The National Agriculture Centre (NAC) brought together more than 150 farmers from Liwa at the Liwa Majlis in the Al Dhafra Region to discuss issues affecting the agricultural sector and strengthen collaboration between farmers, government entities and private-sector partners.

The meeting forms part of a series of regular farmer engagements being organised by NAC across the UAE. The sessions are designed to introduce farmers to the Centre's projects and initiatives, gather feedback on their priorities and challenges, and strengthen direct communication with the farming community.

NAC said its approach focuses on understanding farmers' needs and involving them in the development of programmes, projects and services for the agricultural sector. The aim is to translate challenges into practical opportunities that can improve productivity, crop quality and the value generated from agricultural production.

Farmers introduced to key agricultural initiatives

During the Liwa meeting, NAC presented several projects, including the UAE Good Agricultural Practices (UAE G.A.P.) certification, implemented in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

The certification is intended to encourage the adoption of international agricultural standards, improve produce quality and production efficiency, and support more sustainable farming practices.

NAC also outlined its Integrated Centres Project, developed in cooperation with Silal and private-sector partners. The project provides farmers with a range of services, including produce distribution and logistics, with the aim of streamlining post-harvest operations, improving marketing and facilitating market access for agricultural products.

Sustainable farming and agricultural excellence

Farmers were also introduced to the Sustainable Impact Challenge – Agricultural Category, launched during the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026 in cooperation with Majra – National CSR Fund.

The initiative recognises farmers contributing to sustainable agricultural and community development while highlighting their achievements and success stories. It also encourages greater participation in community initiatives and promotes the agricultural sector's contribution to sustainable development.

Representatives of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award for Agricultural Excellence also attended the meeting and briefed farmers on the national award programme.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the award recognises outstanding farmers and agricultural practices and encourages innovation, modern technologies and the adoption of best practices in the sector.

Focus on UAE date farming

The importance of date palm cultivation to the UAE's agricultural heritage was another focus of the gathering.

Al Foah Company presented its programmes and initiatives for farmers, including opportunities to develop and market date products. The company also highlighted awards and initiatives aimed at helping date farmers improve production standards, strengthen the competitiveness of UAE-grown dates and adopt sustainable agricultural practices.

The session saw active participation from farmers, who shared their experiences, suggestions and feedback on the challenges they face.

NAC said the feedback will provide insights to guide future service planning and help ensure agricultural programmes are aligned with farmers' needs.

Farmers central to food security goals

Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director General of the National Agriculture Centre, said farmers play a central role in strengthening the UAE's agricultural sector and supporting the country's food security objectives.

“Through these meetings, NAC gains a deeper understanding of farmers’ needs and aspirations, while also empowering them and involving them in the development of agricultural services,” he said.

He added that the Centre and its partners are focused on developing solutions that address farmers' needs while supporting the competitiveness and sustainability of the agricultural sector.

The ongoing farmer meetings reflect the shared efforts of NAC and its strategic partners to strengthen agricultural services, deepen engagement with farming communities and advance the UAE's food security and agricultural sustainability objectives.

National Agriculture Centre UAE agriculture Liwa farmers Al Dhafra agriculture Abu Dhabi farmers UAE food security sustainable agriculture UAE UAE G.A.P. agricultural sector UAE date farming