Director GeneralDr. Tarifa Alzaabi, International Centerfor Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA)
New AG International spoke with the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) to find out more about the work of this research centre in UAE, which also includes work on soil conditioners. ICBA is currently working on a new strategy that might include biological inputs. A recent research paper reported on the different responses in some quinoa genotypes to beneficial endophytic bacteria against leaf spot disease. The Director General Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi provides more detail in a follow-up interview.
Let's begin with the history of International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA). What were the reasons for founding this research organization back in 1999? Just as a point of interest, is there any particular reason why it was located at Al Ruwayyah?ICBA was established in 1999 thanks to the visionary leadership of the Government of the UAE and the Islamic Development Bank in collaboration with the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development and the OPEC Fund for International Development, to support agricultural research and development and transition to sustainable agrifood systems in different parts ofthe world.
With hindsight, we can say that it was a visionary decision as today there are more and more constraints on agriculture around the world, including soil and water salinization, water scarcity, heat and drought. And climate change is only adding to the problem.
The centre’s location was selected following a series of expeditions to different sites in the UAE as it met the criteria for agricultural research. And Dubai Municipality allocated 100 hectares (ha) of land forthis purpose.
The ICBA website talks of having a 100-ha research area. Can you talk us through the facilities that ICBA has, along with an indication of the number of research staff? Are trials conducted in open field as well as under cover? Are some trials long term (date palm)? Spread over an area of around 100 ha, ICBA has world-class research and training facilities, as well as experimental fields, including the Desert Life Science Laboratory for advanced genomic research; the Green Lab for seed processing; the Central Analytical Laboratory for soil, water and plant analysis; the Training Auditorium for capacity development; greenhouses and net-houses for research on protected agriculture; the Emirates Soil Museum, a unique repository of research and knowledge on soils in the UAE; and the Genebank, which stores a unique collection over 16,000 accessions of around 300 salt-, heat- and drought-tolerant plant species from more than 150 countries and territories.
Our head office, laboratories and training facilities occupy an area of 30 ha, around 35 ha of land is designated for applied research on irrigated agriculture, and another 35 ha remain untouched, serving as a unique environment for studies of the indigenous flora and fauna. Our scientists conduct a wide range of experiments on soil, water and crops in the open field and controlled-environment agriculture systems, including the longest-running experiment in the UAE to assess the long-term impact of different levels of irrigation water salinity on the growth and yield of 18 date palm varieties from Saudi Arabia andthe UAE.
ICBA has a regional office for Central Asia and the South Caucasus in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The centre has around 60 members of staff, including scientists and other professionals, from around the world across both locations.
What would you say are ICBA's particular strengths in research? ICBA’s uniqueness lies in its focus on improving food security and nutrition, enhancing water security and environmental sustainability, and creating jobs and livelihoods in marginal areas, parts of the world which face the problems of salinity, water scarcity and drought,among others.
ICBA’s strengths specifically lie in:
Extensive experience in developing tailor-made solutions to problems of salinity, water scarcity and drought;
Unique long-running research and knowledge on salinity and water scarcity in marginal areas;
One of the world’s largest collections of germplasm of drought-, heat- and salt-tolerant plant species;
Interdisciplinary research teams and world-class research facilities;
Unique focus on alternative rather than mainstream solutions and approaches.
The centre is in the vanguard of research and development in
solutions that help to produce more food, save more resources and protect the environment. These solutions range from technologies for using saline water in agriculture to sustainable practices of improving soil, such as biochar, to controlled-environment agriculture systems.
ICBA also has an international team of scientists, experts and professionals with wide-ranging backgrounds, competencies and experiences. This allows the centre to tackle different challenges in a holistic and interdisciplinary way.
How has the research work of ICBA evolved since its foundation? Recent publications cover biocontrol as well as saline irrigation.Over the years, ICBA has expanded its mandate to address a number of growing challenges such as climate change, water scarcity and natural resource degradation, among others. Food security, however, has always been an integral part of the centre’s mission. This is also reflected in ICBA’s vision and nearly all of its research and development projects which are geared towards sustainable development goals (SDG) 1 (no poverty) and 2(zero hunger).
