H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, along with H.E. Eng. Saif Al Shara, Assistant Undersecretary of Agricultural affairs and Animal Sector, Ministry of Environment and Water, have visited today (Sunday, February 2, 2014), an organic farm owned by the Emirati Khadem Al Kubaisi at the Bahia district in Abu Dhabi.
The visit reflects the Ministry's keenness to communicate with farmers, identify the challenges they face, and solve problems hindering the development of organic farms in order to raise the organic production sector to international standards. The ministry aims to support and encourage the involvement of Emirati farmers in local organic farming and the usage of the latest techniques to produce safe food products while preserving ecological resources. The organic sector has been undergoing remarkable development and rapid growth across the UAE. Statistics indicate that organic farms have grown from 218 hectares in 2007 to approximately 3,920 hectares in 2013 comprising 39 plant farms and 3 animal farms, with the number of locally produced crops exceeding 62.
The ministry has been working on the development of the organic farming sector through the issuance of national legislation covering organic inputs and products based on international laws. These include Federal Law No. (5) on organic inputs and products which is considered a first for GCC states. The ministry has also authorized the use of the Emirati “Organic” trademark to differentiate organic products from other commodities in order to protect organic producers and gain the trust of consumers.
The ministry has also been conducting several training programs for farmers to help them shift to organic farming. These programs cover all subjects related to organic farming, including laws and legislations, soil control, pest control, marketing, and animal farming. Furthermore, the ministry has been holding lectures and field workshops to train farmers, engineers and agricultural advisors on best practices and provide them with knowledge from farmers experienced in organic farming. Organic farming has been drawing huge interest from farmers due to the increasing demand for local organic products from Emiratis and other residents. The growing demand has prompted the ministry to raise awareness on the significance of organic farming and its role in preserving natural resources. The provision of chemical-free products reflects one of the most important principles of organic farming, which is to avoid the use of any environmentally-harmful agent – pesticides, fertilizers, or otherwise – in order to preserve the health of consumers.
Organic agriculture has also contributed to the recycling of farming waste such as palm fronds, damaged dates and other agricultural wastes which are converted to animal fodder or farming fertilizer. Proper organic farming ensures a sustainable environment for soil and preserves the organisms living in it.
To concretize its commitment to the continuity of organic farming, the Ministry collaborated with the Municipality of Dubai in opening the first market for organic products at Dubai’s Hamriya market in 2012. Another organic market will be opened at the Global Village in 2014 to coincide with the Dubai Shopping Festival. This will be an excellent opportunity for the festival’s visitors, UAE residents and tourists to examine the development of organic farming. The market will also be an ideal platform for educating the local community on organic products.