Sustainable Agriculture Collaboration: Shumoukh Al Ezz Group And PittMoss Sign MoU

The Shumoukh Al Ezz Group has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with US company PittMoss, seeking to advance sustainable agriculture across the UAE and GCC. The agreement, concluded on Tuesday, focuses on modern growing media that avoid peat and other traditional inputs.

Chaired by Dr. Mohammed bin Muslim bin Ham Al Ameri, Shumoukh Al Ezz Group is looking to adopt agricultural inputs that support food security and reduce environmental pressure. PittMoss produces specialised growing media designed to replace conventional substrates while maintaining high performance for farmers and growers.

Under the MoU, both parties plan to assess options for technology transfer, structured product testing and possible local manufacturing in the UAE. The cooperation covers lightweight, organic growing media that increase aeration, hold more water and deliver nutrients efficiently, supporting plant health while cutting water and fertiliser use.

The agreement is positioned as part of wider plans to improve agricultural productivity while protecting scarce resources in the region. It supports efforts in the UAE and other GCC countries to deploy environmentally responsible production methods that help secure reliable food supplies under challenging climate conditions.

Dr bin Ham said the partnership represents a significant strategic step towards strengthening sustainable agriculture in the UAE, expressing hope that it will contribute to more efficient use of resources, water conservation and the healthy growth of plants in an environmentally safe manner, in line with the country’s vision for sustainability and agricultural development.

Brian Scott, Chief Executive Officer of PittMoss, said the memorandum confirms the company’s broader objectives in this field. Brian Scott said the MoU "reflects the company’s commitment to delivering innovative and environmentally responsible solutions, while reinforcing its global efforts to address food security and water resource challenges."

The MoU also sets out the option to establish regional manufacturing facilities, which would increase local availability of PittMoss products and reduce dependence on imported materials. Such plants would support stronger agricultural supply chains across the GCC and make sustainable inputs more accessible to producers.

By targeting new growing media, local production opportunities and shared research, the cooperation is expected to support national sustainability goals in the UAE. The partners aim to strengthen food security, optimise water use and encourage wider adoption of sustainable agriculture methods across the Gulf region.

With inputs from WAM