Today our scope of research is quite broad, including climate change adaptation and mitigation, sustainable natural resource management, genomic research, protected agriculture, and other scientific areas.
For more than two decades, our centre has worked on different solutions for sustainable agriculture, ranging from stress-tolerant crops for food and feed to resource-efficient technologies for water and land. These solutions also vary in sophistication from low-tech to mid-tech to high-tech.
Our centre is at the forefront of crop improvement and diversification in marginal areas. We identify, test and introduce alternative crops into local diets, minimizing dependence on major crops vulnerable to climate change, creating value chains for these crops, and measuring the socio-economic impact of their adoption. These crops include quinoa, millets, Salicornia, and sorghum, among others.
ICBA works with a number of organizations around the world. Could you expand a little on these and give an indication of what has been the driver behind some of these collaborations? The centre has established itself as a global centre of excellence and a go-to research-for-development partner in different regions.
To date ICBA has implemented research-for-development activities and programs in around 40 countries in Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, the South Caucasus and sub-Saharan Africa.
The centre has also expanded its network of partners around the world to increase the reach and impact of its programs. It has partners in more than 50 countries, enabling it to leverage a vast and diverse pool of expertise to achieve a greater impact on the ground.
ICBA is a founding member of the Association of International Research and Development Centers for Agriculture (AIRCA), an international, non-profit alliance focused on increasing food security by supporting smallholder agriculture and rural enterprise within healthy, sustainable and climate-smart landscapes. ICBA
is also a member of several international and regional associations and alliances that share its vision and strategic objectives.
As we are a relatively small centre, we believe that the synergies and complementarities with different organizations around the world help us achieve better results. We work with both public and private entities to conduct applied research, transfer knowledge and technology, and develop individual and institutional capacities. For example, we currently have several joint projects with private companies to test their technologies and innovations in local conditions in the UAE.
The follow-up to this is, where will the research go in future? I understand ICBA is working on a new 10-year strategy. Could you give us a glimpse into what this strategy might look like?We will continue to build on our past successes and achievements in science and innovation to develop more stress-tolerant and nutritious crops, and resource-efficient and climate-smart technologies to improve food, water and livelihood security.
We also aim to focus more on our main strength in biosaline agriculture research and development and specifically solutions that tap the potential of saline soil and water resources.
We will work to develop new varieties of climate-resilient and nutrient-rich crops. We will also continue developing technologies for managing and rehabilitating salt-affected lands through nature-based approaches. Knowledge and technology transfer will continue to form the core of our efforts to this end. At the same time, we will continue supporting decision and policy makers in designing effective strategies for sustainable management of natural resources, including salinity management and sustainable agricultural development.
And finally, from a personal perspective, what gives you the most pleasure from being the Director General of ICBA?Leading an organization with a mission like ICBA’s is both demanding and rewarding. Our mission is to support poor farming communities around the world by providing them with skills and resources to increase their food security and livelihood in the face of climate change and other threats to agriculture. Knowing that we are improving lives and livelihoods among some of the poorest people in different countries is what motivates us to forge ahead with our mission and double down on our efforts. ●
Henry Gordon-Smith,Founder & CEO, Agritecture
New AG International spoke with Henry Gordon-Smith, founder and CEO of Agritecture, a consultancy that specializes in urban and controlled environment agriculture (CEA), regenerative agriculture, agritourism and comprehensive food systems planning.
Gordon-Smith founded the company in 2011. He has visited urban farms on five continents, and worked on community and for-profit urban farms.
New AG International: The troubles in the vertical farming industry (mainly North America and Europe) have been well documented. Do we have any reasons to be more optimistic in 2024? Absolutely, the need for vertical farming remains as critical as ever, particularly in regions like UAE, North America and Europe where the demand for locally sourced,
year-round produce continues to rise. While the industry has faced its share of challenges, it's imperative that we view these setbacks as opportunities for reflection and improvement.
