Today's Edition
ISIDORA CIRIC (DUBAI)
In the heart of the UAE, a young farmer, Saeed Al Remeithi, is redefining the boundaries of traditional agriculture. At just 23 years old, Al Remithi has established an organic farm in Sweihan, Al Ain, that is not only a source of nourishment but also a beacon of sustainability and innovation.
He is also one of the seven UNICEF Youth Advocates from the United Arab Emirates, selected ahead of COP28 to represent the organisation and his home country as a role model with passion for the environment.
The Genesis of an Eco-Friendly Farm
In an interview with Aletihad, Al Remeithi revealed that his love for organic agriculture began in the comfort of his home, where he experimented with growing different produce in a controlled environment. “I started my agriculture passion in my home. I tried to plant sweet potatoes, melons, some tomatoes, and experimented with that. And then I built my own greenhouse in the home. I was around 18 years old when I started the greenhouse,” he said.
The young farmer used various internet resources, such as Instagram, website articles, and YouTube, to learn more about the art of growing produce in a greenhouse. The passion for agriculture runs in his family, as Al Remeithi’s cousin is also a farmer. He noticed that his cousin was having issues selling the produce, so the two entrepreneurs decided to co-found an organic farm, dubbed “The Organic Farm”.
Al Remithi realised the gap in the UAE market: a lack of exotic types of vegetables. He cleverly thought of an idea to import seeds of uniquely-coloured vegetables like yellow zucchini and black tomatoes, in hopes of inspiring more buyers to pay attention to organic produce. “It was not easy to transition from your backyard to an actual farm,” Al Remeithi admitted.
With the help of his cousin, who is an experienced farmer, he successfully moved into larger-scale agriculture products, using a mix of traditional and modern methods. Besides vegetables, he also produces and sells other types of foods, including milk, eggs, poultry, and even salsa sauce, cream cheese, and pizzas, all of which are fully organic.
A Commitment to Organic and Sustainable Practices
Concerned about the high costs and environmental impact of conventional methods, Al Remithi embarked on a mission to develop a more sustainable approach. He avoids the use of pesticides and embraces techniques that minimise water usage, such as drip irrigation systems.
This dedication extends to his choice of crops, carefully selected to cater to the tastes and needs of the local community. By doing so, he not only contributes to the diversity of the UAE’s agricultural products, but also raises awareness about the importance of organic farming.
Educating and Inspiring the Community
Al Remeithi’s influence extends beyond his farm. He is an active social media user, utilising these platforms to educate the public about sustainable farming practices. His focus is not just on large-scale farming; he encourages urban residents to engage in small-scale agriculture, demonstrating that sustainable farming is possible even in limited spaces.
Through his efforts, Al Remeithi inspires a new generation to think differently about food production and sustainability. “I want to show people that growing even exotic fruit types, like mango, papaya, bananas, and lemons – people need very simple set ups to start,” he said, adding that he thinks that the UAE has a lot of agricultural potential.
Role at COP28
Al Remithi is currently showcasing his produce at COP28, where he is also a part of UNICEF’s group of Young Advocates.
“COP28 is an amazing opportunity to connect with the international community and increase awareness about the importance of organic and sustainable farming,” Al Remeithi shared. His role as a youth advocate and entrepreneur at this global event underscores the importance of young voices in the fight against climate change and in the promotion of sustainable agriculture.
“When I give them [visitors] the story about my organic farm or my experience in this field, they are shocked about my age,” he added.
Empowering the Next Generation of Farmers
Al Remeithi’s advice to young, aspiring farmers is grounded in practicality and sustainability. He advocates for starting small and understanding the importance of sustainability in everyday life. His journey from a small greenhouse to a thriving farm is a blueprint for others to follow, showcasing that with dedication and innovation, it is possible to make a substantial impact on both the environment and the agricultural sector.
His farm in Sweihan is not only a source of organic produce, but also a symbol of hope and inspiration for a new era of sustainable agriculture in the UAE and beyond.
