H.E. Mariam Almheiri, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, chaired a high-level national Majlis session in Fujairah to discuss the transformation of the UAE's food systems. The session was attended by government officials, climate leaders, and representatives from the private sector. H.E. Almheiri emphasized the need for greater inclusivity in climate talks and highlighted the importance of food systems and agriculture in the global economy and society. She called for the alignment of innovation, technology, and new ideas to promote sustainable food systems. The attendees discussed the need for the private sector to amend its goals and strategies, enhance the productivity of small farmers, and increase local production and the supply of local products in the market. They also emphasized the role of modern technology and nature-based solutions in addressing the challenges of food and agricultural production. The Majlis is part of the COP28 UAE Changemakers Majlis series, which aims to bring together local climate leaders and innovators to discuss climate, sustainability, and Net Zero opportunities and partnerships.
The UAE has been actively focusing on transforming its food systems to be more sustainable. The country has launched the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and is leveraging emerging technologies and innovative cultivation methods to enhance the resilience of agricultural systems. The UAE aims to reduce imports and increase reliance on locally produced food. They are also using digital technologies to improve supply chain transparency and efficiency. The upcoming COP28 conference will further highlight the importance of sustainable food systems, and the UAE aims to serve sustainable food during the event.
In addition to the discussions on food systems, the UAE has also emphasized the importance of peace, humanitarian aid, and sustainable food systems in its foreign policy strategies. Qatar's approach focuses on preventive diplomacy, dialogue, and mediation, aiming for comprehensive and sustainable peace. They believe in addressing the root causes of conflict and providing economic empowerment opportunities. Qatar also supports the role of regional and sub-regional organizations in promoting dialogue and resolving disputes. They emphasize the need for strong partnerships between the UN and regional organizations to prevent conflicts and support peacemaking efforts. Additionally, Qatar calls for international coordination efforts and a comprehensive approach to achieve just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace. They highlight the importance of anticipating future summits and reviews, investing in early warning systems, and supporting peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts.
Similarly, the UAE highlights the necessity of delivering humanitarian aid to refugees worldwide as a priority in its foreign policy. The UAE delegation to the Security Council emphasizes the importance of providing aid to alleviate the suffering of refugees and internally displaced people. They call for equal access to basic services, with a focus on the needs of women and children. The UAE expresses concern about the dire conditions in the Gaza Strip and calls for the safe and sustainable delivery of aid. They also highlight the plight of Rohingya refugees and urge intensified diplomatic efforts to address their humanitarian crisis. The UAE emphasizes the need to protect refugees from violence and address the root causes of forced displacement. Additionally, they stress the importance of addressing climate change to prevent future displacement. The UAE affirms its commitment to working with international partners, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to support refugees and displaced people worldwide.
The UAE embassy in Korea organized the UAE Agriculture and Food Security Workshop at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. The workshop aimed to discuss sustainable solutions in agriculture and food security. Representatives from the UAE and Korea attended the event, including Wassim Youssef Said, advisor to the UAE's minister of climate change and environment, Eisa Alsamahi, deputy head of mission of the UAE to Korea, Lee Yoon-seok, Kazad representative of the Korean Market, and Kim Hwang-yong, director general of the technology cooperation bureau of Korea's Rural Development Administration.
The 15th UAE Changemakers Majlis at COP28 discussed the intersection of climate change, food security, and access to water. Key focus areas included food shortages, tech solutions, waste management, and Net Zero food systems. Participants emphasized the need for innovative technologies, such as vertical farming and AI solutions, to strengthen agricultural transformation and optimize supply chains. They also highlighted the importance of international cooperation, protecting small farmers, and learning from indigenous practices. The UAE's Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate, in partnership with the United States, has committed to investing over $17 billion in climate-smart agriculture and food systems. Climate change poses significant threats to food security and access to clean water, making technology crucial for supporting sustainable food sources.
