About the Abu Dhabi Farmers' Services Centre, FSC (from www.adfsc.ae, retrieved July 4, 2011)

• The Farmers’ Services Centre operates in the emirate of Abu Dhabi specialising in the provision of farmer support services and the marketing of farm produce.

• Established in 2009 as per Law No. (4) issued by HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, the Farmers' Services Centre acts as a link between the Abu Dhabi Government and the farming community. The Abu Dhabi Government is seeking strategic reform in the agricultural sector with an emphasis on the efficient use of available natural resources.The purpose of the Farmers' Service Centre (FSC) is to implement this strategic reform in farming practices on behalf of, and in partnership with, the Abu Dhabi Government, specifically the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA).

• FSC works with more than 8,250 local farmers in Al Gharbia (Western Region) to improve farming practices leading to higher production levels, better quality crops, and greater environmental outcomes. Within five years, FSC’s operations will also extend to the Al Ain and Abu Dhabi municipality sectors and encompass the entire Abu Dhabi emirate.
• Works with retailers and large corporate and government customers to provide them with a secure supply of quality produce.
• Provides a full suite of services – from farm to market.

The agriculture sector of Abu Dhabi will undergo a transition from government subsidies and financial support, to a market led system where the private sector invests in the production and marketing of local high quality produce.

Reform will focus on the implementation of efficient integrated farming systems, including livestock, along with forages, vegetables and date production.

Water usage in agriculture can be much more efficient and effective through changes to cropping patterns, adoptions of modern water management techniques and the updating of old and inefficient on-farm water systems to improve plant health and quality of product. The result will be improved agricultural productivity which will considerably benefit the Abu Dhabi environment.

Reform will also be initiated through FSC’s direct marketing chain from farms in the Western Region to local retailers, government and large corporate customers. This marketing chain will ensure quality of the produce, as well as international food safety standards through adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to secure the supply of “safe food” to local markets.

Interesting Articles

e.g., www.uaeinteract.com/docs/Abu_Dhabi_Food_Control_Authority_launches_agriculture_campaigns_in_Abu_Dhabi_/45445.htm