His Excellency Engineer Saif Al-Shara, Assistant Undersecretary of Agricultural Affairs & Animal Sector, Ministry of Environment & Water, UAE, launched a training workshop for farmers with regard to organic farming at the ministry’s headquarters office in Dubai, an event attended by organic farmers.
During his opening speech, Al-Shara said the workshop was part of the ministry’s integrated training program aimed at providing the best technical information and guidance to farmers who wish to adopt the organic agriculture system. One of the program’s main objectives is to educate them about laws and regulations, soil management, agricultural pest management, marketing, and animal production which contributes to providing food that are free of pesticides.
Moreover, his excellency discussed the ministry's efforts to develop the organic sector in which the national legalizations of organic inputs and products meet the international legislations such as the issuance of Federal Law No. (5) Of 2009. In addition, regulations on organic inputs and products were implemented, the first among the Gulf Cooperation Council for the Arab Gulf States. The ministry also encouraged the adoption of the Emirati organic products in order to provide security for the organic producers and enhance consumer confidence.
Al-Shara also revealed the ongoing coordination and cooperation between the ministry and Dubai Municipality to launch a market for organic products at Al Hamriya. Another market for organic products opened at the global village in collaboration with the village management. This enables a direct interaction between the producers and the consumers, leading to lower selling price and stronger marketing of products of organic farmers. Through this environment, farmers will earn bigger revenues, thus encouraging other local farmers to shift to organic farming.
Al-Shara pointed out a remarkable development and accelerated growth in the sector of organic production in the UAE. In 2013, organic farms covered an area of 3,920 hectares -- 39 farms used for vegetarian produce and three farms for animal production. The number of crops produced locally reached 62 crops as more farmers continued to shift to organic farming. The number continues to increase, which is the result of the ministry’s efforts to raise awareness among farmers about the importance of this type of agriculture and its role in the protection and sustainability of the natural resources. In addition, organic farming provides products that contribute to maintaining consumers’ health. Al-Shara also praised the increasing demand among citizens and residents for local organic products.
In the supervision part, the Ministry of Environment and Water regularly coordinates with concerned authorities for the implementation of the Federal Law Number (5) of 2009 concerning consumer protection. The law prevents any price manipulation of the organic products at the retail outlets and ensures that what is being offered meets the standards set by the state. Moreover, the ministry monitors the international legislation on organic products and coordinates with concerned parties for the modernization and development of the national legislation on organic inputs and products.
Thirty farmers from different parts of the country attended the training session. At the end of the event, they expressed their appreciation to the ministry for its efforts to develop and nurture organic farming in the state. They also expressed their desire to attend more workshops that contribute to development of the national organic agriculture.