UAE | Environment
Abu Dhabi organic farm wins global recognition
The first internationally recognised organic farm in the UAE has been certified by the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements.
- By Emmanuelle Landais, Staff Reporter
- Published: 13:04 February 20, 2008
- Image Credit: Supplied Picture
- Spread approximately across 5 hectares, the Abu Dhabi Organic Farm has been a work in progress for about two years and finally received full certification in December 2007.
Dubai: The first internationally recognized organic farm in Abu Dhabi has been certified to European standards.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation supervised the certification process carried out by renowned European certification centre, which falls under the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements.
Spread over five hectares, the Abu Dhabi Organic Farm has been a work in progress for about two years and finally received full certification in December 2007.
Organic produce grown on the farm will include tomatoes, mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers and herbs as well as strawberries, mango and honey.
Kayan Jaff, UAE representative for the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), said the farm is a pilot project to encourage organic farming in the UAE.
"The farm is not massive but it is ambitious. There is not enough produce now in its first year to export, but the project aims to create education and awareness," said Jaff.
Certification first started in October 2007 when the soil was checked and approved. By December the first shoots of produce sprouted and again a secondary check was done, said Jaff.
"Luckily the farm is on virgin land, meaning it has never been used before for agriculture. It is free of pesticides and fertilisers. The role of FAO is to give guidance and technical advice on norms of organic agriculture."
The produce will be sold in Abu Dhabi to begin with and will be available countrywide later.
More from UAE Environment
More from UAE
Latest news
- Youngsters dance and raise cash for charity
- Dubai departments upgrade services
- Get yourself a free test for diabetes
- Ensuring a safety net for intellectual property
- Reader's issue addressed
- 5,552 illegals held in Dubai this year
- Man cleared because he took drugs in France
- Man charged with trafficking women
- Auditors to probe Mizin graft case
- Breaking down cultural barriers with photographs
- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Islamic centre
- Police's secret source scheme reaps rewards
- Transfusion centre launches new toll free number
- Mirror, mirror show me the way
- Smart e-Gate system launched
Community Reports
-
Mirror, mirror show me the way
Driver on Salam Street had so many boxes and fruits piled into car, he would not be able to view rear or right side mirrors
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
