FNC warns against lack of food security strategy

Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s food security may be threatened because of the lack of a federal strategy to face inflation, climate change and population growth , the Federal National Council (FNC) heard yesterday ( Tuesday).

Ahmad Obaid Al Mansouri, a member from Dubai, said the country might face challenges within the next few years because of inflation, climate change and steady growth of population.

“Our problem is the lack of a federal food security strategy. Yes, there are individual initiatives and efforts, but there is no food security policy,” Al Mansouri said, questioning the Ministry of Environment and Water’s efforts over the past five years to cope with any emergencies.

Al Mansouri said the lack of a food security strategy meant that the UAE still imports more than 80 per cent of its food requirements and 60 per cent of these requirements were imported from just 10 countries. “The nation’s food reserves may last only for 10 days,” he said.

Dr Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahd, Minister of Environment and Water, admitted 86 per cent of the UAE’s food needs were imported.

The minister, however, stressed the country has a food security strategy but his ministry was tasked with a part of it. “So it is unfair to speak of this strategy in the absence of other authorities involved,” the minister said.

Bin Fahd added his ministry set four goals to boost food security, including increasing production of vegetables and improving food safety. “We have more than 700 hydroponics farms which continue to promote high-quality produce that can be grown within the UAE whilst utilising modern water-saving techniques,” the minister said..

A report worked out by an ad hoc committee of the House said the UAE’s food consumption was steadily growing by 12 per cent annually and the demand for food staples increased by 30 per cent due to the increase in the population.

The report also showed that the country imports around 86 per cent of its food, quoting statistics of the Ministry of Economy.

Members of the House demanded a food staple reserve be created to meet market requirement for six months and investment in agriculture be boosted to achieve effective food security.

The representatives questioned the UAE’s readiness to face disasters — such as shortage of food, medicine and water — during emergencies.

The report also urged supporting organic agriculture, safe use of pesticides and fertilisers and entering into a strategic partnership with other countries which have successful agricultural strategies.

The FNC report also recommended offering subsidies to Emirati fishermen.

Bin Fahd said the House had presented 26 motions to the Cabinet which passed them all.