New rules for Abu Dhabi farms, food sector issued

Abu Dhabi - It also sets rules and requirements for using pesticides, fertilisers, soil conditioners, seeds and saplings.

New rules have been introduced to regulate practices in farms and food facilities in Abu Dhabi, ensure safety, and boost the sustainability of the agricultural sector.
One of the regulations clarifies the agricultural requirements for Abu Dhabi farms, including maximising the use of irrigation water in agricultural production and the application of modern irrigation systems.
It also sets rules and requirements for using pesticides, fertilisers, soil conditioners, seeds and saplings, aiming to help reduce production costs and increase farm returns.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), on Monday issued the regulations to ensure optimal use of natural resources and increase the local food production.
"The UAE is keen to support the national food security system, in accordance with the highest standards of food safety, so these new regulations and legislations aim to enhance the legislative and oversight role to develop the work system in the agricultural and food sector in Abu Dhabi, and to maximise the role of farm and livestock owners as an important and effective national element to promote the food security and biosecurity system," said Sheikh Mansour.
The second regulation obliges farm owners to obtain a licence from Adafsa for any farming activity. They would have to adhere to proper agricultural practices while irrigating crops, using fertilisers and pesticides, and storing these materials safely.
The third new rule focuses on the prevention and control of communicable, epidemic and zoonotic diseases in Abu Dhabi, defining the responsibilities of livestock owners, veterinarians and laboratory technicians in detecting epidemic diseases.
Adafsa's regulation on food hygiene was also amended, taking Covid-triggered changes into account and ensuring high standards of food safety in Abu Dhabi.
Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, director-general of Adafsa, said: "The new regulations would help Adafsa in formulating plans and launching programmes aimed at increasing agricultural economic returns, improving the income of farmers and livestock breeders, and utilising natural resources in a rational manner to achieve food security as well as sustainable agricultural sector."
According to the Law No. 7 of 2019, issued by the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his capacity as the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, on the establishment of ADAFSA, a total of three new regulations have been issued and amendments were made to five others.
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• Abu Dhabi