قانون البيئة / ESG في الإماراتقرار مجلس الوزراء في شأن نظام العلامة الإماراتية للزراعة المستدامة

Article (1) Definitions For the purposes of implementing the provisions of this Resolution, the following terms and expressions shall have the meanings assigned to each of them, unless the context requires otherwise: State : The United Arab Emirates. Authority : The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology. Board : The Board of Directors of the Authority. Director General : The Director General of the Authority. Competent Authority : The federal or local authority concerned with the implementation of the provisions of this Resolution. UAE Conformity Assessment System (ECAS) : The system issued by the Board, which is concerned with verifying the fulfillment of a product's requirements specified in the approved standard specifications, either directly or indirectly, through specific procedures conducted by the Authority, such as inspection, testing, calibration, or granting conformity certificates. Mark : The drawing, Label, symbol, stamp, inscription, or image indicating the Authority or what is issued thereby regarding specifications, metrology, quality, and conformity, or indicating any international body related to specifications, metrology, quality, and conformity. Label : The Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label, which is the Mark approved by the Authority and granted to a product to indicate that it conforms to the sustainable agriculture standards in accordance with the provisions of this Resolution.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 3 Approved Standard Specifications : The standard specifications approved by the Authority, referred to as United Arab Emirates Standard Specifications (UAE.S). Sustainability Standards : Administrative, economic, social, and environmental requirements, particularly for farms, products, and supporting economic activities, approved by the Authority for the issuance of the conformity certificate and the Label. Conformity Certificate : The certificate that confirms the product’s conformity with the requirements of the provisions of this Resolution. Approved Conformity Assessment Body : The body appointed in accordance with Cabinet Resolution No. (35) of 2015 referred to, to provide services in the fields specified by the Authority. Conformity Assessment : The activity that is used directly or indirectly to verify the fulfillment of the mandatory requirements related to the Label, such as inspection, testing, and granting Conformity Certificates for products. Operator : The legal person whose activity has an impact on the performance of the establishment, or any legal representative responsible for managing, running, and operating the establishment subject to the provisions of this Resolution as the case may be, and who carries out its activity through a company or a sole proprietorship licensed in the State in accordance with the relevant legislation.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 4 Supplier : The manufacturer, importer, transporter, collector, agent, warehouse keeper, or any main or sub- distributor whose activity has an impact on the characteristics of the product, or any legal representative responsible for importing, installing, and operating the product subject to the provisions of this Resolution as the case may be, and who carries out its activity through an establishment in accordance with the relevant legislation. Supply Chain : All operations through which the product passes until it reaches the consumer, including the import, supply, storage, transport, and wholesale or retail sale of the product, and any other related process for the product's delivery to the consumer. Product : Farms, farm products, and related services. Sustainable Product : Farms, farm products, and related services that meet the requirements and standards set out in Schedule No. (1) attached to this Resolution. Sustainable Agriculture : Food and agricultural production through the application of sustainable development in the management of natural resources for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, in a manner that protects and directs natural wealth to ensure the achievement and continuity of meeting the human needs for present and future generations; protects land, water, and plant and animal genetic resources from any harm that may affect them or the environment; and employs technically and economically appropriate technologies that are socially acceptable .

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 5 Establishment : An establishment dedicated to the cultivation and production of plant crops, livestock, and aquatic life, within specific geographical boundaries of a farm or part thereof, or a group of farms under unified administrative supervision, whether inside and outside the State. Sustainable Components : A multi-component product, sustainable and non- sustainable, with different percentages. Farms : An area of land and its buildings, used for the production of plant crops and the breeding of livestock and aquatic life. Sustainable Agricultural System Plan : The approved agricultural plan for the establishment, which includes all stages of cultivation and the documents necessary to prove compliance with the standards and conditions of sustainable agriculture.

