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MOCCAE's Food and Agriculture Entrepreneurs Programme's final cohort launched
17 Aug 2025 22:39
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has launched the third and final cohort of the Food and Agriculture Entrepreneurs Programme, which will run until December 2025. The programme – which has been running in yearly groups from 2023 to 2025 – is one of the Cabinet's transformational initiatives designed to build Emirati youth capacity in managing agricultural and livestock enables participants to establish start-ups that contribute to strengthening national food programme, with Gracia Group as its strategic partner, trains 30 participants each year with the goal of fully integrating them and aims to support 50 entrepreneurs in reaching full production within three provides access to financing, market destinations and private sector partners, thus maintaining a sustainable presence in the long is provided on three aspects: general agricultural entrepreneurship, strategic planning and specialised vocational training in agricultural and livestock production and marketing, including site visits to successful projects and hands-on project to Aletihad, Hamed Al Hamed, Founder of the Gracia Group and Chairman of the Emirates Agricultural Pioneers Association, highlighted the impact of the programme.'The Food and Agriculture Entrepreneurs Programme has led to practical results on the ground. Today, Gracia's Group young talent has been exposed to opportunities, and their passion for entering this sector has increased. This programme includes a comprehensive journey for each individual, from the moment they receive information to the results of their entrepreneurial endeavours,' Al Hamed noted that public-private collaboration is a key pillar of the programme.'The role of collaboration between the public and private sectors is very important, because our clear participation in the details or needs of the private sector has a greater impact on the programmes. Our work with the Ministry extends beyond these programmes to a wide range of activities and partnerships.'Al Hamed noted that participants are offered a comprehensive programme covering essential investment skills, including trademarks, branding, marketing, accounting practices and the development of strategic business plans. All these elements have been integrated into the training. He added that the projects have produced many success on the programme, he noted that accurate data and sound research are vital for ensuring food security, and the local market requires agricultural leaders who operate from a real investment perspective.'Our work focuses on structuring all the components of the agricultural sector and supporting the creation of a network of farmers and agriculture enthusiasts. We have organised groups across all key operations in the sector and connected them with one other to achieve the desired results,' Al Hamed programme also integrates the expertise of marketers, who coordinate marketing functions with the joint operations team. Moving on to the incubation and funding stage, Al Hamed noted that once participants complete the theoretical training phase, they enter an entrepreneurship incubator for a period of practical training. From there, they are referred to the relevant entities to obtain financing. 'We are now coordinating with these entities to establish a reference framework for graduating these groups, ensuring they are fully qualified.'
Al Hamed also noted that Gracia Group launched initiatives with government partners, including the Planting One Million Saplings campaign and programmes for senior citizens, people of determination, and women.
