The Ministry of Environment and Water signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Cooperative Society in an effort to promote UAE’s agricultural products. The move is part of the Ministry’s initiative to provide more outlets to display and sell local products, increase farmer’s return of investment, as well as promote the agriculture sector and the national food security system. The MoU is also in line with the Ministry’s efforts to enhance food safety and sustainability and support the development of farming community products.

H.E. Engineer Saif Mohammed Al Shara, Assistant Undersecretary for Agriculture and Livestock Affairs, Ministry of Environment and water, said: “This partnership is in line with the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen the cooperation with strategic entities, and coordinate actions towards supporting farmers working in the agricultural sector. Doing so would raise the sector’s contributions to the national economy in promoting local products, which will help generate income and sustain resources for future generations.”

H.E. Al Shara also stated that both parties are committed to promoting the region’s products, which include organic agriculture and aquaculture products. The MoU will also foster a mutually beneficial exchange of information between the two sides, discerning between those the farmers who are using organic farming in the pattern of production, and those whose products can be differentiated by the organic UAE brand and the aquaculture products. In recognition of such, the Union will designate special areas to display said products to make them accessible and easily recognizable to consumers. The Union will also launch promotional materials, such as informative posters and leaflets about the products and the organic UAE brand.

According to H.E. Al Shara, 700 tons of select 62 organic agricultural products that was valued at more than AED 7 million were promoted in 2013. He also pointed out that the memorandum will contribute to the Ministry’s efforts to increase the size and efficiency of organic farms and aquaculture houses.

H.E. Eng. Saif Mohammed Al Shara said that a team from the Ministry and the Union will monitor the implementation of the memorandum and will conduct periodic assessments regarding the promotion of the UAE’s agricultural products within the Union and among its affiliates. The team will also provide proposals and suggestions to enhance the marketing of the products and to promote participation of as many farmers possible, for their own benefit. He stated: "This Memorandum of Understanding will contribute significantly to the development and production of the UAE's agricultural segment. Such growth can be achieved through a comprehensive assessment of the market’s demands and increasing production according to consumer needs within the growing season.”

The agreement was signed by H.E. Eng. Saif Mohammed Al Shara, Assistant Undersecretary for Agriculture and Livestock Affairs at the Ministry of Environment and Water, and H.E. Khalid Humaid bin Diban Al Falasi, General Manager of the Union Cooperative Society, in the presence of a number of local farmers.

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