In line with its commitment to strengthen communication with farmers and enhance awareness of its initiatives, the National Agricultural Centre recently held an interactive workshop in Diba Al Fujairah. This event comes as the new agricultural season approaches and aligns with the marketing of dates, as farmers prepare for land preparation, ensure irrigation systems are ready, and provide necessary production supplies. The workshop reflects the Centre’s dedication to direct engagement with farmers and its support throughout various production stages, in collaboration with relevant local authorities.
Strengthening Connections with Farmers
The workshop was hosted at the Diba Cultural and Arts Association Theatre, gathering a group of farmers from various regions of Fujairah and the eastern areas of Ras Al Khaimah. Discussions focused on their needs and challenges, alongside an overview of the services and initiatives provided by the Centre to support them in developing the agricultural sector.
This was the second workshop of its kind, forming part of the Centre’s ongoing efforts to enhance engagement with farmers, introduce available services and initiatives, and address key challenges they face. Listening to their suggestions and requirements is crucial for developing more relevant solutions and programs that address the realities of the agricultural sector.
Aligning with National Objectives
The Centre’s efforts resonate with the UAE’s strategic goals to empower farmers and bolster their contributions to ensuring food security, supporting the objectives of the “Grow in the UAE” national programme. This includes encouraging the adoption of modern technologies and sustainable practices to enhance local agricultural productivity.
The workshop acted as a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange concerning the enhancement of farms and the quality of local produce. Participants discussed several topics related to production, marketing, and agricultural services, as well as initiatives aimed at turning farms into more efficient and sustainable models and leveraging modern technologies for resource management and agricultural operations.
Integrated Farmer Services and Support
During the meeting, the Centre showcased its project for integrated services aimed at farmers, designed to provide a comprehensive array of services close to their locations. This includes advisory and technical support, supply of production inputs, and linking agricultural production with packaging, marketing, and distribution services. The project aims to streamline technical, operational, and marketing services for farmers while enhancing the efficiency of the agricultural value chain.
The workshop also highlighted the “Al Hamraniya” Centre in Ras Al Khaimah, implemented in collaboration with “Salah,” aimed at enhancing the services available to farmers and strengthening value chains for local agricultural products. “Salah” provided a presentation on registration mechanisms for benefiting from agricultural product marketing services through the “Al Hamraniya” Centre, addressing farmers’ inquiries concerning marketing operations, pricing, and payment processes.
Introducing Best Agricultural Practices
Furthermore, farmers were introduced to the UAE Good Agricultural Practices (UAE G.A.P.) programme, which offers a national framework for applying the best agricultural practices in accordance with internationally recognised standards. This initiative is designed to improve the quality and safety of products and enhance production efficiency. The programme is being executed in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority to expand the application of good agricultural practices and elevate the quality of Emirati agricultural products, bolstering their competitiveness.
The UAE G.A.P. certificate aims to assist farmers in meeting quality, safety, and traceability requirements, enabling them to forge sustainable relationships with retailers and supply chains, alongside accessing new market opportunities and reducing agricultural operation costs.
The Centre’s team explained the stages of registration in the programme, from the enrolment process and required documents to the implementation of good agricultural practices and subsequent field evaluations to obtain certification. The workshop witnessed significant interest from farmers, with several signing preliminary contracts to register for the UAE Good Agricultural Practices certificate.
Building Trust and Collaboration
Director of the National Agricultural Centre, Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, emphasised that fostering collaboration and creating an integrated agricultural system comprising both public and private sectors is vital for ensuring that Emirati farmers remain key partners in developing relevant agricultural services and initiatives that meet their needs and support farm sustainability.
He remarked, “Direct meetings with farmers provide an effective channel for understanding field challenges and listening to innovative suggestions, contributing to enhanced cooperation and trust that helps refine programs more aligned with sector priorities.”
He also stated, “The UAE Good Agricultural Practices programme represents a practical step toward empowering farmers to refine their practices and better align their products with market requirements, opening broader marketing opportunities and establishing sustainable relationships with supply chains.”
Al Shamsi noted that the farmers’ enthusiasm for enrolling in the programme reflects their commitment to upgrading their farms and enhancing product quality, confirming that the Centre will continue to assist them throughout the registration, qualification, evaluation, and certification phases to enter markets.
He highlighted that the integrated services for farmers help connect various stages of the agricultural value chain, from planning and production to technical guidance, post-harvest marketing, and distribution, thereby supporting farmers in improving product quality and responding to market demands through access to new marketing channels.
The workshop concluded with a discussion session addressing the primary challenges farmers encounter in production, services, and marketing, alongside responding to their inquiries regarding the Centre’s initiatives and programmes. The feedback and suggestions from participants are anticipated to enhance the Centre’s services and programmes moving forward, ensuring they are better equipped to respond to farmers’ needs and bolster the competitiveness and sustainability of the national agricultural sector.
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