Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), Ministry of Environment & Water and Abu Dhabi Economic Department joined hands today to launch an awareness-inspection campaign on food establishments located in various parts of Abu Dhabi emirate.

The campaign, considered to be first of its kind, targeted agricultural nurseries and shops doing their business in various parts of emirate to ensure they are adhering to the laws framed to regulate handling of agricultural materials such as pesticides, fertilizers, growth promoters, seeds and saplings.

In this regard, H.E. Ghanem Al Shamsi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary of External Audit Sector at Ministry of Environment & Water said:- "The new campaign is launched as part of ministry's varied efforts to strengthen cooperation and strategic partnerships with various government authorities to seek best and effective enforcement of federal legislations in addition to impart awareness among establishment owners and staff about the spirit of laws and regulations. The move comes out of ministry's keenness on supporting sustainability of environment and local production which is considered as a key national responsibility in achieving health & safety of consumers apart from being integral part of strategic objectives of the ministry and the strategic priorities of the UAE government for 2021"

From his part, Mohammed Jalal Al Rayssi, Director of Communication & Community Service Division at ADFCA said the joint campaign is launched in tune with ADFCA's strategic objectives that serve to ensure safety of food from farm to fork. He said raising awareness among owners and staff of agricultural establishments is essential in the effort to accelerate the pace of agricultural growth and to ensure safety and quality of products.

"We intend to curb handling of certain kind of pesticides which are not registered in UAE. Also we want to eliminate some common violations committed by shop owners such as not keeping proper register for supply and sale of fertilizers and pesticides" Al Rayssi said while explained about the campaign .

He said the campaign will continue three days to cover all part of the emirate including Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain and Western Region.

It is noteworthy that ADFCA has initiated a range of activities and programs in its journey towards realizing a sustainable agricultural sector which cater to emerging needs and dynamics of the sector.

It guarantees economically viable agricultural activities with reasonable income for farmers as well as adopts policies that encourage agricultural farmers to sustain in their fields.

ADFCA also ensures availability of safe and quality agricultural products which grabs best returns in the market while strictly following policies that contribute in the protection of natural resources in the emirate.