Farmers across Abu Dhabi are expected to produce an additional 10,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables this season, according to the Abu Dhabi Farmers' Services Centre (ADFSC).
ADFSC-affiliated farms cultivated 28,500 tonnes of Class I produce last season, which runs from November to October. This figure is anticipated to rise to 38,800 by October 2015, the National reported.
The ADFSC helps farmers by providing them with market data, advice and logistical support, as well as setting a minimum-price guarantee.
'It doesn’t insure them against a crop failure, but it insures them against a market failure,' said ADFSC's chief executive, Chris Hirst.
According to the scheme, commissions taken from produce selling over the market value is used to supplement the price when it falls below the minimum-price guarantee.
Cucumbers are by far the most abundant crop, accounting for 29.2 per cent and more than 11,000 tonnes of the expected yield for next season.
Meanwhile, tomatoes are anticipated to make up 16.3 per cent, aubergines 5.6 per cent, green peppers 4.5 per cent and white cabbages 3.6 per cent.
ADFSC understands the significance of the challenge that lies ahead in gaining consumers' trust in local produce. However, progress is being made, not least in retail outlets.
'Three or four years ago the big-name local retailers would have a very low-profile display of local products,' said Hirst. 'But now they are in the main display space and there are many different promotions.'
Martin Aguirre, produce supply chain section manager at ADFSC, added: 'We have to explain to our customers all the work behind these products. They are not normal products. There is strict control and recommendations, as well as food-safety regulations. We test all our products for pesticides and micro contamination, and once we help the consumer to value local produce, the price farmers get will go up.”
Objectives at the centre include improving the nursery, preparing its new herb-growing facility for next season, and stepping up its pesticide monitoring for all products.
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