DUBAI: Participants in the Food Innovation Conference 2024, which concluded in Dubai today under the theme ‘Reimagining Future Food Systems’, had the opportunity to join field trips around farms and factories specialised in food production within the UAE.
The tour aimed to showcase the latest technologies and research in food production within the UAE to an international audience of experts, innovators, public and private businesses, farmers, stakeholders, and investors. This opportunity highlighted innovative practices in sustainable agriculture and offered insights into food production practices that prioritize sustainability and carbon footprint reduction, fostering collaboration and investment opportunities.
As part of the tour, participants visited a range of sites including International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), Camelicious, Emirates Bio Farm, Bustanica, and THRYVE, IFFCO Group’s plant-based venture.
During their visit to ICBA, the conference’s participants learned about the center’s
research and development projects and latest agricultural innovations. They explored different experiments on soil amendments, climate-resilient crops, and modern irrigation methods, among other agricultural technologies.
Visitors were briefed on ICBA’s efforts in developing sustainable agricultural solutions to cultivate crops in arid and saline environments. They also learned about the center’s research and development work on soil improvement, irrigation efficiency, remote sensing, and genomic research.
They also visited the center’s genebank, which stores over 16,000 accessions of around 300 drought-, heat-, and salt-tolerant plant species from more than 150 countries and territories.
Welcoming the visiting delegation, Dr. Charbel Tarraf, Chief Operations and Development at ICBA, said the Food Innovation Conference 2024 supported efforts to amplify the role of technology in building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.
He noted that ICBA supports national efforts on food security in the
UAE through science and innovation to develop sustainable solutions for agricultural challenges arising from climate change and water scarcity.
He added that the center is committed to sharing its innovative solutions with local farmers to increase the productivity of various crops.
As part of the tour, guests visited Camelicious, a major camel milk producer in the UAE, which offers a variety of camel milk products including fresh milk, flavored options, powder, yogurt drinks, ice cream, and even coffee.
They were briefed on the farm’s plans to incorporate camel milk in new innovative products.
Mtashr A. Latef Albadry, COO and Acting CEO at Camelicious, said the company was paving the way for establishing a specialized sector in camel milk products based on the pillars of science, innovation, and sustainability.
He noted that the farm exports to a growing number of countries worldwide, with plans to expand its exporting partnerships and increase cooperation with international companies to introduce camel
milk into various industries due to its multiple benefits.
During their visit to Emirates Bio Farm, the guests learned about the range of fresh organic products cultivated according to the highest international standards, and reviewed the farm’s methods of harvesting, packaging, and delivering organic fruits and vegetables.
Visitors also explored recreational and educational activities on the farm, which offers an interactive experience for families to engage in hands-on field activities and learn about agricultural practices.
Yahya Al Kodmani, founder of Emirates Bio Farm, said the farm is the largest organic farm in the region and a specialized tourist project producing environmental friendly and health-beneficial organic products in the UAE.
He said the farm is committed to ensuring agricultural sustainability in all its operations and preserving natural resources such as soil and water.
Al Kodmani noted that the farm employs environmentally friendly methods in farming, harvesting, and packaging to co
ntribute to a safe and sustainable food system that enhances public health, positively impacts the environment, and achieves the highest quality standards in organic products.
He added that the farm adopts the latest technological solutions in farming, harvesting, and packaging processes, aiming to contribute to a safe and sustainable food system that supports public and environmental health.
As part of the tour, visitors made a stop at Bustanica, which operates the world’s largest vertical farm in Dubai. The farm utilizes hydroponics and cutting-edge technology to ensure sustainable farming practice and decrease the UAE’s dependence on fresh produce imports, supporting the country’s goals in achieving self-sufficiency.
Visitors reviewed the farm’s production cycle, which guarantees fresh and clean produce without the use of pesticides or chemicals. They were also introduced to the farm’s closed-loop irrigation system designed to maximize water use efficiency.
Feras Al Soufi, General Manager of Bustanica,
said, ‘Food security is one of the pressing challenges facing the Gulf region. Therefore, Bustanica leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence, under the supervision of a team of experts specialized in agricultural engineering, horticulture, and botany, to increase the productivity of Dubai’s agricultural sector and expand the supply of high-quality food products.’
He added: ‘Our objective is to adopt the best agricultural practices to position the UAE at the top of the Global Food Security Index. We aim to share knowledge across the region and beyond, empowering sustainable agriculture and securing a resilient food future.’
Participants in the Food Innovation Conference 2024 visited THRYVE, IFFCO Group’s first 100% plant-based meat factory in the Middle East, where they learned about the latest innovations in the production of healthy, sustainable plant-based meats, manufactured locally and inspired by the unique flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine, further catalysing a sustainable shift in the
region’s food system.
Andrey Dribny, Managing Director – Culinary, IFFCO Group, said that the world’s population is already looking at how to diversify its diet and is now rediscovering the value of highly nutritious and sustainable crops that target health, food security and sustainability in equal measures for the benefit of future generations, adding, ‘IFFCO’s innovative approach to the subject through rigorous research and development has led to THRYVE, the region’s first venture of its type, feeding new life into the world’s eating habits by providing well-balanced, varied and sustainable plant-based nutrition, making it desirable without compromising on flavour and individual preferences in an undertaking that perfectly aligns with the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051.’
Visitors were briefed on the operations of ‘Barakat’ company and its range of products including fresh vegetables, fruits, and sugar-free juices that are free of preservatives. They also explored the company’s innovative organi
c packaging as part of its environment conservation efforts and enhancing sustainability in the UAE.
Kenneth D’Costa, Managing Director at Barakat, said: ‘We have been seeking to serve the best of Fresh in the United Arab Emirates since 1976. In this dynamic industry of fresh food, we have been leading with innovation to nourish the ambitions of consumers every day. Establishing platforms such as the Food Innovation Hub is vital to helping local businesses and participants share their best practices for innovation.’
The Food Innovation Conference 2024, organised by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, discussed the latest trends in food sustainability and safety. It highlighted the best practices, technologies and research in the food sector.
Source: Emirates News Agency
