Sharjah Farmers Forum Expands Local Agriculture And Food Security Initiatives

The 6th Farmers’ Forum, organised by Sharjah Cooperative with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, is highlighting local agriculture, food security and family participation at Rahmania Mall. The event focuses on national production, sustainable practices and direct support for Emirati farmers and productive families through a combined programme of marketing, education and entertainment.

The forum aligns with the Emirate of Sharjah’s vision for a sustainable food system that relies on local resources and supports national producers. It also reflects the objectives of the Year of the Family, aiming to strengthen family stability and position families as active partners in development and food security across the community.

The Farmers’ Forum is taking place in the outdoor area of Rahmania Mall, offering visitors an open-air experience that blends agriculture, shopping and learning. Activities run daily from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm and will continue until the evening of 1 February, enabling repeated visits from families, farmers, school groups and other community segments.

Majid Salem Al Junaid, CEO of Sharjah Cooperative, and Rashid Abdullah Bin Huwaiden, Executive Director of the Supply Chain Sector at Sharjah Cooperative, inaugurated the forum. Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Agricultural Club, and Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi from MOCCAE also attended, alongside Sharjah Cooperative directors, officials, media representatives and participating farmers.

Al Junaid stated that the Farmers’ Forum reflects the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who places strong focus on agriculture and farmers because of agriculture’s role in food security, sustainability and quality of life. Al Junaid said the initiative supports people and families while linking economic progress with social stability.

Al Junaid explained that supporting and empowering local farmers remains central to Sharjah Cooperative’s strategy. The forum is described as more than a sales outlet, functioning as a platform for awareness, engagement and knowledge sharing. According to Al Junaid, the initiative strengthens self-sufficiency, encourages domestic production, backs the national economy and increases appreciation for local products within households and the wider community.

For Bin Huwaiden, the Farmers’ Forum offers a direct channel for farmers to reach consumers and improve local supply chain efficiency. Bin Huwaiden said that strengthening demand for national agricultural goods supports market stability, builds resilience in the food system and supports national plans to diversify food sources while advancing long-term sustainability objectives.

Farmers’ Forum Sharjah Cooperative food security market and community activities

Bin Huwaiden added that the Supply Chain Sector at Sharjah Cooperative uses such initiatives to give farmers access to effective marketing routes and to create a supportive environment that improves product quality and competitiveness. Bin Huwaiden stressed that collaboration with The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and other authorities is crucial for the forum’s success and for deeper institutional coordination around agriculture and food security.

The forum includes an integrated exhibition with 25 booths dedicated to local farmers, beekeepers and productive families. Visitors can purchase Emirati organic crops, organic honey and fresh local produce directly from producers, which builds trust between consumers and farmers and strengthens local supply chains. A "Shop and Win" initiative offers instant gifts for purchases of AED 200, encouraging support for national products.

A comprehensive programme of children’s workshops and interactive sessions is also available, supported by recreational and educational activities that highlight sustainable agriculture, environmental awareness and community identity among younger generations. A special area for productive families aims to reinforce family relationships, promote a culture of work and shared effort at home and support domestic skills and innovation in line with the Year of the Family.

The opening ceremony featured cultural and community performances, along with children’s entertainment shows that combined education with enjoyment for visitors. Participating government and private bodies, along with farmers, were honoured for their roles in supporting agriculture, building the food security ecosystem and strengthening a culture of partnership among institutions, producers and community stakeholders.

The 6th Farmers’ Forum continues until 1 February with a programme that brings together direct marketing, public awareness and interactive workshops, embedding agriculture more deeply into family and community life. The event underscores Sharjah Cooperative’s ongoing commitment to backing local farmers, strengthening food security, reinforcing the family’s role in development and placing agriculture at the centre of a sustainable future.

With inputs from WAM