His Excellency Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, noted that youth now bears the responsibility of continuing the work of the founding father of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in developing the local agricultural sector.

He made the remark during a visit to Nature Farm, accompanied by His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Arada. A prime example of a state-of-the-art farm run by Emirati entrepreneurs, Nature Farm has established a regular presence at Manbat, a farmers’ market offering fresh and local produce that was launched by Arada in partnership with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE).

The visit was part of MOCCAE’s drive to encourage youth to pursue agricultural entrepreneurship and play an active role in enhancing national food security.

His Excellency Dr Al Nuaimi said: “For decades, Sheikh Zayed worked relentlessly to turn the desert into arable land. We are committed to following in his footsteps and advancing our agricultural sector while protecting our precious natural resources. We want our next generations to enjoy a better, more sustainable future.”

The Minister commended the farm’s model, developed by young Emiratis. Integrating agricultural production with food processing, the farm has made a name for itself in the market with its highly competitive products. Nature Farm has launched a range of ice cream and flavored yogurt as well as a café that sources 90 percent of its ingredients from the farm to utilize its produce when the market demand is low.