Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority's (ADFCA) Governing Board has approved a program to fight pests affecting date palms in the emirate. This was during its periodic meeting held at the Presidential Palace recently under the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of ADFCA.
The Board discussed a number of topics, including progress on the preparation of policies and legislation on agriculture and food safety. The Board also approved the main principles that govern general policies, the food safety policies and the practice guide. The Board issued a directive to complete legislation on commencing the agricultural policy.
The Board also approved the proposed budget for the year 2012 and instructed it to be sent to the concerned authorities. In addition, the Board agreed with the suggestion to develop agricultural nurseries and directed to focus on successful varieties of fruit seedlings.
The Board was briefed on the feed support and well digging programs. It instructed coordination with the Municipal Affairs Department and the Environment Authority, besides approving the clause on the health and environment management system. It also discussed a report on the merger of laboratories, latest developments related to organizing SIAL Middle East and the Emirates International Date Palm Festival. The Board appreciated the work done in this regard.