Article (2) Scope of Application The provisions of this Resolution shall apply to: 1. Farms located within specific geographical boundaries, or groups of Farms under unified administrative supervision, inside and outside the State, that are designated as Sustainable Farms or bear similar designations. 2. Products of the Farms or groups of Farms referred to in Clause (1) of this Article, from plant crops, livestock, and aquatic life. 3. Economic activities relating to the production of a Farm or part thereof, or for the production of a group of Farms under unified administrative supervision, which constitute the entire Supply Chain or part thereof, and have significant impacts on the sustainability of the surrounding environment and the community, including processing, delivery, wholesale, and retail trade.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 6

Article (3) Conditions for Obtaining the Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label 1. The Establishment must comply with the Sustainable Agricultural System Plan in accordance with the following standards: First Standard: Effective Planning and Management System, which requires the following: a. Description of the practices and procedures to be implemented and maintained, including the frequency of their implementation. b. A list of all materials used as an input for production or handling, indicating its composition, source, and location(s) where they will be used, together with documents evidencing commercial availability, as appropriate. c. Description of the monitoring practices and procedures to be implemented and maintained, including the frequency of their implementation to verify the effective execution of the Plan. d. Description of the record-keeping system in place. e. Description of the management practices and physical barriers established to prevent the commingling of Sustainable and non-Sustainable Products in a split operation, and to prevent contact between Sustainable Production and handling operations and prohibited substances. f. Any other requirements specified by the Authority. Second Standard: Environmental Management Systems, which requires the following: a. Conducting assessments of activities that may have a significant impact on the environment or the use of natural resources, and adopting the option that provides the greatest benefit or causes the least harm to the environment as a whole, at an acceptable cost to the community, in the long term. b. Promoting Sustainable Development in all aspects related to the environment. c. Protecting the cultural and natural heritage of the State, including its biodiversity. d. Promoting reduction, reuse, or recycling of waste.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 7 e. Maintaining records of the quantity and quality of waste generated, the quantity recycled, and the quality of its utilization. f. Any other requirements specified by the Authority. Third Standard: Improving Livelihoods and Worker Welfare, which requires the following: a. Safeguarding the rights of workers in accordance with the applicable relevant legislation. b. Prohibiting the use of forced labor or any form of discrimination in employment by Farms. c. Ensuring the health, welfare, and safety of workers. d. Prohibiting the employment of minors under the age of (18) as agricultural workers. e. Any other requirements specified by the Authority. 2. The Sustainable Livestock Production Plan must meet the following standards: First Standard: Sustainable Livestock Production, which requires the following: a. Raising livestock in accordance with approved husbandry practices. b. Providing product traceability systems. c. Providing veterinary care programs. d. Providing feeding programs free of prohibited substances in accordance with locally and internationally approved requirements. e. Selecting and managing pastures on the basis of agro-environmental standards. f. Providing and adopting pest management programs in accordance with approved local and international requirements, prohibiting the use of chemical pesticides, and regulating the use of chemical fertilizers in production processes and the Supply Chain. g. Adopting feed value programs and production rates to ensure optimal growth and prevent pasture degradation. h. Prohibiting the use of chemical substances, hormones, growth enhancers, or antibiotics in production processes and the Supply Chain. i. Any other requirements specified by the Authority.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 8 Second Standard: Sustainable Production for Hydroponic, Organic, Integrated, Closed, and Innovative Agricultural Systems, which requires the following: a. Complying with the relevant approved legislation and standard specifications. b. Providing product traceability systems. c. The Farm's adoption of programs that comply with the applicable legislation governing prohibited substances in the health and nutrition sectors. d. Selection and management of feed based on agro-environmental standards, pest management, nutritional value, and production rates to ensure optimal growth. 3. In addition to the standards and requirements stipulated in Clauses (1) and (2) of this Article, the standards and requirements stipulated in Annex No. (1) attached to this Resolution shall apply.

Article (4) Procedures for Obtaining the Label 1. The Operator and Supplier, in order to obtain the Conformity Certificate and the Label from the Authority, must comply with the following: a. Registration of the systems and products in the UAE Conformity Assessment System (ECAS). b. Submitting an application to the Authority accompanied by all the documents required for this purpose. c. Complying with the mandatory Sustainability Standards set out in Annex No. (1) attached to this Resolution, and any other requirements adopted by the Authority in this regard. d. Submitting all products and supporting services to the Conformity Model (H) for product verification, as stipulated in the UAE Conformity Assessment System (ECAS). e. Providing all technical documents, certificates, and information demonstrating the product's conformity with the requirements of this Resolution. 2. If the product is multi-component, it must contain no less than (95%) of sustainable contents.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 9 3. The Establishment may use the Label on a multi-component product that contains less than (95%) sustainable components, provided that it is classified, declared, and described in accordance with the controls specified by the Authority.

