Ministry of Climate Change and Environment Launches ‘Young Farmer Seal’ Initiative

Al ain: Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, has officially launched the 'Young Farmer Seal' initiative, aiming to redefine the national food security system through the involvement of young farmers. This launch was graced by Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and was announced on the third day of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026 in Al Ain, themed "Family and Women Farmers." According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative signifies the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment's (MOCCAE) commitment to empowering young farmers as agri-entrepreneurs and leaders of innovation. In her opening remarks, Dr. Al Dahak lauded the Emirates Youth Council for Agriculture for their contribution to developing the 'Young Farmer Seal.' She emphasized that this seal represents a trust bond between the nation and its innovative youth, fostering confidence between young farmers and consumers, and empowering the next generation to spearhead the future of food security in line with the UAE leadership's vision. Dr. Al Dahak articulated that the initiative is poised to enhance the competitiveness of Emirati products by facilitating direct access to major sales outlets and cooperative societies, thereby creating significant economic opportunities for Emirati farmers. She underscored the core objective of the Emirates Youth Council for Agriculture, which is to empower young farmers as agri-entrepreneurs, driving economic success, global competitiveness, and agricultural sustainability, and positioning the UAE as a leader in food innovation. Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi commended the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment for spotlighting the advancements within the UAE's agricultural sector. He acknowledged the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition for uniting a multitude of stakeholders, including government entities, academic institutions, farms, producers, and the livestock sector, aligning with the UAE leadership's vision to bols ter national food security and ensure the agricultural sector's sustainability. He further emphasized that fostering competition and innovation across various agricultural fields propels progress and strengthens national expertise. The Emirates Youth Council for Agriculture plays a pivotal role in empowering young individuals to actively contribute to the agricultural and food security system's development. Supporting and equipping youth with the necessary tools enhances the competitiveness of local products and reinforces the nation's efforts toward achieving food self-sufficiency. He expressed pride in the supporting framework provided to youth, noting that these enablers and initiatives fortify their role in this crucial sector. The 'Young Farmer Seal' initiative, developed by the Emirates Youth Council for Agriculture, stands as a groundbreaking national project spotlighting youth-led efforts in agriculture, livestock, and beekeeping. By awarding a certified stamp to projects meeting the highest sustain ability standards, the initiative aims to forge a strong national agricultural identity, bolster consumer trust in local products, and elevate youth projects from basic production to competitive, high-growth entrepreneurial ventures. The initiative is structured around four key pillars: showcasing successful youth-led agricultural models as inspiring examples both domestically and globally; promoting modern technologies and sustainable practices to conserve resources; building trust in youth-produced local products; and providing essential technological support to aid young farmers in managing their projects professionally and sustainably. Open to young Emiratis under 35, including small and medium farm owners, livestock breeders, beekeepers, and agri-food processing entrepreneurs, eligible projects must be fully owned and managed by youth, associated with agricultural production or food processing, comply with local regulations, and pass a technical evaluation by experts to ensure quality and sustainabilit y. The initiative features a progressive Seal classification system aligned with the young farmer's journey and the level of experience and excellence, divided into three color-coded categories: Category (A) - Growth Stage (Green Seal), Category (B) - Fruiting Stage (Orange Seal), and Category (C) - Empowerment and Sustainability Stage (Red Seal). The launch of the 'Young Farmer Seal' initiative in Al Ain underscores the UAE's significant progress toward an integrated food security system that leverages cutting-edge global technologies while empowering a new generation of young Emiratis to lead agricultural innovation. This initiative transforms climate and environmental challenges into investment opportunities and national success stories that aim to inspire the world.