Various initiatives and programs for"Abu Dhabi Agriculture"To reduce waste and enhance food security

Abu Dhabi, 30 March / WAM / The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority affirmed its firm commitment to supporting the sustainability process in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and promoting the culture of reducing loss and waste in society, through implementing a wide package of programs and initiatives that targeted the various stages of the food chain.

These efforts come in line with the emirate’s directions towards enhancing food security and adopting more efficient production and consumption methods, within a comprehensive vision based on innovation, smart control and capacity building to ensure optimal use of resources and reduce losses in the agricultural, animal and food production sectors.

The review of these efforts coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Waste, which falls on March 30 of each year, and is a global occasion aimed at promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns and supporting the shift towards a circular economy.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted this day in 2022, and called on member states to highlight their national and regional efforts to confront waste in all its forms.

The Authority implemented an awareness initiative entitled “An Innovative Solution for Feeding Broiler Chickens,” which contributed to reducing the cost of feed and enhancing the efficiency of support programs, by repurposing food waste in a safe and effective manner.

The Authority also issued a guide to practices aimed at reducing losses and waste in livestock production projects, with the aim of unifying operational procedures, raising production efficiency and reducing losses on farms, which will reflect positively on the sustainability of the livestock sector.

Within the framework of cooperation with strategic partners, the Authority implemented a joint initiative with the Bin Ham Foundation, the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, and the Department of Municipalities and Transport, to slaughter infected animals in approved slaughterhouses, while benefiting from their meat for the benefit of charitable institutions.

This initiative has contributed to enhancing biosecurity, protecting human and animal health, safe disposal of infected animals according to the highest standards, in addition to benefiting from meat instead of wasting it, and training cadres to implement inspection and health treatment policies.

The Authority also implemented extensive awareness campaigns targeting farmers and consumers, focusing on rationalizing consumption, reducing food waste, and encouraging responsible behaviors in dealing with food. It also strengthened its cooperation with food institutions to redistribute the surplus through food banks.

The Authority issued Practice Guide No. (34) of 2020 regarding reducing waste in the food service sector, and it was announced that the voluntary implementation of food waste reduction practices had begun, in addition to the inclusion of a standard for loss and waste within the standards of the “Zadna” evaluation project, which contributes to raising performance efficiency and stimulating commitment to sustainable practices.

The year 2025 witnessed the launch of the advanced agriculture system 4.0 based on robots, sensors and big data analysis, which helps enable farmers to improve the management of water, fertilizers and energy, and reduce waste resulting from traditional practices.

The advanced agriculture system works to encourage smart agricultural practices that conserve resources, and implement early pest detection programs to protect crops and reduce production losses.

The Authority carried out more than 116,000 inspection visits to food, agricultural and animal facilities during the year 2025, which contributed to raising the level of compliance and reducing waste resulting from poor storage or handling.

The Authority strengthened the smart control system by installing advanced cameras in production, storage and distribution sites, and analyzing operational behaviors using artificial intelligence to reduce spoilage and maintain the quality of food products.

In the livestock sector, the Authority implemented more than 6.1 million vaccination doses, and responded to 66 epidemiological reports with a response rate of 100%, which contributed to reducing mortality and loss and enhancing the sustainability of animal supply chains.

The Authority also launched the “Ghars Educational” platform, which provides advanced training content for farmers and workers in the agricultural sector, with the aim of raising awareness of best practices and reducing losses in the stages of production, harvesting and storage, and building a knowledgeable agricultural society capable of managing its resources efficiently. It also supports projects to convert agricultural and food waste into fertilizers and renewable energy, enhances quality control of food products and improves storage and transportation systems in cooperation with the private sector.

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority confirmed that its efforts to reduce loss and waste represent a pivotal part of the food security system in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and contribute to enhancing environmental and economic sustainability.

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