Understanding the root causes of past failures is essential to avoid repeating them. By learning from mistakes, we can refine our approaches and develop more sustainable and resilient vertical farming systems.
Despite the current downturn, it's crucial to acknowledge the solid foundation and innovative advancements that underlie vertical farming. This industry is poised for a resurgence, driven by fundamental factors and a wave of upcoming innovations.
Looking ahead, vertical farming envisions a future where agriculture seamlessly integrates into urban landscapes, offering efficiency and sustainability. While the road ahead may be challenging, it's within these challenges that the most significant innovations emerge.
Are too many entrants still tryingto build the business aroundthe technology? The influx of tech-centric companies into the vertical farming space has been consistent. It's understandable given the allure of innovation and the potential for raising significant investment. However, it's crucial to recognize that at its core, the purpose of vertical farming is to efficiently produce and distribute food to consumers. The technology serves as a means to this end, not the end itself.
In recent times, we've observed a shift where more farms are entering the arena rather than solely tech companies. This shift indicates a growing understanding within the industry that the focus should be on the agricultural aspect rather than just the technological aspect. After all,the technology required forvertical farming already existsand has been developed to a significant extent.
As we move forward, it's essential for both existing and aspiring players in the vertical farming sector to recognize that while technology is a vital component, it's ultimately in service of the fundamental goal of food production and distribution. By maintaining this perspective, we can ensure a more balanced approach to industry growth and development, with a greater emphasis on practical application and sustainability rather than solely technological advancement.
In terms of products, microgreens seem to be the entry crop, but do you see other crops – possibly higher value, like spices – offering more opportunities? Absolutely, microgreens indeed serve as a popular entry point for many vertical farming ventures. Their low capital expenditure requirements, high nutritional value and appealing flavour make them a favourite among restaurants. However, there's a notable gap in consumer education regarding microgreens, which presents an opportunity for companies to invest in awareness campaigns to highlight their benefits. The profit margins on microgreens are larger thanmost crops.
Moving beyond microgreens, there are several crops with higher value and promising opportunities in the vertical farming space. Leafy greens and some herbs, for instance, remain a staple due to their ease of cultivation, quick growth cycle and consistent demand. However, the market saturation in this segment poses challenges in terms of price competitiveness, especially when targeting large retailers.
Strawberries emerge as another crop with significant potential in vertical farming. The lack of high-quality year-round strawberries, especially in the UAE, is a real opportunity for vertical farming.
Furthermore, crops like mushrooms exhibit competitiveness in the vertical farming landscape, thanks to their versatility and growing consumer interest in specialty mushrooms.
However, for crops such as cucumbers and tomatoes, it’s unlikely we will see these crops commercialized for indoor production anytime soon due to their low prices and complexity to grow without sunlight.
In terms of CapEx costs, where are we approximately on a square metre basis? A number that's out there is US$1,000 per sq. metre. Would you put it higher? Indeed, estimating capital expenditure (CapEx) costs for vertical farming operations can vary significantly based on various factors such as technology, automation levels, crop selection and regional differences in resource costs. While the figure of US$1,000 per sq. metre is a reasonable benchmark (on the low end), it's essential to recognize that actual costs may vary.
At Agritecture, we recognizethe complexities involved in estimating these costs accurately. That's why we've developed Agritecture Designer, a sophisticated estimation tool tailored specifically for the vertical farming industry. With Agritecture Designer, users can input parameters such as site area, desired level of automation and chosen crops, as well as local water and electricity prices. By leveraging advanced algorithms and industry data, Agritecture Designer provides users with detailed estimates ofthe capital expenditure requiredto establish a vertical farm ora greenhouse.
This tool not only enhances the accuracy of cost projections but also empowers entrepreneurs and investors to make informed decisions about their vertical farming ventures. By leveraging technology to streamline the estimation process, Agritecture aims to facilitate the growth and sustainability of the vertical farming industry by providing valuable insights and resources to its stakeholders.
