This episode of The SOMA MATER Podcast features a discussion between Yazen Al Kodmani (Emirates Bio Farm/Food Innovation Hub UAE) and Sheikh Dr. Majid Al Qassimi (SOMA MATER Founder/CEO) on how the UAE can leverage its unique position to build a more mature, export-focused, and sustainable food system.

The conversation highlights that while the UAE's agricultural production may be small, its proactive policy and investment make it a global leader in innovation, allowing it to be "ten years ahead" in certain areas. Key wins include:
Government Support: Initiatives like the Aqua Cluster, Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative, and the new National Agriculture Center, which aim to address policy and supply chain issues.

Retail Partnerships & Trust: Collaborations between local farmers and major retailers (like Carrefour's "Choose Better" campaign) have focused on promoting local consumption, increasing traceability, and even tackling single-use plastic by using reusable boxes.

Product Innovation: The success of local ventures like date-based products and camel milk shows that culturally significant foods can be innovated and marketed for international export.

The speakers call for systemic change by addressing two core issues: knowledge consolidation and the lack of a shared data architecture. They emphasize the need to map out the entire food system, break down government and industry silos, and create a shared platform for data (on production cycles, failures, and successes) to better inform policy, regulation, and market decisions across the region. The ultimate goal is to raise the profile and value of local production, ensuring its long-term resilience and profitability.

The conversation delves into the pressing issue of food fraud, particularly focusing on honey, fish, and olive oil. It highlights the importance of local trade accountability and the legal frameworks in place to address these challenges. Additionally, the discussion touches on the economic implications for agriculture, emphasizing the need for price adjustments to support farmers and stabilize the market.

In this episode, we explore with Yazen Al Kodmani the GM at Emirates Bio Farm, the evolving landscape of agriculture in the UAE, focusing on hydroponics, vertical farming, and the critical role of technology in enhancing food security. The conversation delves into the dynamics between retailers and local farmers, the challenges posed by climate and market conditions, and the importance of collaboration among stakeholders. We also discuss the need for better education on food policy and the significance of traceability in food sourcing, highlighting the unique agricultural context of the UAE. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolving landscape of agriculture in the UAE, focusing on the challenges and innovations in local farming, the importance of consumer preferences for organic produce, and the role of technology in enhancing agricultural practices. They emphasize the need for collaboration among farmers, retailers, and consumers to build trust in local products and ensure sustainability in food systems. The discussion also highlights the significance of education and awareness in promoting local sourcing and the potential for innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.