The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has inked an agreement with the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food to improve food security.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by Mariam Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and Xavier Chatel, France's Ambassador to the UAE (MoU).
"Food security is a strategic priority for the UAE, and MOCCAE is eager to collaborate with relevant entities in other nations to maintain the country's food security for the foreseeable future." The Memorandum of Understanding with the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food is in line with our goal of improving food security through multilateralism. Sharing expertise and best practises between our two countries, both of which are noted for their innovative approaches to solving problems, will aid us in developing sustainable food systems and meeting our respective food security goals. "We are excited to collaborate with our French counterparts and realise the benefits of this cooperation," Almheiri added.
"It gives me great pleasure to sign this memorandum, which demonstrates France's determination to assist the UAE in achieving its food security goals." Our two countries share a desire to encourage agricultural output that is both innovative and sustainable. "The MoU opens up a lot of possibilities for us in terms of reducing food waste, R&D, and information sharing in the field of food technology," Chatel noted.
The two ministries will collaborate to facilitate bilateral agricultural and food commerce, as well as contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural production with an emphasis on innovation and the agroecological transition of production systems, according to the conditions of the agreement. They'll also work together to reduce food waste and loss, as well as create capacities and share expertise in the fields of food and agriculture.
The signatories will work to streamline supply chains for vital agricultural and food goods in order to attain these goals. They will build bridges between the two countries' agri-food companies, importers, and distributors, encourage them to explore partnership options, and promote all types of mutually beneficial government and private sector cooperation.
To boost food entrepreneurship, the two ministries agreed to work together to improve their countries' appeal to food startups by driving innovation in addressing food security issues and creating appealing business opportunities, as well as leveraging incubation programmes and other incentives to help businesses grow.
Furthermore, the MoU calls for the combined implementation of food security R&D and training programmes, the exchange of input for food waste reduction protocols, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural production, particularly with regard to geographical indications and organic agriculture.
Regular meetings between representatives from the two ministries will be held to track progress in the areas covered by the agreement.