Zeyoudi attends Lulu’s organic farm launch

Abu Dhabi / Emirates Businesss

His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, attended the launch of a new initiative by Lulu hypermarkets to promote the locally grown organic farm produce through their stores across the UAE. The initiative was inaugurated at Lulu Hypermarket in Mushrif Mall, Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Yusuff Ali Musliam, Chairman of Lulu Group and other top officials.
During the inauguration ceremony, Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said: “The UAE government has been promoting the food production industry with great importance and high priority as we are keen to find out new ways to increase its contribution to the food security and diversification of our national economy.
His Excellency extended his appreciation to Yusufali MA. and the Lulu Group, for supporting this initiative and for their close cooperation with the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care & Special Needs, which will promote the locally grown organic farm products. He indicated that there is a high demand for organic products produced in UAE, which will in turn benefit the farmers’ community in particular and promote the sustainable economic and social development in the country as part of the ‘Green Economy for Sustainable Development’ initiative launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
“We focus on the adoption of appropriate and viable agricultural patterns of climate-smart agriculture, such as hydroponics, organic and protected agriculture. We also concentrate on employing modern techniques, systems, innovative solutions and best practices to cope with the pressures and challenges faced by the sector, in addition to strengthening the partnership initiatives between the public and private sectors”, Dr. Al Zeyoudi explained.
According to Yusuff Ali, “We have always done our best to support many socially relevant community activities and are proud to associate with Ministry of Climate Change & Environment and Zayed Higher Organization for promoting organic produce from the UAE. “Through this arrangement, not only we will be promoting the local agricultural sector and supporting the special needs community, but also cut down carbon emission due to reduction
in transportation of locally grown vegetables.”
It’s noteworthy that such initiatives contribute effectively to supporting the marketing of national agricultural products. For example, the volume of national organic products sales, through only two partners, increased to AED20 million by the end of 2016. By the end of 2016, the number of organic farms increased to include 80 produce farms, 7 animal production farms and 5 organic manufacturing plants with an area of 45,890 acres. This initiative also comes in response to the increasing demand for organic production and the role played by the ministry in increasing knowledge and awareness and supporting the organic products market in the country.