The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has launched the “First National Agricultural Guidance Forum” aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural transformation, sharing expertise, and highlighting the essential role of agricultural guidance in supporting farmers and disseminating the latest innovative practices and climate-smart agricultural technologies.
This initiative was held in conjunction with the UAE Agricultural Exhibition 2025, organized by the ministry at the Adnec Al Ain Center, under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Presidential Court.
The inaugural forum featured significant discussion sessions focused on empowering farmers, the role of women in agricultural guidance, tips for effective agricultural guidance, the responsibilities of the International Agricultural Guidance Organization, and showcased successful experiences and inspiring models in agricultural guidance and farmer empowerment.
Dr. Mohamed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for Food Diversity at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, remarked that the First National Agricultural Guidance Forum comes at a crucial time as the UAE undergoes a comprehensive transformation in its agricultural vision, recognizing agriculture as a foundational element for enhancing food security and achieving comprehensive development. He described the event as a well-planned step to establish agricultural guidance as a key tool for supporting farmers and enhancing their capabilities by transferring knowledge and advanced techniques to practical applications, reflecting the ministry’s strong belief in the vital role of agricultural advisors as the link between research centers and farms.
Al Hammadi noted that the forum aligns with the climate and economic challenges facing the agricultural sector, stating that agricultural guidance is fundamental in enabling farmers to optimize resource use and improve product quality. Additionally, it serves as a strategic platform to unify efforts among federal and local institutions, led by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, who are pioneering the sector’s development through innovative policies and programs. The aim is to achieve practical outcomes and actionable recommendations that support sustainable food security and a smart agricultural economy in the UAE.
Dr. Walid Abu Al Hassan, Senior Natural Resources Officer at the FAO sub-regional office for Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Yemen, emphasized that the launch of the First National Agricultural Guidance Forum represents a strategic step in the sustainable agricultural transformation journey adopted by the UAE. He affirmed the FAO’s commitment to supporting this transformation by enhancing partnerships, sharing knowledge, and developing guidance programs that empower farmers to adopt effective and intelligent agricultural practices, underscoring that agricultural guidance has become a necessity rather than a choice to achieve food security and confront climate challenges, while also empowering youth and women in the agricultural sector.
The forum included a session titled “Empowering Farmers – Success Stories from Working with Farmers,” featuring Engineer Bassam Ismail Al Shobki from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Engineer Amina Salem Al Ameri from the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, moderated by Engineer Salama Khamees Al Kaabi from the Ministry.
This session revealed a collection of success stories that have transformed challenges into opportunities through technical, financial, and marketing support, with a focus on transitioning from traditional agriculture to more sustainable and profitable production methods.
Moreover, Engineers Fatima Mohammed Bin Tarsh, Fatima Saif Al Kaabi from the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, and Jamila Rashid Al Zeyoudi from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment discussed in the “Women in Agricultural Guidance – Challenges and Opportunities” session, the increasing role of Emirati women in supporting agricultural transformation through their work in agricultural guidance.
The session highlighted professional development opportunities for female agricultural advisors and ways to enhance their participation in building a more innovative and sustainable agricultural system, moderated by Leila Ahmed Al Dhaheri from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
Additionally, a lecture titled “The Experience of Field Schools in the United Arab Emirates,” presented by Engineer Moamen Jilani from FAO, focused on the field school model as an effective tool for empowering farmers through participatory learning, knowledge exchange, and hands-on training, enhancing their skills and capacity for informed agricultural decision-making.
The forum concluded with a discussion titled “Important Steps and Tips for Successful Agricultural Guidance,” featuring Engineer Jamal Mahmoud Al Naqbi from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Engineer Mohammed Ahmed Al Bloushi from the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, moderated by Sheikhha Al Abdoel. This session discussed the critical factors influencing the effectiveness of agricultural guidance programs, spotlighting successful practices that can support farmers, boost their productivity, and reinforce the role of guidance as a cornerstone for achieving food security.