ADQ, Abu Dhabi’s wealth fund, plans to acquire a 35 per cent stake in France’s Limagrain Vegetable Seeds as the UAE enters a research-intensive phase to transform farming and reduce reliance on food imports.

The venture will focus on developing vegetable seeds suited to extreme heat, drought and salinity conditions, ADQ said.

The UAE imports between 80 and 90 per cent of its food, one of the highest rates globally, according to the World Economic Forum.

The project will initially focus on crops such as cucumbers, tomatoes and melons, using gene selection and editing techniques, rather than genetic modification, to enhance desirable traits.

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While the UAE has made significant investment in vertical farming and hydroponics, seed innovation is viewed as crucial to expanding traditional agriculture in the desert, [Antonios] Vouloudis said.

“It focuses on developing varieties resilient to heat, drought and salinity, which is essential for expanding food security beyond niche produce and complementing controlled environment agriculture approaches.”

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