Sharjah: As part of efforts to strengthen the national food security ecosystem and reinforce concepts of community sustainability, Majid Salem Al Junaid, CEO of Sharjah Cooperative, and Rashid Abdullah Bin Huwaiden, Executive Director of the Supply Chain Sector at Sharjah Cooperative, inaugurated the activities of the 6th Farmers' Forum. Organised by Sharjah Cooperative in cooperation with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), the event is held under the slogan 'Our roots are the foundation of our future' at Rahmania Mall.
According to Emirates News Agency, the forum will continue until the evening of 1 February, taking place in the open-air area outside the mall, daily from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. It offers a comprehensive community experience that brings together agriculture, shopping, knowledge, and entertainment. The opening ceremony was attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Agricultural Club, and Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Food Diversity Sector at MOCCAE, alongside Sharjah Cooperative directors, officials, media representatives, and participating farmers.
The forum aligns with Sharjah's vision to build a sustainable food system by supporting local production and strengthening reliance on national resources. It also supports the Year of the Family's objectives, aiming to enhance family stability and the role of the family as an active development partner. The event seeks to link agricultural development with community initiatives that promote agriculture awareness, responsible consumption, and local farmer support, impacting quality of life and food security.
Featuring an exhibition with 25 booths, the forum supports local farmers, beekeepers, and families showcasing Emirati organic products, honey, and fresh produce. The market enables direct consumer-producer interaction, enhancing trust and supporting local supply chains. Initiatives like 'Shop and Win', offering gifts for purchases over AED 200, incentivize national product support and community participation.
Majid Salem Al Junaid emphasized that the forum embodies H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi's vision, the Ruler of Sharjah, who highlights agriculture's role in food security, sustainability, and life quality. The forum reflects Sharjah's investment in people, linking economic and social stability, positioning it as a balanced development model.
Rashid Abdullah Bin Huwaiden noted the forum's role in enhancing local supply chain efficiency, connecting farmers to consumers, and supporting market stability. It aligns with national directions towards food source diversification and sustainability. Bin Huwaiden stressed that collaboration with MOCCAE and relevant entities is crucial for the forum's success and institutional integration in agriculture and food security support.
The forum also includes interactive workshops for children, educational and recreational activities promoting sustainable agriculture, environmental awareness, and community belonging. A section for productive families strengthens family bonds, encouraging production culture, household skills, and innovation, aligning with the Year of the Family objectives.
The opening ceremony featured cultural and community segments and children's entertainment, creating an engaging atmosphere combining awareness and enjoyment. Government and private entities, alongside participating farmers, were honoured for their contributions to the agricultural sector and food security, fostering a culture of partnership among stakeholders.
The 6th Farmers' Forum will continue until 1 February, offering a programme that combines marketing, awareness activities, and workshops. The forum reaffirms Sharjah Cooperative's commitment to supporting local farmers, strengthening food security, reinforcing the family's role in development, and establishing agriculture as a cornerstone of a sustainable future, rooted in strong foundations and aligned with future generations' aspirations.