Organic farming is progressing at pace in the UAE, with two outlets showing just what can be achieved.
Greenheart Organic Farms began life in Dubai six years ago, and has increased production from half a tonne a month to 7-8 tonnes a week in that time.
Now it creates its own soil, has three wells providing irrigation and uses only heirloom seeds – meaning those which have been harvested from its own crops - to ensure the pedigree of its produce.
The frantic use of industrial farming methods and the spread of chemicals to enhance the size and shape of vegetables has become an inducement to source truly organic produce says Elena Kinane, Greenheart's founder.
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Similarly, Organic Oasis is a farm that began only five years ago.
It started with eight beds – one bed is 400 sq m - and two greenhouses, but now it has 52 beds and 14 greenhouses with a string of commercial clients.
It produces over 30 different vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers and capsicums.
This year saw a record producing 5500kg of watermelons from just one bed.