More specifically to the UAE – what would your software generate as an indicative cost profile? Is there a difference within the Emirates?Certainly, when considering the specific context of the UAE, it's essential to recognize the nuances that may impact the cost profile of vertical farming operations. Let's take a hypothetical example of a 1,500 square metre vertical farm equipped with high technology and automation.
For growing lettuce in such a setup, the CapEx may amount to approximately 6.6 million USD. Conversely, if the focus shifts to growing strawberries within the same facility, the CapEx could be around 6.8 million USD.
Delving deeper into the market dynamics sheds light on why such
variations exist. Lettuce, being a more common crop with numerous competitors in the market, may face challenges in commanding premium prices. Conversely, locally producing strawberries year-round presents a unique selling proposition, offering a competitive advantage in a market where such produce may be scarce or imported.
Therefore, while the initial investment for growing strawberries may be higher and with a longer payback period, the potential for increased sales and reduced competition could ultimately justify the higher CapEx. This underscores the importance of strategic decision-making and market analysis when determining the optimal crop selection and investment strategy for vertical farming ventures in the UAE or any other region.
ABOVE cost estimates for the capex, opex, maximum annual revenue (in USD) and project payback period for two vertical farm growers. For the lettuce grower, the annual revenue of $5.148 million shows a payback 2.47 years; for the strawberry grower a lower revenue $2.367 million and higher capex giving longer payback of 6 years.
What are good policies to pursue when trying to encourage start-ups in the vertical farming space? Encouraging startups in the vertical farming space requires a multifaceted approach encompassing support infrastructure, regulatory frameworks and economic incentives.
Incubators and Accelerators: Creating dedicated spaces for pitching, collaboration, mentorship and innovation is crucial. Incubators and accelerators provide startups with the resources, mentorship and networking opportunities they need to thrive. Investing in such spaces will foster a supportive ecosystem for vertical farming startups to growand succeed.
Streamlined Zoning and Regulation: Simplifying zoning and regulatory processes is essential to prevent bureaucratic hurdles from stifling innovation. Clear and efficient regulations can expedite the establishment of vertical farms and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.
Infrastructure Integration: Governments should collaborate with urban planners and stakeholders to identify suitable locations for vertical farms and incorporate them seamlessly into urban environments. Integrating vertical farms into urban landscapes requires thoughtful urban planning and infrastructure development. This integration can maximize efficiency in food production and distribution while minimizing logistical challenges.
Energy Incentives: Energy costs are a significant factor in vertical farming operations. Governments can incentivize startups by offering discounted energy rates or subsidies for sustainable energy sources. By providing favourable energy policies, governments can attract investment and spur innovation in the vertical farming sector. Lowering energy costs reduces operational expenses and enhances the economic viability of vertical farms. For example, Abu Dhabi typically offers lower energy prices compared to Dubai. Therefore, establishing a vertical farm in Abu Dhabi could benefit from these lower energy rates, making the venture more financially viable and consequently safer for investors.
In summary, fostering a conducive environment for vertical farming startups involves providing support infrastructure, streamlining regulations, integrating farms into urban landscapes, and offering energy incentives. By implementing these policies, governments can catalyze the growth of the vertical farming industry and contribute to food security, sustainability and economic development.
Looking at the future of food production in the UAE. How doyou see vertical farming fittinginto that? Vertical farming undoubtedly holds significant promise for the future of food production in the UAE. With the region's favourable energy prices, significant imports and growing interest among entrepreneurs, vertical farming is poised to become a key player in securing food production and enhancing food security. By enabling year-round food production in these climate conditions, vertical farming offers a sustainable solution to meet the UAE's growing agricultural needs.
In recent months, I've had the privilege of witnessing the inauguration of groundbreaking projects, such as Emirates Bustanica, the largest vertical farm in the world, iFarm's new venture, which demonstrate the growing momentum and potential within the vertical farming sector in the UAE. Additionally, companies like ReFarms, leveraging innovative technologies like IGS, are pushing the boundaries of sustainable agriculture by incorporating practices such as rainwater capture and insect cultivation to enhance substrate fertility.
