Ministry of Climate Change and Environment of UAE has been supporting and implementing various initiatives across the country to boost the production and demand for local produce to promote food security in the UAE.
There are lots of benefits associated with local produce:
Very fresh and flavourful
Local produce sold may have been picked or harvested just a day or two before so they retain the freshness. Even chefs or home cooks prefer the freshest ingredients to produce best-tasting dishes
More nutritious
Fruits and vegetables may lose some of their nutrients during transportation whereas locally grown produce retains more nutrients as they don’t have to travel far or sit in storage for long
Lower carbon footprint
Local food travels a short distance to reach the markets hence it reduces the carbon emissions involved in food import logistics. The shorter the distribution chain, the lesser is environmental pollution.
Less food waste
Most food waste occurs along the supply chain, buying locally can help reduce the risk of food becoming waste before it gets to the market.
Less packaging
Local food requires less packaging which also reduces environmental waste
Health benefits
Fresher produce can be more nutritious and may encourage people to consume more fruits and vegetables, leading to improved health outcomes.
Transparency
With shorter supply chains, it’s often easier for consumers to trace the origin of their food and ensure it meets certain quality and safety standards.