[102f8c4c] Greeneration, a horticulture company, has officially launched in Dubai, offering a range of high-quality, locally grown products to the UAE's culinary scene. The company specializes in the cultivation of rare crops and ingredient sourcing for the HoReCa industry. Greeneration has its own farm in Dubai Industrial City, spanning thousands of square meters and featuring a multi-layer system of hydroponic equipment. The company uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze data and refine insights for crop management. Greeneration aims to supply up to 1,200 restaurants in Dubai and offers a diverse range of premium products, including microgreens, specialty greens, baby leaves, and edible flowers. The company plans to expand its selection to include medicinal herbs, berries, and ginseng sprouts. Greeneration also operates on a co-creation model with chefs and is at the forefront of innovation with new food concepts, including non-alcoholic beverages. The company has launched the Greeneration Academy, a sustainability training solution for schools and universities. Greeneration aims to become the top hub for natural, nutritious ingredients in the GCC.
The launch of Greeneration in Dubai aligns with the UAE's efforts to transform its food systems and enhance sustainability. The company's focus on locally grown, high-quality products contributes to the UAE's goal of reducing imports and increasing reliance on locally produced food. Greeneration's use of innovative cultivation methods, such as hydroponics and AI, demonstrates the UAE's commitment to leveraging emerging technologies for agricultural resilience. By supplying premium products to restaurants in Dubai, Greeneration supports the UAE's aim to promote sustainable food systems and offer diverse culinary options. The company's expansion plans to include medicinal herbs, berries, and ginseng sprouts further contribute to the UAE's goal of enhancing the availability of nutritious ingredients. The Greeneration Academy's sustainability training solution aligns with the UAE's focus on education and capacity building in the field of food systems. Overall, Greeneration's launch in Dubai strengthens the UAE's position as a hub for sustainable agriculture and highlights the country's commitment to innovation and culinary excellence.
Lundberg, a leading grower of organic rice, has become the leading U.S. Regenerative Organic Certified food brand. They have introduced over 70 products made with Regenerative Organic Certified rice across their portfolio. Lundberg worked with the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA) to certify more than 8,500 acres of rice, four times more than the previous year. They plan to transition the rest of their organic acreage by 2027. Lundberg's farming practices include smart water and weed management, in-house nursery and resident rice doctors, wildlife protection and habitat creation, cover crops, and duck rescue. Almost half of Lundberg's product portfolio is now made with Regenerative Organic Certified rice. They are also rolling out a new package design. Lundberg Family Farms is the leading U.S. Regenerative Organic Certified food brand. [515ecefe]
Three leading produce growers, Bowles Farming Company, Braga Fresh Family Farms, and Taylor Farms, have partnered with Agrology to implement the Agrology Arbiter System, a technology that tracks their in-field carbon footprints and soil health. The system helps drive farm management decisions and improve the environmental impact of their regenerative farming practices. Each grower utilizes the system to monitor and measure the impact of their regenerative programs on soil health, microbial function, soil carbon stocks, and water conservation. The collaboration underscores a commitment to building soil health as a cornerstone for the future of farming. The growers aim to increase microbial biomass and biodiversity, placing their operations on a path towards carbon neutrality. The Arbiter System facilitates real-time monitoring of soil biological activity and carbon flux, providing insights into soil moisture, nutrient cycling, water holding capacity, and climate data. The technology is affordable, scalable, and rugged enough to withstand agricultural environments. Agrology, a leading agricultural technology company, focuses on enhancing sustainability, profitability, and decision-making within the agricultural community through real-time measurement and predictive insights. The partnership with the growers signifies a shift towards regenerative and sustainable farming practices, quantifying and understanding the impact of their practices on soil health and soil life. [11e66b7a]
Renowned chef Aryn Hala has launched a sustainable catering service in Gold Coast, Queensland. Hala, a sustainable culinary advocate, is known for her commitment to cooking and sustainability. She draws inspiration from chefs like Alice Waters and Dan Barber, who prioritize sustainable practices. Hala's catering service focuses on sustainability, quality, and creativity. She reflects on her career, including the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of handling negative feedback. Hala offers advice to aspiring chefs, emphasizing passion, sustainability, teamwork, and customer service. She plans to expand her catering services, offer educational workshops on sustainability, and potentially publish a cookbook. Hala's goal is to inspire more people to make environmentally conscious choices in their kitchens and daily lives. [f36e403b]