ADAFSA amplifies agricultural sustainability efforts as Year of Sustainability concludes

emirates7 - The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) remains steadfast in its mission to achieve sustainability across the agricultural sector, encompassing both plant cultivation and livestock farming. Through innovative programs and projects, ADAFSA promotes advanced agricultural technologies, enhances product quality, and champions best practices to position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in food security.

In a report issued during the "Year of Sustainability," ADAFSA highlighted its adoption of state-of-the-art agricultural technologies and its collaborative efforts with the private sector. A key initiative is the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, which honors farmers, livestock breeders, family producers, and commercial farms for their contributions to sustainable practices, innovation, and improved agricultural production.

Food security remains central to ADAFSA’s strategy, focusing on building a sustainable food system capable of addressing future challenges. Initiatives to optimize water resource usage have successfully reduced agricultural water consumption to 1.89 billion cubic meters, down from 2 billion in 2019. Collective irrigation services now supply water to over 6,500 farms using communal networks, with recycled and desalinated water introduced to preserve groundwater reserves and enhance agricultural sustainability.

ADAFSA’s Modern Agricultural Technologies Programme includes projects such as the Advanced Agriculture Project and post-harvest operations, which directly support sustainability and the shift to climate-smart practices. Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Good Agricultural Practices (AD GAP) programme has certified 1,530 farms as of 2024, ensuring compliance with international best practices. Progress in sustainability is tracked annually through the Agricultural Sustainability Index, following UN Food and Agriculture Organisation guidelines.

The Food Loss and Waste Reduction Strategy, launched in 2023, aligns with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by promoting responsible production and consumption. Initiatives such as the "Together Blessings Last" awareness campaign and extensive training programs, which engaged over 18,500 participants in 2023, further underscore ADAFSA’s commitment to conservation.

In the beekeeping sector, ADAFSA has developed the ninth generation of the Emirati honey bee breed. In spring 2024, the authority distributed 2,840 queens to local beekeepers, contributing to a total of 17,392 queens bred since the program’s inception. Collaborative research with UAE University has helped identify and manage honey bee pests and diseases, ensuring high-quality, residue-free honey production.

In livestock management, ADAFSA offers veterinary, preventive, and advisory services to breeders while conducting research to enhance animal health and productivity. Initiatives such as the smart extension system, annual immunization campaigns, and advanced biosecurity measures ensure the sector's sustainability and resilience. Training programs for veterinary students further strengthen local expertise.

ADAFSA also prioritizes food safety by implementing rigorous inspection protocols and launching smart systems for self-monitoring, risk management, and crisis response. Platforms like "Jahaziya" enhance early warning capabilities, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s food safety framework and ensuring compliance with global standards.