- UAE’s ADQ acquires 35% stake in Limagrain Vegetable Seeds to advance seed innovation.
- Focus on developing crops adapted to heat, drought, and salinity.
- Aims to complement hydroponics and reduce 90% reliance on food imports.
The UAE is accelerating its agricultural transformation with a bold move into seed science. Through its sovereign wealth fund ADQ, the country is set to acquire a 35% stake in France’s Limagrain Vegetable Seeds.
Unlike genetically modified organisms (GMOs), this initiative will utilize precise gene selection and editing techniques to enhance natural traits in vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and melons.
Rooted in Resilience: UAE Seeds Agricultural Future with French Partnership
The collaboration with Limagrain reflects a growing global emphasis on climate-adaptive agriculture. As rising temperatures and soil degradation threaten food systems worldwide, countries like the UAE are exploring proactive, science-driven methods to ensure food sovereignty. By investing in foundational agricultural tools such as seeds, the Emirates is strengthening its capacity to withstand external shocks and global supply chain disruptions.
Limagrain, known for its farmer-led governance and robust R&D, brings decades of breeding expertise into the fold. The deal grants the UAE access to cutting-edge laboratories and germplasm banks—vital resources in developing proprietary seed varieties suited for arid regions. This not only benefits the Emirates but could also position it as a regional research hub for sustainable agriculture.
Agricultural innovation has been central to the UAE’s national food strategy, which includes initiatives in vertical farming, aquaponics, and AI-based farm management. The integration of seed science completes the value chain—from genetics to production—fostering a comprehensive ecosystem that balances technology with ecological considerations.
The move also represents a cultural and economic shift: enabling local farmers to plant and harvest produce designed for their environment reduces dependency and boosts domestic agri-business. The long-term goal is to create a resilient, knowledge-driven agricultural sector that supports national food goals while fostering international collaboration in climate-resilient food systems.
With seed science as the new frontier, the UAE is sowing the foundations of a future where agriculture thrives even in the harshest conditions—turning desert challenges into opportunities.
“The discovery of agriculture was the first big step toward a civilized life.” — Arthur Keith.
