Your Excellency, can you explain the work at ADAFSA and the commitment to food safety through the processes in place?
ADAFSA, or the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, is a pivotal government authority that plays a crucial role in safeguarding the food supply chain within the Emirate by promoting sustainable development and ensuring food safety and security through robust regulatory frameworks, inspections, continuous research and development, capacity building, and strategic collaborations with local and international organizations.
Could you tell us how the work at ADAFSA has improved the success of the food and restaurant industry?
ADAFSA contributes significantly to the success of the food and restaurant industry through various impactful measures. Our initiatives place a strong emphasis on the provision of safe and sufficient food supply. By using smart inspection systems, the Food Imports and Exports Platform (FIEMIS), and the 'Zadna Rating" initiative - where the score will be on the door of the food establishments - we actively enhance food safety standards, increase compliance, and ensure a healthier, more reliable food sector.
What are some of the current strategies ADAFSA used to promote and inspire conscious waste reduction with the aim of a more sustainable future?
ADAFSA employs a comprehensive strategy to address food waste, utilizing initiatives such as the Food Loss and Waste Reduction Strategy and 'Together Blessings Last" Campaign. These efforts are geared towards fostering behavioral change among consumers, agricultural stakeholders, and food establishments. Furthermore, ADAFSA advocates for conscious waste reduction by championing the food waste and loss initiative that identify the initial baseline of Food W&L in Abu Dhabi, covering all the supply chain.
Moreover, Her Excellency is leading the AI based portal to plan the allocation of land toward sustainable food production in the emirate and implements sustainable programs such as the 'Sustainable Beekeeping and Honey Production Programme, additionally educating farmers on post-harvest best practices to ensure consumers' safety. These initiatives are in alignment with the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Why is promoting a sustainable direction for the food industry important to you at ADAFSA and do you think this change will become implemented through more policies in the future?
ADAFSA recognizes the paramount significance of sustainability in safeguarding the environment, conserving resources, and ensuring future food security. We anticipate forthcoming stringent policies that advocate sustainable practices, with a proactive approach towards reducing food wastage and fostering efficient food production systems, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future for all.
How do you ensure the policies and laws of Abu Dhabi for food safety are adhered to whilst maintaining a professional working relationship with the organizations?
ADAFSA follows a consultative approach in developing their food safety policies and practices, taking into consideration the inputs, feedback and opinions of all stakeholders while maintaining effective enforcement measures such as inspections and awareness programs. The impact assessment for all policies is always part of developing and deploying those policies.
What innovative technologies or practices is ADAFSA exploring to enhance food safety in the future?
ADAFSA has implemented a range of programs and projects utilizing state-of-the-art technologies. These include the agricultural guidance app, the agricultural genome project, the 8th Emirati queen bees, on-farm smart technologies, and the PPR smart immunization algorithm. Moreover, artificial intelligence is integrated across various fields and services within our operations.
Her Excellency leads major transformation technology projects to enhance the food safety and waste reduction, ranging from a government level agricultural data platform with AI models to direct the sustainable crops production in Abu Dhabi, and a full fledge food waste project and platform aiming to reduce the waste by 7% yearly in Abu Dhabi.
Can you describe how ADAFSA collaborates with other organizations, both locally and internationally, to advance food safety in the region?
ADAFSA collaborates extensively, having signed 82 cooperation and partnership agreements with various entities inside and outside the country, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), and Silal.
How will this recognition impact ADAFSA's future work and goals?
This recognition bolsters ADAFSA's commitment to ongoing enhancement of food safety practices and fostering constructive transformations within the region. It motivates us to set even higher standards and contribute to a safer and more sustainable food system for all.
Finally, can you tell us what winning this award means for ADAFSA and for yourself as Deputy Director for Regulatory and Administrative Affairs?
Winning this award validates ADAFSA's dedication to food safety and highlights the substantial influence of our efforts. Personally, receiving 'the Outstanding Leadership in Food Safety - CEO Middle East" award represents a significant milestone in my professional journey. It serves as both a recognition of achievement and a driving force to persist in pursuing excellence. This award inspires us to continuously raise the bar in food safety, thereby better serving the community and realizing the vision set forth by our esteemed leaders.
