National Agriculture Centre meets over 150 farmers in Liwa to strengthen partnership
The National Agriculture Centre convened more than 150 farmers at the Liwa Majlis in Al Dhafra to explain key projects — from UAE G.A.P. certification to integrated service centres — and gather feedback to shape future services.
NAC engages Liwa farming community on standards, services and awards
The National Agriculture Centre (NAC) gathered in Al Dhafra’s Liwa Majlis on 13 September 2026 with over 150 farmers, together with partner organisations, to discuss priorities for Abu Dhabi’s agricultural sector. The meeting formed part of a series of regional engagements the NAC is holding across the UAE to present its projects and to listen to farmers’ perspectives.
Officials outlined the Centre’s integrated approach, which seeks to identify farmers’ needs and involve them directly in designing programmes and projects. The aim is to turn operational challenges into practical opportunities that increase productivity, improve crop quality and enhance the value chain through collaboration with government bodies and the private sector.
Among the initiatives presented was the UAE Good Agricultural Practices (UAE G.A.P.) certification, implemented in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The certification encourages adoption of international agricultural standards to raise produce quality, boost production efficiency and strengthen long‑term sustainability of farming operations.
The NAC also introduced its Integrated Centres Project, delivered with Silal and private partners, which will offer farmers a consolidated range of services including distribution, logistics and market access. The project is intended to streamline post‑harvest processes, improve marketing of produce and reduce barriers to reaching buyers.
The meeting highlighted the Sustainable Impact Challenge — Agricultural Category, launched at the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026 in partnership with Majra – National CSR Fund. The initiative recognises farmers who have delivered measurable sustainable and community impact, showcasing success stories and encouraging wider adoption of community‑oriented practices.
Representatives of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award for Agricultural Excellence introduced the award programme and its role in promoting innovation and best practice across the sector. Al Foah attended to emphasise support for date palm cultivation, outlining programmes and opportunities for date farmers to raise production standards and access markets.
Participants provided substantial feedback, sharing practical experience and suggestions that NAC officials said will inform future service planning. Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director General of the National Agriculture Centre, stressed the centrality of farmers to the UAE’s sustainable food security objectives and the importance of involving them in service development.
The Liwa meeting reflects a continued push by NAC and its partners to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s agricultural services, improve competitiveness and support the resilience of the farming sector.
Source: WAM — https://www.wam.ae/en/article/c285o6m-national-agriculture-centre-meets-over-150-farmers