Khalifa University, ADAFSA join forces to diversify food imports through AI

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has signed two agreements with Khalifa University of Science and Technology.

The first aims to develop solutions to diversify food import sources using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

The second aims to implement the first phase of the project ‘Expanding the coverage of inspection and control programs’, to develop smart control systems using AI and internet of things (IoT) in targeted establishments in Abu Dhabi.

Khalifa University’s Emirates Innovation Center for Communications and Information Technology is putting the two agreements’ requirements into action, as well as developing a strategy and an executive dashboard to diversify food import sources and reduce the risks and costs associated with not diversifying these sources.

It is also developing an AI platform for smart inspection, which will include an algorithm-based model for all ADAFSA inspection standards, cloud storage and the provision of smart cameras compatible with adopted AI technology.

Saeed Al Bahri Al Ameri, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority said: “The agreements aim to develop and implement a strategy to diversify the sources of food imports, strengthen the smart control system to enhance the food security system, and enable the development of policies, regulations and plans that ensure food safety and quality and its continued supply to the UAE, as well as to assist in the development of accurate response plans in times of disaster and crisis, or in the event of any food supply disturbances.”

.@ADAFSA_gov has partnered with @KhalifaUni to utilise AI technology to diversify food import sources and implement smart control systems to ensure the high quality and standards of agriculture and food safety in the emirate. pic.twitter.com/3sItCo6SMS

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) February 15, 2023

He also indicated that diversifying the sources of food imports would achieve great benefits for the national economy thanks to the expansion of the base of trading partners globally, provision of more options for importers, ensuring that there are no future crises due to the shortage of one or more commodities in the markets, as well as increasing the volume of re-export trade, which enhances the country’s position as a global center for food security.

EBTIC will analyse the current situation of food imports, identify basic food commodities and market gaps. It will also conduct an assessment of risks related to supply chain paths, develop a clear method to identify optimal import scenarios to mitigate those risks, in addition to developing a capacity-building programme and training national cadres to ensure the continuity of operations of the project outputs.

The second agreement provides for Khalifa University to provide a detailed roadmap for the development of the smart control system using AI and IoT technologies, in addition to providing all information and advice related to the stages of implementation as well as technical support and annual maintenance.

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