The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) have announced a cooperation agreement with Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative technologies in agriculture, food safety, food security, and biosecurity.
The partnership will assemble stakeholders in the AgriTech industry in a collaborative environment, enhancing support for startups in the agricultural technology sector and fostering innovation in the field.
As the UAE has declared 2023 the Year of Sustainability, this agreement aligns perfectly with its drive toward a more sustainable future that safeguards its land and resources.
In addition, the two organizations will collaborate to establish a robust network of AgriTech stakeholders across business, academia, and government, fostering partnerships and backing startup innovations.
The UAE is leading the Middle East and North Africa in the Global Food Security Index (GFSI) for 2022, placing 23rd in the GFSI overall rank, a leap of 12 places from 2021. It also ranks 31st in food affordability, 7th in food availability, 16th in food safety and quality, and 53rd in sustainability and adaptation sub-indicators.
Hub71 is a critical initiative under “Ghadan 21”, Abu Dhabi’s accelerator program, which was established to stimulate the Emirate’s development as a diverse innovation hub.
The partnership will strengthen the Emirate’s status as a global destination for agricultural technologies tailored to desert environments and innovations to address soil, water, and climate change challenges.
Adopting modern agricultural technology aligns with the sustainability principles upheld by the governments of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates. It provides practical solutions to the challenges posed by climate change while rationalizing using natural resources and enhancing productivity and supply chain efficiency.
This agreement is a strategic move to bolster innovation along the value chain from producer to consumer, promoting sustainable food security.
Ahmad Ali Alwan commented, “The agreement with ADAFSA will enable Hub71 to unlock opportunities for AgriTech startups to build ground-breaking technologies that can revolutionize agriculture. Furthermore, through the partnership, startups will gain access to the wider Abu Dhabi ecosystem and have the opportunity to work closely with global tech companies, government bodies, and investors to develop advanced AgriTech innovations.”
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