The board of the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) has met recently under the chairmanship of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, to discuss a raft of issues including efforts aimed at achieving sustainable agricultural and livestock development.

Taking note of the number of students enrolled in veterinary science in the UAE University and Higher Colleges of Technology, the board instructed that support be provided to a collaborative programme in this specialisation with other stakeholder institutions.

To support and protect date palm cultivation, the board approved an integrated pest control programme to cover all farms in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It also gave its consent to a manual for transporting food producing live animals in the Emirate. The manual sets guidelines for healthcare and sanitation which should be observed through the transportation process. The manual covers farm animals and other animals used in sports and social activities like racing and beauty contests. The manual is based on the Five Freedoms for Animal Welfare.

A report by the UN food and Agricultural Organisation on wastewater treatment and use in agriculture was also discussed during the meeting.

The board also took note of the periodic report on the environmental, health and safety management system (EHS MS) and the annual internal auditing report 2014.