Credit By: The Grocer
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) intends to expand the agricultural industry’s contribution to the economy by a staggering $10 billion (or around Dh36.7 billion) over the next five years. The UAE is aiming to boost this sector significantly. The UAE’s Minister of Economy, Abdulla bin Touq al-Marri, unveiled this massive project to improve the country’s economic prospects and generate some 20,000 jobs.
Principal Elements of the Plan
In his remarks at the Future Food Forum, which took place for the sixth time in Dubai, Minister al Marri listed seven essential pillars that would propel this approach forward:
Localizing Innovation:
By creating an atmosphere that encourages creativity, the UAE hopes to ensure that ground-breaking concepts are developed domestically.
UAE-First Culture:
The country aims to prioritize local food production and supply chains to increase food security.
Global Regulatory Powerhouse:
The United Arab Emirates seeks to become a global regulatory powerhouse by ensuring its agricultural goods are recognized globally and meet international standards.
Assistance for Farmers:
Considering farmers’ crucial role, the government intends to give them the tools and backing they need to lead the world in sustainable agriculture and innovative food production.
Financing Accessibility:
Ensuring financing accessibility is crucial for promoting expansion and advancement in the agricultural industry.
World-Class R&D Innovation:
The industry will see change and innovation primarily due to the influence of world-class research and development.
Next-Generation Farmers: The future of agri-tech and agriculture depends on producing a new generation of knowledgeable, technologically proficient farmers.
Improving Sustainability and Food Security
To improve self-sufficiency, the UAE has aggressively pursued food security and sustainability programs. The National System for Sustainable Agriculture, a comprehensive plan to increase food production self-sufficiency, boost agricultural efficiency, and create new opportunities within the industry, was authorized by the UAE Cabinet in 2020. This system’s primary goals are reducing irrigation water use while increasing the sector’s workforce, average farm income, and self-sufficiency from specific crops yearly.
Sustaining Food in Uncertain Times
Minister al Marri underlined the growing significance of food security and stressed that the UAE is prioritizing this critical component of its national policy due to its increasing population. Compared to other Middle East and North Africa (MENA) nations, the nation stood out as having the highest ranking on the global food security index in 2022.
Getting Over Obstacles
Minister al Marri praised the UAE’s food and beverage industry’s adaptation and tenacity while recognizing the business’s challenges, particularly in these uncertain times. He emphasized the industry’s dedication to sustainable methods, critical to preserving the environment for future generations.
Accepting the Digital Revolution
Minister al-Marri received plaudits from the food and beverage industry for investing in digital infrastructure capabilities and talent development. Globally and locally, these initiatives are changing how food is produced, distributed, and consumed. Launched during the Forum, the UAE Food Platform is a prime example of the dedication to public-private partnership in promoting food security, enhancing the F&B ecosystem through digital infrastructure, and drawing trade and investment opportunities to encourage the growth sector.
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