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Abu Dhabi organic farm wins global recognition
United Arab Emirates
Friday 22 February 2008
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.
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.
