Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award Launches Transformative Post-Winning Programme
A comprehensive framework designed to empower award recipients and sustain agricultural excellence across the UAE has been unveiled, marking a significant evolution in supporting the nation's farming community.
The Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award has introduced an integrated Post-Winning Programme, representing a pivotal shift in how the award supports its recipients beyond the moment of recognition. Launched during Global Food Week, the initiative transforms individual achievement into a catalyst for ongoing development, positioning award winners as key contributors to the UAE’s food security and agricultural sustainability agenda.
Dr Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), underscored the programme’s alignment with the strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of ADAFSA’s Board of Directors. The framework aims to nurture what Dr Al Ameri describes as an “innovative farmer and livestock breeder with a sustainable vision”, moving beyond ceremonial recognition to provide substantive, ongoing support that strengthens the sector’s competitiveness and productivity.
The Post-Winning framework comprises five specialised programmes addressing the multifaceted needs of agricultural pioneers. The Professional Farmer Programme delivers comprehensive technical and administrative training, equipping participants with contemporary knowledge and practical applications for efficient project management. The Innovation and Intellectual Property strand safeguards agricultural innovations, facilitating the transformation of ideas into value-added applications whilst providing patent registration support and protection of innovators’ intellectual rights.
Market Access initiatives connect producers with local distribution channels, enabling farmers to showcase their products through diverse sales platforms. The Partner Engagement programme strengthens institutional collaboration by integrating outstanding farmers’ projects with existing government and private sector initiatives, accelerating business growth and maximising economic benefits. Finally, the Agricultural Pioneers and Knowledge Transfer programme leverages media and extension services to document and disseminate success stories, establishing a national knowledge archive that enriches the broader agricultural community.
Mouza Suhail Al Muhairi, Chairwoman of the Award’s Higher Committee, emphasises that this comprehensive approach reflects a structural evolution in the Award’s mission. Mubarak Ali Al Mansouri, Head of the Award’s Festivals and Associated Competitions Team, characterises the initiative as a commitment to investing in human capital, transforming individual success into inspiring national models that contribute to shaping the future of sustainable agriculture across the Emirates.
Source: WAM