UAE, Israel sign MoU to cooperate in agriculture

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Israel to cooperate in the field of agriculture.

Under the terms of the five-year agreement, the ministries have agreed to collaborate on developing and sharing knowledge, best practices, and technology to increase the quantity and quality of agricultural produce and enhance the sustainability of crop and livestock production, official news agency WAM reported.

They also aim to boost bilateral trade in agricultural and animal products in line with their animal health and food safety procedures. A joint committee will be established that will meet regularly to review the progress of the collaboration, set priorities, and develop action plans for targeted projects.

They will also work towards mutual recognition of both countries’ organic farming standards, boost technical cooperation, particularly in applied R&D in agriculture and beekeeping, and conduct joint training sessions for agriculture and food safety experts and researchers, a statement said.

Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said, “Due to their arid desert environment, the UAE and Israel face similar challenges in developing sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural sectors and strengthening food security. Our new partnership aims to initiate a dynamic exchange of experience and expertise in these areas to help us achieve our common goals. Israel is a leader in technology innovation, and we especially look forward to a productive cooperation in technology transfer.”

“Israeli agriculture has always been ground breaking and innovative throughout the years. This new collaboration between our two countries in the field of agriculture will lead to better and faster solutions for some of our common challenges in the region, such as food security and climate change,” added Oded Forer, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Israel.

The UAE is seeking to grow economic ties with Israel to more than $1 trillion over the next decade, it was announced last year.

Read: UAE seeks $1 trillion in business with Israel over next decade

Both countries signed a MoU in educational affairs covering general, higher, technical and vocational education last November.

Read: UAE, Israel sign MoU to cooperate in education sector

They also signed an MoU to facilitate the mutual recognition of vaccination certificates issued by the health authorities of each other’s countries.

Read more: UAE, Israel sign MoU on mutual recognition of Covid-19 vaccination certificates