release "The professional program for building the capabilities of farm and farm workers" In Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, 22nd October, 2017 (WAM) – The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, announced today that they are working together to launch a professional program for farmers, livestock breeders, and farm and farm workers in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, as part of a comprehensive development plan to transform the agricultural sector in the emirate towards a more professional and sustainable model.

The program aims to qualify workers on farms and estates, both plant and animal, by developing clear professional requirements, and studying the development of specialized training programs that ensure the following of standardized practices, improving the quality of performance, and raising the level of professionalism in the management of agricultural operations, raising and caring for animals, in a way that contributes to enhancing biosecurity and achieving the highest standards of occupational safety.

This program comes within the activities of the second edition of World Food Week and within the framework of the Authority’s commitment to developing the agricultural and food safety system, and building the capabilities of workers in the agricultural sector in line with national trends towards food security and sustainability, and reflects the pivotal role played by the Authority as the local authority responsible for agriculture, food safety and biosecurity in the emirate.

The program was designed based on the results of a field survey conducted by the Authority to measure the level of knowledge and skills among workers on farms and estates, and showed the need to develop technical and administrative capabilities, and provide practical training that keeps pace with the requirements of the next stage, especially in light of climate challenges and scarcity of resources.

His Excellency Dr. Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, said that the professional program for farmers and livestock breeders is a qualitative step in the process of developing the agricultural sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and reflects the Authority’s commitment to providing a sustainable production environment based on knowledge and innovation.

He stressed that it has become necessary today to move from the traditional style of managing farms and estates to a professional model based on qualified competencies and sound practices, which is what the Authority seeks to achieve through this program in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council.

His Excellency added: “We believe that building human capabilities is the basis for any successful transformation, and therefore we made sure that the program includes a group of vital professions in the agricultural sector, such as livestock, poultry, and aquatic workers, farm supervisors, and agricultural workers, with a focus on practical training and vocational qualification that is directly reflected in the quality of production and operating efficiency.”

He explained that the program is not limited to training only, but also includes developing clear professional requirements, spreading awareness among employees, and stimulating commitment to correct practices, ensuring that performance is aligned with local and international standards, and enhancing the competitiveness of agricultural and food products in the emirate.

He stressed that the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority works according to an integrated vision that places people at the heart of development, and seeks through this program to empower farmers and breeders, and support them with the necessary knowledge and tools, to be effective partners in achieving food security, enhancing sustainability, and building a more flexible and efficient agricultural future.

The vocational program is part of the sustainable agricultural development plan launched by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which is based on employing technology and innovation, and aims to raise production efficiency, reduce waste of resources, and enhance the agricultural sector’s contribution to the national economy.

The program includes awareness-raising media campaigns, workshops, publications, and interactive content via social media platforms, with the aim of reaching target groups and stimulating community participation.

A number of government and private agencies are participating in the program, including the Department of Economic Development, the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, and national companies such as “Al Foah” and “Salal,” in addition to representatives of commercial farms and small producers, which reflects the participatory nature of the program and its importance in building an integrated agricultural system.

The program is expected to contribute to improving performance indicators on farms and estates, raising the level of knowledge among workers, and enhancing the sector’s readiness to keep pace with future challenges, including climate change, resource scarcity, and global market developments.

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