Middle East > United Arab Emirates > Number of organic farms increases in UAE

United Arab Emirates: Number of organic farms increases in UAE

2014/01/04

Organic food typically costs 20 to 100 % additional than food produced from chemical farming, as it includes the use of additional expensive but safe fertilizers and better living conditions required for rearing organic livestock.

UAE-based farmers have been catering to consumer needs over the last few years and the number of organic farms has risen to a total of 39 organic farms this year, which covers 3,920 hectares across the UAE from 218 hectares in 2007.

“The majority popular crop part consumers is cucumber, and we have seen a growing trend for organic vegetables, not only part expatriates but within the Emirati community as well,” said Saif Al Shar’a, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Environment and Water.


Al Shar’a told Gulf News that the UAE has recognized a change in lifestyles and has adopted a number of bylaws to ensure that farms follow the standards set by the European Union and Emirates Standardization and Metrology Authority (Esma).

“The UAE currently produces 62 organic crops that comprise tomatoes, eggplants, dates, cucumbers, and a number of legumes. Research has shown that organic products are healthier as they contain less scientific chemicals, and we are carrying out regular workshops to ensure that farmers are up-to-date with the new strategies in organic farming,” said Al Shar’a, adding that there are three farms producing organic livestock produce.

According to recent international studies, washing, soaking, and peeling vegetables is not the solution to getting rid of chemicals in vegetables, as they are sprayed with a particular set of chemicals at the same time as sowed, harvested and processed.

Retailers have as well pointed out that lifestyle trends have prompted parents to take an active approach at the same time as buying vegetables and they have opted to go organic despite the difference in price from food produced using chemical farming methods.

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