Ministry Of Climate Change Signs Strategic MoUs To Enhance Sustainability In Agriculture Sector

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has reinforced its commitment to sustainable food security and local agriculture. During the first two days of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025, held from May 28-31 at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain, seven strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, attended the event.

On the opening day, MOCCAE partnered with Silal to establish a secure and sustainable food system. This MoU aims to enhance personal, community, and environmental health while supporting the UAE's ambition to lead globally in food security. The agreement involves developing a data-driven food strategy that integrates local, regional, and international data for a sustainable future based on scientific principles. Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi from MOCCAE and Salmeen Al Ameri from Silal signed this agreement.

Another significant MoU was signed between the National Agriculture Centre and Lulu Retail. This agreement focuses on boosting local agriculture by providing retail space for local products and creating direct purchasing channels. This ensures that accredited farmers can deliver high-quality produce directly to consumers. Sultan Salem Al Shamsi of the National Agriculture Centre and Ashraf Ali M.A. of Lulu Group International formalised this partnership.

MOCCAE also collaborated with Barakat to promote environmental sustainability through initiatives like the "100-Mile Initiative." This project aims to reduce the distance between farmers and consumers, upcycle food waste into animal feed, and use biodegradable plastic for bottles. The "Food Waste Recycling Initiative" is another component aimed at converting food waste into animal feed. Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi from MOCCAE and Kenneth D'Costa from Barakat Group signed this MoU.

The second day featured four additional MoUs. One notable agreement was between the National Agriculture Center and Khalifa University of Science and Technology. This MoU supports innovators in food and agriculture by providing resources, funding, and mentorship through the Access Programme of the Agricultural Innovation Centre. Sultan Salem Al Shamsi and Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri signed this agreement.

Advancements in Agricultural Research

MOCCAE also joined forces with Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) to establish a laboratory focused on AI innovation in research and analysis. The aim is to enhance collaboration in advanced technologies and skill development, delivering valuable studies for shared objectives. Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi from MOCCAE and Professor Sami Haddadin from MBZUAI formalised this partnership.

An MoU was signed with several universities including Sharjah University, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Khorfakkan University, and Al Dhaid University for agricultural research collaboration. This agreement seeks joint projects in food security research, studies, and capacity building to strengthen cooperation between these institutions and MOCCAE. It was signed by representatives from each university alongside Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi.

Collaborative Efforts for Biosaline Agriculture

Additionally, an amendment was made to an existing agreement between MOCCAE and the Islamic Development Bank Group concerning the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA). This amendment was signed by Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi from MOCCAE alongside Eng. Mohammed Jamal Al-Saati from the Islamic Development Bank Group with Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi present as ICBA's Director General.

These agreements highlight MOCCAE's dedication to collaborating with partners for environmental sustainability enhancement, improved food security measures, and national economic growth through modern agricultural technologies.

With inputs from WAM