During COP28, which took place in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December, agriculture technology became a highlight of the event. US-UAE co-led global initiative Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) announced more than doubling of investments, partners, and innovation sprints in transformative climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation
AIM for Climate announced an increase in investment of more than US$17bn, up from US$8bn at COP27, with the backing of more than 600 government and non-government partners. This represents a more than doubling of investments. The higher outlay of funds includes more than US$12bn from government partners, including contributions from the European Commission, Australia, Bangladesh, Bangladesh, Germany, Japan, Lithuania, Mexico, Morocco, United States, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, and many others.
Additionally, AIM's innovation sprints invested more than US$5bn in this project.
The goal of AIM is to accelerate innovations globally. For instance, Water and Energy for Food (WE4F) in the MENA region offers financial support, technical assistance, and investment facilitation to help Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) that affect the food, water, and energy sectors of the nexus grow. Through mid-2025, WE4F hopes to build on and leverage the US$33mn that has already been raised.
In Sharjah, UAE, it is also supporting a US$20mn desert farm project.
Meanwhile in Africa, AIM is helping develop a US$500mn Agri-Food Processing Unit in Onicha-Ugbo, Delta State, Nigeria, which aims to empower local farmers and elevate living standards.
The Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) seeks to boost agricultural productivity and nutrition by developing diverse, climate-resilient crop varieties and building healthy soils. VACS has invested US$100mn in new funding.
Increasing sustainable nutrition while delivering a positive environmental impact, Food Systems for the Future and partners will build and operate Africa's first automated insect protein production facility, with an initial investment of US$55mn.
Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri said, “We are witnessing tremendous progress in transforming the global food and agricultural systems at COP28, which has placed the theme at the heart of the Presidency agenda. The world has rallied together for the implementation of the ‘COP28 UAE Declaration on sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems, and climate action’ with 134 nations endorsing it, in addition to support gained from non-state partners. The significant traction gained by AIM for Climate is another step in promoting climate-smart agriculture, driven by innovation and advanced technology, which is critical to strengthening productivity and building sectoral resilience.”
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said, “As we convene at COP28, I am pleased to announce our new investments and partnerships under the AIM for Climate initiative. Together, with the UAE and our global partners, we are dedicated to meeting our climate goals, enhancing food security, and building a sustainable future for our planet. This partnership embodies our shared commitment to accelerating investments in transformative food systems and climate-smart agricultural innovations and we look forward to working with everyone on the road to COP30. Our joint efforts are not just about climate-smart agricultural advancements but about nurturing ambition, catalysing action, and fostering hope towards a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous world for all.”
