As a leading UAE producer and distributor of fresh produce, we are bringing UAE-grown, fresh-from-the-earth white and purple potatoes to the market. With our pioneering sustainable local farming methods, we are expected to save at least 468 tons* of carbon emissions, when compared to the most common sources of imported potatoes and the carbon emissions involved in their transportation.
Potatoes are in season at EAG, the UAE’s largest local potato producer. We own and operate a 210-hectare open farm in Nahel, Al Ain, producing up to 8,400 tons of potatoes this harvest season. Since 2014, the farm has been home to three potato varieties, including Spunta, Naima, and Universa. This year, an all-new, highly-versatile potato variety called Sifra was planted for the first time in Nahel Farm. Distinguished for its light-coloured skin and excellent culinary qualities, Sifra is an excellent multi-purpose kitchen staple, suitable for baking, boiling, frying, mashing, and roasting. The Naima variety is also known for its quality and long shelf life. By growing four different varieties, we will be able to supply the UAE market with local potatoes for the next 9 months.
“We continuously endeavour to bring new varieties that increase the accessibility of locally-grown, high-quality fresh produce to the UAE market. In line with our commitment to promote local food security and sustainability, we are proud to pioneer sustainable farming practices that are beneficial to both our people and our planet,” said Ian Summerfield, Elite Agro CEO.
We use eco-friendly and sustainable farming solutions at our four farms across the country to ensure optimal production, efficient use of natural resources, as well as a lower carbon footprint, to enhance the resilience of the UAE’s agriculture industry. These include fully automated planting to harvesting methods, advanced adaptive irrigation to save water, integrated pest management to protect the environment, state-of-the-art post-harvest management to preserve quality and software management systems to reduce waste.
This season’s potatoes were planted in October 2021 and will be harvested between March and April 2022. They will be distributed through our commercial arm, Elite Agro Fresh Trading (EGFT), a seamless end-to-end supply chain network which ensures easy access of high-quality produce that stays fresh for longer, enabled by swift farm-to-shelf deliveries.
EAG potatoes will be sold under our newly rebranded Elite Fresh brand and available at leading retailers including Spinneys, Carrefour or order online at farmbox.ae.
* Source: IMO GHG Study. Based on average figures of a typical bulk carrier by boat.