Organic farming flourishes in UAE

Описание: (30 Jan 2015) A growing number of Emiratis are turning their hands to farming to meet an increased demand for organic vegetables.
Despite being a desert country, there are 12 commercial farms and thousands of small holdings in the UAE.

Fresh herbs picked and ready for the market.
This farm is one of dozens that has expanded from a small holding to meet the growing demand for pesticide-free vegetables in the UAE.
Despite harsh desert conditions farmers make use of natural underground water via wells and bore holes to grow vegetables - which includes aubergines, tomatoes, courgettes, beetroots and peppers.
Water is piped in rubber hoses to the plants and natural compost is used.
Some of the produce is sold at markets like this.
Six years ago Yael Mejia set up 'The Farmers' Market on the Terrace' in the centre of Dubai.
Originating from London, Yael established the first of four Baker and Spice restaurants in Knightsbridge in 1995.
As a result of the success of the artisan bakery and restaurant she was asked to bring the concept to Dubai and has now established three branches of Baker and Spice here.
Driven by a need for local fresh produce for her kitchen, Yael says she explored the desert to find farmers.
After a year of phoning and visiting farms she persuaded four farms to produce vegetables for her restaurants.
Such was the demand from customers at Baker and Spice that Yael set up the farmers' market.
"You come to a place like this where the stuff was picked up this morning or yesterday afternoon. It is seriously fresh," she says.
The market has grown from four farms to more than 12.
They're all are certified by an Italian organic agency.
Mejia says the organic movement has grown and grown since she arrived in Dubai six years ago.
"The movement has gained quite a momentum. This is a community initiative, farmers don't get charged to come here."
With much of the fruit and vegetables imported into the UAE shoppers are only too happy to buy fresh produce.
"I like to come here with my children at the weekends to meet the farmers and get our fresh produce," explains market regular Christine Faurhat.
Meanwhile, the market has also attracted local celebrities, like chef Suzanne Husseini.
"When I don't know what to cook I just come here and I'm inspired by the gorgeous coloured vegetables", she says.
Abdullah Khalid Al Gaz, of Organic Land, is one of the farmers that supplies the market.
He produces 1,000 kilogrammes of tomatoes a week plus aubergines, peppers, herbs and kale.
The greenhouses are equipped with fans to help protect against the sun and heat during the hot months.
He supplies the farmers' market as well as supermarkets and has seen demand grow steeply.
"It's getting busier and busier, each year demand is increasing and increasing. People are more aware and want to be organic. Five years ago not many people knew, but now there are lots of restaurants and shops selling organic food," he says.
Abdullah says he's opening up more land for farming to meet this demand.


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