The UAE pavilion at Bahrain International Garden Show (BIGS) 2018, represented by Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), received the award for the best government pavilion participating in the awareness corner of BIGS. Held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and with the continuous support of H.R.H Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, wife of the King of Bahrain, show was held in Bahraini capital Manama from 21 to 25 February, 2017.

The announcement was made at a special ceremony to honour the winners of BIGS in the presence of Shaikha Maram Bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary General of National Initiative for Agricultural Development, NIAD, Bahrain. Shaikha Maram Bint Isa Al Khalifa presented the awards to winners in the presence of BIGS participants.

ADFCA participated in the show with a dedicated pavilion that showcased all community activities and services offered by the Authority as well as its efforts to spread awareness about the food safety practices. The pavilion also displayed innovations in agriculture, awareness brochures and visual presentation on the Authority's achievements including the Salaamat Zadina project.

Thamer Rashid Al Qasimi, Head of the UAE delegation and the official spokesperson at ADFCA commended the efforts of the BIGS organising committee and its support for the UAE pavilion. Al Qasimi also noted that BIGS has enhanced its position among the leading international events in the agriculture and sustainability sector due to its efforts to present a wide variety of activities that deal with food and agriculture issues worldwide. The great support that the UAE pavilion received at the exhibition reflected the distinguished relations between the two countries, as evidenced by the positive interaction from the Bahraini visitors to the pavilion. He also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the delegation members from both ADFCA Abu Dhabi Farmers' Service Center to highlight the UAE's endeavors in the food safety and agricultural sustainability.

Al Qasimi also noted ADFCA's keen interest during BIGS participation to develop and support constant communication among government entities on GCC level to achieve the common goals in all fields including food and agriculture security. He added that ADFCA highlighted the long-standing reputation of Abu Dhabi and the UAE in these sectors by introducing participants to ADFCA's solid legislatory framework with regard to food safety and agricultural sustainability. Furthermore, ADFCA shared its know-how with governmental and non-governmental entities participating in the event as part of its drive to leverage its knowledge and expertise to achieve outcomes that benefit the entire global community.

The Authority's participation also included field visits to food establishments, where the UAE delegation was accompanied by the inspection teams of the Food Control Department at the Bahraini Health Ministry to explore the inspection procedures and the key challenges facing the inspectors. They also examined the mechanisms followed in pest control, irrigation systems and fertilisation to benefit from the Bahraini expertise and exchange knowledge in these domains. The delegation also visited a livestock farm that produces milk and other diary products such as laban, cheese and natural soap to learn from Bahrain's pioneering experience in this sector.

ADFCA delegation also visited government nurseries of the Ministry of Works, Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning in Bahrain as well as the research and training centres dedicated to develop the skills of Bahraini farmers and enable them to acquire the necessary skills and expertise in agricultural operations.

As part of its participation, Abu Dhabi Farmer's Service Center (ADFSC) showcased its efforts in pest control and post-harvest best practices. ADFSC's leading status was underlined by its positive results including the success achieved by its local produce marketed under the trademark 'Local Harvest'. ADFSC aims to spread awareness about the local produce by increasing its share in the market. Towards this priority, the delegation from Center visited Bahrain Farmers Market to explore the methods that are used in marketing the locally harvested products.