Government and Masdar to take on future food security with new projects

The Government is teaming up with green energy institute Masdar to improve food security for the future.

The partnership between Masdar and the Office for Future Food Security will focus on two initiatives – a vertical farming pilot project and a smart farm.

The vertical agriculture programme, in Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, will use the latest technology and best practices in controlled-environment farming.

“This strategic partnership is the cornerstone of achieving future food security objectives – an important step in activating plans to meet the challenges of this vital cause and invest in its opportunities,” said Mariam Al Mehairi, Minister of State for Food Security.

“Masdar was a natural partner, given its experience working in sustainability through tangible projects in Masdar City and their renewable energy assets globally.

“It signifies an important step towards advancing innovations in agricultural production mechanisms and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the agriculture industry in the UAE.”

The project will also contribute to defining the business and regulatory guidelines for the development of vertical farming in the country.

The smart farm will be developed in collaboration with Masdar City’s Eco-Villa, conceived as a template for cheaper, high-energy and water-efficient residential villas in the UAE.

It will help display emerging sustainable home and urban farming technology and solutions from local and international suppliers.

The smart farm will showcase new home and urban farming technology as well as solutions from local and international suppliers