New Dh10 million UAE agricultural award category to help farmers market products
The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award is expanding its fifth cycle with a new Dh10 million category focused on marketing and support. The move follows an assessment that highlighted marketing gaps among local producers, while also encouraging successful farms to act as learning…
The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, a flagship initiative of the UAE’s agriculture sector, is broadening its reach in its fifth cycle by adding a new Dh10 million prize aimed specifically at improving market access for local farmers and livestock breeders. The change comes after an impact assessment of the award’s first four cycles revealed persistent challenges in connecting producers to buyers, as well as an opportunity to turn winning farms into practical training centers for the wider community.
What the New Category Means for UAE Farmers
Dubbed the Best Supporting Marketing Outlet, the new award will recognize farmers who help other producers improve their operations and create sales channels for local products. Chair of the Festivals and Accompanying Competitions Committee, Mubarak Al Mansouri, explained that the idea emerged from farmers’ and breeders’ repeated complaints about the lack of outlets for their goods. “We introduced this category to encourage sales outlets to adopt local products and give them a greater market share,” he told reporters in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
In addition to the marketing focus, the fifth cycle introduces the Agricultural Impact Maker category. This new segment honors farmers who mentor peers, share best practices, and open their farms to visitors. Al Mansouri noted that several past winners already act as informal trainers, guiding newcomers on how to apply for the award and implement the criteria that led to their success.
Assessment Findings and Broader Impact
Adafsa, the agency that manages the award, conducted a comprehensive impact assessment of the first four cycles. Deputy Director‑General for Regulatory and Administrative Affairs, Mouza Al Muhairi, highlighted several key outcomes: increased awareness of modern farming techniques, heightened use of technology, and a growing emphasis on waste reduction and resource efficiency.
Field visits revealed that the competition has spurred a shift toward more sustainable practices, with farmers adopting precision irrigation, digital monitoring systems, and biosecurity measures. The assessment also documented a notable rise in participation from women and young people, as well as an uptick in the international competitiveness of UAE agricultural products. Al Muhairi cited local beekeepers and livestock breeders who have earned international awards and top rankings in global competitions.
Real‑World Examples of Transformation
One illustrative case involves a livestock breeder from Al Ain who admitted he was unfamiliar with many farm management practices before entering the award. The application process forced him to scrutinize every aspect of his operation—from herd health to financial records—turning the submission into a comprehensive management audit. Al Mansouri said this example demonstrates how the award’s criteria are designed not just to recognize excellence but to drive improvement.
Another example is a beekeeper who applied in an earlier cycle but did not win. Using the award’s guidelines, she identified gaps in her apiary and made targeted changes. She later won the Sheikh Mansour award and subsequently placed among the top competitors in a UK competition. These stories underscore the award’s role as a catalyst for continuous learning and innovation.
Expanding the Programme and Future Outlook
The fifth cycle will broaden the programme to 97 accompanying competitions, up from 77 in the fourth cycle—a 26 % increase. These contests cover livestock, plant production, food, honey, flowers, and five festivals at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba. Applications for the main award categories will remain open until December 15, with winners announced in April 2027.
Adafsa reports that the first four cycles attracted 1,603 participants and produced 196 winners across the main categories. The projects that earned recognition illustrate that “agricultural excellence” extends beyond crop yield or herd quality. For instance, Salem Hariz Al‑Rashedi’s camel‑meat innovation generated Dh2.055 million in revenue, while Ghanim Sultan Al Suwaidi’s modern buffalo‑feeding system incorporated local dates and syrups into feed and included its own marketing outlets.
Looking ahead, the award’s criteria will continue to emphasize resource efficiency, water footprint, economic return, innovation, and digital transformation. Al Muhairi stressed that the real test of the award is whether the practices demonstrated by winners spread beyond their own farms. “The award is not only about winning,” she said; “it is about turning the lessons of the winners into practices that other farmers can adopt.”
With the new marketing and support categories, the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award is poised to deepen its impact on the UAE’s agricultural landscape, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and market integration.
Why It Matters
The expansion signals a strategic shift toward market connectivity and knowledge sharing, ensuring that UAE farmers can not only produce high‑quality products but also successfully bring them to consumers, both locally and internationally.
Key Takeaways
- New Dh10 million Best Supporting Marketing Outlet category focuses on market access.
- Agricultural Impact Maker category rewards mentorship and farm openness.
- Assessment shows increased tech adoption, sustainability, and female/young participation.
- Programme expands to 97 competitions, covering diverse agricultural sectors.
- Winner projects demonstrate revenue growth and innovation beyond traditional farming.
- Future focus remains on resource efficiency, digital transformation, and knowledge diffusion.
FAQ
- What is the deadline for applications? December 15.
- When will winners be announced? April 2027.
- How many competitions are in the fifth cycle? 97 accompanying competitions.
- Who can apply for the new marketing category? UAE farmers and livestock breeders seeking to improve market access.
Why it matters
By linking producers to buyers and encouraging peer mentorship, the award strengthens the UAE’s food security and positions local products for global competitiveness.
Key points
- Dh10 million marketing support category added
- Agricultural Impact Maker rewards mentorship
- Assessment shows tech and sustainability gains
- Programme expands to 97 competitions
- Winner projects drive revenue and innovation
Frequently asked questions
What is the deadline for applications?
December 15.
When will winners be announced?
April 2027.
How many competitions are in the fifth cycle?
97 accompanying competitions.
Who can apply for the new marketing category?
UAE farmers and livestock breeders seeking to improve market access.
