ADAFSA Launches Comprehensive Initiatives To Reduce Food Waste And Enhance Sustainability In The UAE

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) is marking International Awareness Day on Food Loss and Waste, held every 29th September, by launching initiatives to curb food waste and promote agricultural sustainability in the Emirate. These efforts are part of ADAFSA’s ongoing "Together, Blessings Last" campaign.

ADAFSA collaborates with ne’ma, the UAE's National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, to tackle food waste. They signed an MOU in 2022 to align strategies with the National Food Security Strategy 2051. During Ramadan 2024, they studied food consumption patterns in the hospitality sector, revealing a 9% increase in food waste during Ramadan due to overproduction and overconsumption.

One notable ADAFSA initiative is the "Innovative Poultry Feeding Solution," which recycles food waste from restaurants and grocery stores into poultry feed. This reduces feed costs while enhancing food sustainability. ADAFSA has partnered with major retailers like Spinneys and Circa Biotech to convert their food waste into animal feed and organic fertilisers, promoting a circular economy.

A six-month pilot project involving all Spinneys stores in Abu Dhabi resulted in a 54% reduction in landfill-bound food waste. Organic waste was transformed into animal feed, organic fertilisers, and sustainable biofuels using black soldier fly larvae.

In its comprehensive approach to reducing food waste, ADAFSA has launched several initiatives within the livestock sector. Collaborating with charitable organisations such as the Bin Ham Charitable Foundation and the UAE Red Crescent, ADAFSA developed methods for safely disposing of diseased livestock while maximising meat use healthily. This strengthens biosecurity and protects human and animal health.

ADAFSA supports farmers by offering guidance on improving animal nutrition, reducing feed waste, and boosting productivity. Workshops and awareness lectures share best practices in livestock production and waste reduction.

Training and Education Initiatives

Recognising the importance of awareness and training, ADAFSA organises workshops for farmers and consumers. These sessions provide technical support for sustainable agricultural practices. Farmers learn about maintaining crop quality post-harvest by rapidly cooling produce and storing it at optimal temperatures to extend shelf life.

Farmers receive guidance on planting varieties suitable for the UAE's climate to optimise natural resources. Recommendations include using agricultural technologies that improve production efficiency and renewable resources like solar energy and recycled water.

Post-Harvest Handling Manuals

The authority recently issued 36 extension manuals covering 41 crops to preserve fruit quality after harvest. Post-harvest handling is crucial for production stages and a key pillar in the food security system.

Reducing food waste significantly addresses global environmental challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. The International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste calls individuals and institutions to build a sustainable future together.

This celebration highlights global efforts against food loss and waste. ADAFSA’s initiatives contribute to this global endeavour, positioning the UAE as a leader in agricultural sustainability.

By implementing innovative initiatives, providing training, and promoting best practices, ADAFSA sets an example for others to follow. Their efforts align with UN Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating the UAE’s commitment to a sustainable future for generations ahead.

With inputs from WAM