The UAE's conducive environment, coupled with advancements in vertical farming technologies and practices, positions the country as an ideal hub for vertical farming initiatives. With its commitment to supporting innovation and sustainability, the UAE presents a fertile ground for vertical farming to flourish and contribute significantly to the nation's food security goals.
At Agritecture, we're dedicated to supporting all stakeholders, whether entrepreneurs, policymakers or industry players, in their journey to explore and harness the potential of vertical farming. Through education, consultation and collaboration, we aim to empower individuals and organizations to navigate the dynamic landscape of vertical farming and contribute to a resilient and sustainable future for food production in the UAE and beyond. ●
By Raza Soomar, Managing Director, RNZ Group, Dubai, UAE
RNZ Group is a leading supplier of agri-inputs to the Middle East - Africa - Southern Asia (MEASA) region. It produces over 400 different water-soluble fertilizers and granular NPK grades fully customized as per the growers’ need. With a combined capacity of 100,000 tonnes per annum (tpa), the full range of straight soluble, granular and organic fertilizers are efficiently supplied to a wide range of satisfied partners worldwide. The company's operational capabilities are supported by an in-house, state-of-the-art R&D facility. The main purpose of the RNZ is to provide cost-effective, innovative and customized crop solutions for better yields and a happy farming family.
Going forward, RNZ Agrotech Limited was established in 2020 with the aim of contributing to the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, which aims to accomplish zero hunger by ensuring access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food for all. The strategy aims to adopt and implement resilient and sustainable agricultural practices that increase productivity while maintaining ecosystems. As an arid country, UAE is facing considerable food security challenges due to water scarcity, limited arable land and extreme weather conditions throughout the year. RNZ recognized that addressing this intricate challenge required innovation, collaboration and a multidisciplinary team from internationally reputed institutes and industries to explore possible solutions and develop new innovative low-carbon and sustainable fertilizer manufacturing technologies to the MEASA region. Centre of Excellence for Fertilizer Technology Research (COE-FTR) The use of conventional fertilizers is posing numerous challenges including pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and negative human health impacts, therefore the market needs a range of effective and safe agri inputs. Despite substantial agri-tech research and developments, innovations in fertilizers have not kept adequate pace. Thus, the RNZ Group has set up a state-of-the-art COE-FTR that is the first-of-its-kind facility for fertilizer science and technology research in UAE. The centre is dedicated to pursuing cutting-edge research for the development and commercialization of soil and climate-smart fertilizer solutions. The new R&D facility is well-equipped with sophisticated instruments for the development, characterization and analysis of advanced fertilizer-relevant materials. The centre has an incubation centre and pilot-scale facilities for product testing and production. The centre has collaborations with prestigious partners like ADIO, EGA, UAE University, Shell, SILAL, and Al Bustanica.
The RNZ COE-FTR is in a strong position to take on critical challenges associated with fertilizer technology research.
Core activities of COE-FTR The RNZ COE-FTR is in a strong position to take on critical challenges associated with fertilizer technology research. Our focus is on high-use efficiency, cost-effective and sustainable fertilizer manufacturing, and technology development, as well as collaborating with other research organizations and industries. Moving forward, COE-FTR is engaged in developing new globally competent technologies and working with partners to develop solutions to turn desert soils into fertile soils. COE-FTR focuses on integrated research and development activities across six priority areas.
Development of value-added and novel soil and climate-smart fertilizers: Develop, test, and commercialize advanced and cost-effective fertilizers, including inorganic, organic, hybrid, nano, and smart solutions such as stabilizers, inhibitors and coatings. Such innovations offer value-added and improved products for better use efficiency, controlling nutrient release and reducing environmental footprints.
