The MoU signing took place on the sidelines of a meeting between His Excellency Dr Al Zeyoudi and farmers from Ras Al Khaimah, where he aimed to understand first-hand their needs and the challenges they face while practicing their profession. He also urged subsistence farmers to move to commercial agriculture and embrace modern cultivation practices to increase their contributions to the local food supply.  

His Excellency Engineer Saif Al Shara, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sustainable Communities Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), and His Excellency Sultan Alwan Al Habsi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Regions Sector at MOCCAE, were also present at the meeting.

His Excellency Ali Mohammed Al Mansouri, Chairman of RAK Coop, and His Excellency Abdullah Khalfan Al Sheriqi, Chairman of RAK Agri Co-op, signed the agreement that mandates the two entities to collaborate in bringing local produce to market to support the UAE’s farmers and promote sustainable agriculture in the country.

Under the agreement, RAK Coop will stock agricultural produce grown in the UAE, giving priority to the goods coming from RAK farms. Meanwhile, RAK Agri Co-op will coordinate the supply of produce with the farmers to ensure adequate quantity and quality, in addition to liaising between the farmers and the management of RAK Co-op.

Speaking on the agreement, His Excellency Engineer Al Shara said: “Improving the quality and productivity of local agricultural yield is crucial to achieving food security in the UAE. Laying the foundation for fruitful collaboration between various entities in the country that are part of the farm-to-table cycle aligns with the Ministry’s sustainable development objectives and will bring a wealth of benefits in the future.”