplace is managed by Silal, a subsidiary of ADQ Holding Company, who register participating farmers and enable them to sell their produce directly to wholesalers and retailers.

Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director General of ADAFSA, said the farmers market initiative has drawn great interest from H.H. Directors in support of ADAFSA.

“The initiative is in line with Sheikh Mansour’s commitment to the development of the agricultural industry, increasing farmers’ income and improving the competitiveness of local agricultural products,” he said.

Al Ameri said the establishment of the wholesale farmers market is a rare opportunity for farmers to connect directly with retailers without any intermediaries, enabling them to obtain fair prices for their produce. In turn, consumers benefit from fresh, high-quality local produce at reasonable prices.

Al Ameri further emphasized that the market supports internal trade and the local economy by providing wholesalers and retailers with daily produce sourced directly from Abu Dhabi farms.

The official praised Silal’s efforts in managing the market, while highlighting the support of government and semi-government agencies for local products and farmers.

Referring to the Mina Zayed Wholesale Farmers Market, Silal CEO Salmeen Al Ameri said the market is another initiative in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to support farmers, following the success of the Al Wathba Farmers Market. He further explained that Silal has been at the forefront of implementing leadership directives to promote and empower local farmers.

He added that 20 display points have been provided to showcase the various produce of the farmers, with a capacity of up to 20 tons. These platforms have been equipped to allow direct transactions between farmers and traders, removing the need for intermediaries and ensuring higher returns for farmers.

Furthermore, he emphasized that the location of the Wholesale Farmers Market is very special due to the Mina Zayed area’s reputation as a permanent hub for buyers, wholesalers and retailers and an important consumer base in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.