Customization of fertilizer solutions and provide guidance to growers: Develop and validate customized fertilizer technologies based on soil health data sets and guide responsible agencies and growers for balanced fertilization. Field test of developed fertilizer solutions is conducted to reconfirm its performance at farmers field prior to commercialization. Complete fertilizer solution for hydroponics has been developed and commercialized through the efforts of in-house R & D.
Bio-waste utilization and soil health management: Improvement of carbon stock in soils based on a circular approach by use of locally available biowaste-based, tailor-made organic fertilizers in combination with balanced inorganic fertilizers. Increase in organic carbon content of soil enhances the use efficiency of inorganic fertilizers. Efforts are also being made to recycle the city waste and convert it into compost with more than 10 percent carbon in it. This way not only farmers get organic compost for their farm but improve hygiene of the city.
Pilot plant to validate manufacturing technology prior to commercial production and scale-up: In-house facility of pilot plant enables RNZ to undertake parameter optimization and techno-economic analysis for scaling up the manufacturing technologies and marketing of new fertilizers. RNZ has a dedicated technology scale up team that works with internal and external experts to assess the technical and commercial feasibility of manufacturing value-added and new fertilizers.
Set up an agri-tech incubator: Agri-tech incubator provides the environment and the resources for fresh ideas to succeed, with special focus on youth and women. It enables RNZ team to validate all types of assumptions undertaken while formulating the products and services.
Strengthen dialogues, policies and regulations: Supporting dialogue and brainstorming with stakeholders to augment growth and investments in the fertilizer sector. It also facilitates technical support to assess current fertilizer practice impacts and subsequently address policy and regulatory issues and environmental concerns. Engaging with government proactively helps understand mandatory compliance issues within the country and outside. Policy advocacy task become simpler by engaging with all stakeholders in society.
Fertilizer technology development flagship project highlightsRNZ’s aim is to provide soil and climatic fertilizers for growers to achieve higher resource efficiency when they want to fertilize crops in a balanced and sustainable manner. As a responsible agri -input production company, we are trying our best to contribute to the world’s food security mission. The highlights of selected RNZ’s agri-input technologies (pre-commercial stage) are given below.
New and value-added products: Our multidisciplinary team is an expert in agri-nanotechnology, material science, biotechnology, nano-biotechnology, soil microbiology, soil science, entomology, process engineering, fermentation technology and fertilizer science. The centre is developing new agri input materials, value addition in existing materials and low-carbon manufacturing technology, and some advancements are depicted below.
Advancement in new agri imput materials
Nitro Sulfur - Shell Thiogro technology RNZ NS10+ product: RNZ in technical collaboration with Shell, has launched Thiogro technology to the region which is a patented technology to produce revolutionary sulphur-based product, namely “NS10+” that has changed the map of sulphur fertilizers globally.
i. Technology features NS10+ Plus fertilizer resource efficiency delivers improved yield and productivity, a sustainable way to reduce growers' input costs.
ii. BenefitsThiogro is a Shell-patented technology which significantly enhances the efficiency of sulphur fertilizers to reduce farmers’ costs, thereby increasing their yield via a sustainable approach.
Provides N&S critical nutrients in one application
Offers enhanced N&S use efficiency
Reduces losses and overdoses
Increased soil microbial biomass and activity
Increased yield and produce quality
iii. Why it's important?Sulphur interacts synergistically with nitrogen, and a deficiency in sulphur availability reduces nitrogen use efficiency. Also, together, nitrogen and sulphur improve each other’s agronomic efficiency more than individual applications.
iv. What it is? RNZ NS10+ is produced to meet the nitrogen (N) and sulphur requirements of all types of crops before and after showing or planting, while the remaining N can be applied through top-dressing at the right time of vegetative growth stages, as per 4R. This avoids N fertilization overdose, leaching or volatilization, and enhances the use efficiency of both nutrients. Higher N-use efficiency can be achieved without much loss of applied N and thereby the costs and the environmental footprint reduction.
vi. Elemental sulphur fertilizer-based value-added product
The COE -FTR also developing sulphur fertilizer-based value-added product variants for fulfilling the needs of growers worldwide.
