Women, family farmers role vital for local agriculture

The third day of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026 highlighted the role of women and family farmers in supporting local agriculture, preserving heritage, and strengthening food security.

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The discussions aligned with the conference theme, A comprehensive Emirati agricultural platform...towards a sustainable community and global innovation, organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

Experts emphasised the social impact of empowering women, the role of families in transferring agricultural knowledge, and the importance of sustainable production models rooted in national identity.

Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union, said empowering women in agriculture is a national priority that supports food security and environmental sustainability. She highlighted Emirati women’s role in advancing smart agriculture and the green economy. She introduced the We Grow for Sustainability initiative, launched in 2025 for five years, aiming to empower more than 12,000 women through over 470 training programmes, supported by 16 strategic partners, alongside delivering 35 agricultural projects and more than 25,000 training hours.