The UAE has taken a significant step toward reshaping its agricultural future, with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment officially launching the Young Farmer Seal initiative at the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026 in Al Ain.
Announced on the third day of the conference, themed "Family and Women Farmers," the initiative was launched by Minister Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, with Minister of State for Youth Affairs Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi also in attendance.
Developed by the Emirates Youth Council for Agriculture, the Young Farmer Seal awards a certified stamp to youth-led agricultural projects that meet defined sustainability and quality standards. The goal is to give young Emiratis a credible national identity in the agricultural space, build consumer confidence in locally produced goods, and help small-scale ventures grow into competitive enterprises.
The initiative is open to Emiratis under 35, including farm owners, livestock breeders, beekeepers and agri-food processors. Eligible projects must be youth-owned and managed, compliant with local regulations and able to pass a technical evaluation.
The initiative features a progressive Seal classification system aligned with the young farmer’s journey and the level of experience and excellence, divided into three color-coded categories:
• Category (A) - Growth Stage (Green Seal): For beginners (0–2 years of experience), focusing on operational planning, production sustainability, and obtaining necessary licenses.
• Category (B) - Fruiting Stage (Orange Seal): For those with medium experience (3–4 years), demonstrating consistent application of good agricultural practices.
• Category (C) - Empowerment and Sustainability Stage (Red Seal): The highest level, for over five years of experience, requiring innovation in technical practices and a professional marketing and distribution plan to ensure wide consumer reach.
Dr. Al Dahak said the seal represents a bond of trust between the nation and its youth, while also boosting the market reach of Emirati agricultural products through access to major retail outlets and cooperative societies.
Dr. Al Neyadi echoed that sentiment, noting that equipping young people with the right tools strengthens local product competitiveness and advances the UAE's broader food self-sufficiency goals.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