Conclusion
Fertilizers are crucial inputs that can play an important role in future of food security. Their production and costs are largely dependent on the availability of feedstock materials. The recent geopolitical risks have led to serious increase in fertilizer costs and subsequently higher food prices. This motivates RNZ to create an international facility for advanced research on agri-inputs technology that can help to tackle the geopolitical pressures placed on farmers and consumers, through the development of resource use efficient and innovative agri-inputs. ●
A computed generated image of the aeroponic farm being built by The Farms.
The following is a contribution from Jonathan Merineau-Gosselin, Chief Operating and Strategy Officer for The Farms.
Merineau-Gosselin writes: The Farms is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative in the UAE, establishing a unique circular ecosystem that addresses critical issues related to the development of sustainable agriculture. This visionary project aims to showcase the viability of locally grown, sustainable food produced with minimal environmental impact, ease of operability and deployment while affordable for all.
The Farms is constructing the largest aeroponic Tower Farm in the Middle East, situated amidst the picturesque Liwa desert dunes. This Tower Farm will be in operation in the fall of 2024 with an aim to demonstrate its capabilities growing over 150 different crops while opening commercial distribution routes serving the food service hospitality sector as well as end consumers with high in demand value crops such as multiple varieties of basil. The Farms core business lies in developing turnkey programs showcasing a mix of technologies and approaches selected for the region to empower local stakeholders to develop more sustainable agriculture practices using technologies.
The aeroponic technology selected requires 90 percent less water while delivering up to 65 percent nutrient-density-increase in comparison to conventional organic produce grown in the soil. It requires no farming or gardening experience to operate and very little manpower to run a commercial operation. The aeroponic towers will strive indoors or outdoors while allowing to grow 52 plants in one square metre. This technology also allows for the cultivation of over 150 different crops. The results from aeroponic vertical farming have demonstrated a superior quality compared to traditional soil-grown and hydroponic crops, boasting a remarkable 30-35 percent increase in flavonoid levels (taste and smell) as well as a corresponding rise of 30-35 percent in nutrient density (nutritional content) compared to the best hydroponic systems.
The Liwa farm serves as a real life commercially operated showcase where The Farms will not only build and operate its Tower Farm, but where it will also demonstrate the financial and operational viability of its solutions and techniques.
Solutions such as atmospheric water generators, lines of organic pesticides and nutrients, and water disinfection technologies are being combined into a unique approach developed by The Farms, within climate-controlled greenhouses.The modus operandi on how to farm sustainably with the mix of inputs and technologies is what The Farms offers to its clients. The Farms also offers offtake solutions to its clients further de-risking the investment. The aim being to deliver and achieve systems that will be self-reliant and self-sustainable.
This innovative approach not only revolutionizes and de-risk food production but also marks a significant step towards enhancing
the UAE's food security. It also aims to demonstrate, in a region dominated with farmland, how other Abu Dhabi farmers can retrofit their current land to improve productivity and efficiency of its outputs. The turnkey approach developed by The Farms paves the way to sustainability and bridges the gap in reducing the risk related to the adoption of new technologies and more sustainable inputs, when showcased successfully at scale.
At its core, The Farms is committed to empowering a diverse community of local entrepreneurs, industries, traditional farmers, students and citizens to contribute to a more resilient food supply chain. This inclusive approach sets The Farms apart, making it the first project of its kind to integrate agtech and impact investment into its core initiatives. Current initiatives in the UAE have been focused on food production in larger facilities putting the food security development in the hands of only a few, while The Farms aims to empower the entire ecosystem from households to communities, dislocating the supply chain and regionalizing production close to distribution and consumption centres. This dislocation happens when targeted stakeholders, such as real estate development firms, schools, restaurants and hotels contribute to produce crops they use in their own operations, supplementing, sustainably, to their own third-party supply chain therefore reducing overall imports capacity requirements.
