ADAFSA Celebrates World Food Day By Promoting Agricultural And Food Sustainability Initiatives

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) is dedicated to advancing agricultural and food sustainability. It aims to strengthen the agricultural sector, including plant and animal production, alongside food producers and traders. ADAFSA promotes best practices in agriculture and food safety to ensure a sustainable future.

In celebration of World Food Day on 16th October, ADAFSA highlighted its initiatives supporting sustainable agricultural development. The theme for this year is "Right to 'foods' for a better life and a better future." ADAFSA encourages farmers to use modern technologies that reduce water usage while enhancing productivity quality and efficiency.

ADAFSA's efforts focus on greenhouse agriculture to achieve global leadership in food security. The goal is to boost local crop and livestock production, ensuring all residents have access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food at all times. This aligns with the National Food Security Strategy 2051, aiming for UAE's global leadership in food security through innovation.

The authority also recognises the importance of infrastructure services like roads, bridges, and logistics in supporting food security. Large storage facilities in Khalifa Industrial City (KIZAD), silos, and extensive food production factories are crucial for maintaining food security during crises.

ADAFSA remains committed to providing safe and healthy food for Abu Dhabi's community by adopting effective regulatory systems. Comprehensive awareness programmes based on international best practices contribute to community well-being. The authority emphasises enhancing the culture of food safety through increased control measures and partnerships with local and international entities.

To ensure consumers have access to safe food that meets nutritional needs, ADAFSA adopts the latest technologies in food safety. By September 2024, ADAFSA conducted 55,299 inspections of food establishments, 26,168 farm inspections, and 14,715 animal facility inspections. Additionally, 1,073,732 tonnes of food were imported through Abu Dhabi's ports since early 2024.

Innovative Data Platform

A key initiative by ADAFSA is the launch of the "Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Security Data Platform." This digital platform provides reliable data supporting policymakers and researchers in developing innovative solutions for enhancing agricultural effectiveness in the emirate.

In collaboration with ADNEC Group and the Food and Beverage Manufacturers Group, ADAFSA will organise World Food Week from 26th to 28th November 2024 at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi. The event will feature significant international participation from decision-makers and leading global companies in the sector.

World Food Week will include exhibitions, specialised conferences, and the inaugural Global Food Security Summit. The event will showcase cutting-edge global technologies in agriculture and food production.

ADAFSA's ongoing efforts reflect its commitment to ensuring a secure future for Abu Dhabi's residents through sustainable agricultural practices. By fostering innovation and collaboration with various stakeholders, ADAFSA aims to enhance both local production capabilities and overall food security within the region.

With inputs from WAM