The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) recently held an introductory meeting with leading agricultural and food companies to discuss collaboration for the "Plant the Emirates" national programme.
The meeting focused on enhancing the private sector's role in advancing sustainable food security and agricultural development in the UAE.
Held at Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai, the event follows the launch of the programme and the 'National Agricultural Centre' by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. These initiatives aim to expand green spaces, foster partnerships, and ensure long-term sustainability.
The meeting, led by Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, explored opportunities for private sector collaboration to support the national programme's initiatives. Dr. Al Dahak emphasized the importance of sustainable agriculture in the UAE's development, rooted in the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Key challenges in the sector, such as limited organic farms and workforce shortages, were also discussed. Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of MoCCAE, highlighted the importance of adopting climate-smart agricultural systems and outlined the goals of the National Agricultural Centre, which include increasing organic farms by 25% and reducing agricultural waste by 50%.
The meeting concluded with private sector representatives expressing their commitment to supporting the programme through investment, research, and innovation, marking a significant step towards achieving the UAE’s sustainable agricultural goals.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
