Floriade, 19 June 2022 (TDI): The Netherlands hosted a delegation from the UAE led by Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment. The goal of the visit was to share expertise and industry best practices in the field of food.
The delegates shared their extensive knowledge with their Dutch colleagues. They learned first-hand about the newest Dutch AgTech.
The UAE delegation was accompanied by Jamal Al Musharakh, the UAE Ambassador to the Netherlands and Commissioner-General of the UAE Pavilion at Floriade Expo 2022.
As a result, the delegation’s first destination was a tour of Floriade Expo 2022. Once every ten years, the Netherlands hosts the Floriade Expo 2022, a world horticultural exhibition.
They went to the UAE Pavilion, presented by the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation and the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth. The National Projects Office also presented it, under the theme “Salt Water Cities: Where Land Meets Sea.”
On the same day, the delegation also went to Rotterdam’s Floating Farm. The first floating farm in the world that produces fresh dairy products is home to 40 cows.
Additionally, the delegates visited GreenTech Amsterdam 2022. A prime display of innovations and technologies relating to horticulture was on display. This is where specialists from around the world gather. The delegation experienced firsthand the advancements that were on show.
Remarks of the Minister of Climate Change and Environment
Mariam Almheiri noted that, as a result, both food insecurity and climate change are on the rise. With predictions that its effects will worsen over the next few decades, it is endangering the lives and livelihoods of millions of people.
Furthermore, she urged everyone to work together in order to secure the future of the younger generation. The delegation’s head continued by saying that the UAE is no stranger to difficulty. An unrelenting effort is being made to make the food systems in the UAE sustainable.
This is being accomplished by utilizing innovation and forming collaborations. The UAE wants to establish itself as a leading global center for food security that is innovation-driven.
Mariam Almheiri stated that the UAE also wants to position itself as a leading exporter of climate-smart agricultural technology.
Delegation participation
The delegation also took part in the UAE Hour, sponsored by GreenTech and MoCCAE. This was in keeping with the UAE’s desire to collaborate with other nations and share knowledge in order to tackle pressing issues.
In addition, the two nations made a point of working together to ensure food security during the gathering. Thus, Jamal Al Musharakh and the Dutch Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
To improve food security and production, MoCCAE will collaborate with the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality. They will also employ technological solutions to strengthen the agricultural industry.
Moreover, other areas covered under the agreement include promoting the Food Tech Valley among tech developers and investors from the Netherlands.