The Farms impact goes beyond agriculture; it is a catalyst for change in the UAE's economy and society. The main change will come through education. The Farms has proudly entered a partnership with the Green Bronx Machine in the distribution of its accredited educational program using Tower Garden technology, already present in over 825 schools globally, but also represented in the region, and amongst others at GEMS Academy, in ESOL Education schools and at Fairgreen International School in Sustainable City in Dubai. The Green Bronx Machine curriculum and programs are supported by the likes of Google, Danone and Sodexo, and have a track record of impact that is vastly documented in the U.S.
The Farms is not just a farming project; it is a pioneering initiative that embodies the future of sustainable food production and that aims to give back to all citizens the power of growing food. With its innovative approach, The Farms is paving the way for a more food-secure and sustainable future, not only for the UAE but also as a model for other countries to emulate. ●
The aeroponic technology selected requires 90 percent less water while delivering up to 65 percent nutrient-density-increase in comparison to produce grown in soil.
By Omnia Al Desoukie, Editor, HR Observer
As technology becomes increasingly involved in agriculture, due to the need of decarbonization whilst mass production, the demand for tech-savvy professionals is growing.
“There are several skills that are needed,” said Ahmad Al Shaibani, Head of Food Tech Valley Project in the UAE during Agra Middle East.
“If we are talking about the region (GCC) we need more people to know more about the environment and to know more about the technology that works for our environment to produce that type of crops that is needed for our food security,” Al Shaibani added.
Al Shaibani is talking about the need for certain talent and skills that can work within the industry to decarbonize it. Some of it includes talents that can use the digital tools and platforms to collect data. Nonetheless, talents that can ensure the proliferation of big data in agriculture as they also learn to include robots in their farming practices.
Therefore, the agriculture which produces a massive amount of carbon needs skills that can help them reform the industry between high or low tech.
“One thing is that using the right type of technology is actually reliable and at the same time sustainable for the long run,” explains Al Shaibani on the importance of finding the right talent in this sector.
But regardless of the method of agriculture, the industry requires a new set of skills in addition to the ongoing. With more talks on a transition towards more sustainable modes of production and consumption, more and more of these skills are needed to help with the transition.
According to research conducted by the ILO, a low-carbon and resource-efficient economy could employ more people with different varieties of skills. Known as the “green skills”, people who possess these have the knowledge, abilities, values and attitudes that are required to live in, develop and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society.
“Now we are going very high tech such as vertical farming, with controlled environment agriculture which requires scientists, mechanical engineers, data scientists or regenerative agriculture which is to a certain extent going back to basics,” explains Hassan Halawany, the General Manager of Elite Agro Projects.
“This is where we are between two extremes. Adapting data from the farm is now the key, how do we optimize the news of this data from the basic loading farms so we can optimize production,” he added, explaining that aside from having predictive analysis by AI to forecast the situation, there is a need for people who can actually read this data.
The ILO has outlined multiple skills needed for talents within agriculture. Those include: environmental awareness and respect; willingness and capability to learn about sustainable development; adaptability and transferability skills, to enable workers to learn and apply the new technologies and processes required to green their jobs.
Other competencies include teamwork skills, that is by reflecting the need for organizations to work collectively on tackling their environmental footprint; resilience so they could see see through the changes required.
Nonetheless, communication and negotiation skills in order to promote required change to colleagues and customers. Moreover, people must have entrepreneurial skills in order to seize the opportunities of low-carbon technologies and environmental mitigation and adaptation; and occupational safety and health (OSH).
“We know that skill development is a big part of a successful industry,” said Philippos Papageorgiou, the Vice President of Operations, National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Saudi Arabia. “It is part of the national strategy to develop competency skills, as well as management competency skills for the agriculture sector.”
Papageorgiou explained that the ministry is working with big companies that have developed their own skill development to expand on it.
Moreover, the Saudi ministry is asking the universities they fund for research and development to have skill development for local Saudis and encourage the employees to participate in international courses on agriculture.
https://www.thehrobserver.com/decision-making-hr-strategy/the-skills-needed-to-decarbonise-agriculture/ ●