Article (5) The Emirates for Sustainable Agriculture Label 1. The design of the Label shown in Annex No. (2) is hereby approved, and the Authority shall determine the conditions and controls for its use, and shall be deemed the exclusive owner of its intellectual property rights. 2. No person may affix the label to any product, or publish any advertisement for a product containing the phrases "Sustainable Product," "Sustainable Cultivation," "Sustainable Agriculture," "Sustainable Production," or any other similar expressions indicating Sustainable Agriculture, including abbreviations, symbols, images, and marks denoting any of the foregoing, unless the product has obtained the Conformity Certificate and the Label in accordance with the provisions of this Resolution.

Article (7) Inspection and Surveillance of Establishments and Markets 1. The Authority and the Competent Authorities may conduct periodic visits to the Operator or Supplier, and carry out necessary verification. They may also collect samples for assessments or testing to ensure their compliance with the requirements stipulated in this Resolution.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 10 2. In the event of non-conformity with the requirements of this Resolution, the violations and penalties stipulated in Article (8) of this Resolution shall be imposed on the violating party after conducting the necessary investigations. 3. All points of sale in the State are prohibited from displaying or selling any products subject to the provisions of this Resolution unless such products are registered in accordance with the UAE Conformity Assessment System (ECAS) or have obtained the Conformity Certificate and the Label in accordance with the provisions of this Resolution.

Article (8) Violations and Penalties In the event that any violation of the provisions of this Resolution is found, the Authority or the Competent Authority, as the case may be, shall take the necessary measures to rectify the violation and address the resulting effects, and may, for this purpose, take the following actions: 1. Requiring the violating party responsible for operating the Establishment or placing the violating product on the market to take the necessary corrective measures to rectify the violation and the resulting effects, or to withdraw the product from the market for the purpose of regularizing its status, or to return it to the country of origin if imported. The destruction of the non-compliant Product within the State is prohibited and the destruction of locally manufactured Products shall be carried out in accordance with the legislation in force in the State. 2. Announcing the suspension, withdrawal, or revocation of the Conformity Certificate. 3. Withdrawing the product from the market, with the violating party bearing all costs arising therefrom.

Article (9) Grievance Procedures 1. The Operator and the Supplier may file a grievance against the decisions issued in accordance with the provisions of this Resolution, provided that they comply with the following:

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 11 a. The grievance shall be submitted to the Director General in accordance with the Authority's procedures within a period not exceeding (14) fourteen working days from the date of notifying the Operator or the Supplier of the decision. b. All the necessary documents supporting the grounds for the grievance shall be attached. 2. The Director General shall decide on the grievance within a period not exceeding (25) twenty-five working days from the date of its submission, and the decision issued in respect thereof shall be final.

Article (11) Final Provisions 1. The Authority or the body delegated thereby shall receive the registration and conformity applications of the establishments and products subject to the provisions of this Resolution and shall issue approvals in respect thereof. 2. A resolution may be issued by the Board after coordination with the Emirates Food Security Council to apply the provisions of this system in a mandatory manner for certain types of activities. 3. The annexes attached to this Resolution are an integral part of its provisions, and the Board may amend them whenever the need arises. 4. The provisions of this Resolution shall not prevent the inspectors of the Competent Authorities from carrying out any assessment or other tests to ensure that the Establishments and Products subject to its provisions conform with the mandatory conditions stipulated in the technical legislations and regulations.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 12 5. The entities subject to the provisions of this Resolution shall provide the inspectors of the Competent Authorities with the assistance and information they request in connection with the implementation of its provisions. 6. If any matter arises that cannot be addressed by the provisions of this Resolution, or if any disagreement occurs regarding its interpretation or application, the matter shall be referred to the Director General to issue the appropriate decision in this regard. 7. The Competent Authority in each Emirate shall be responsible for the extent of the Operator's or Supplier's compliance with the provisions of this Resolution and the conformity of the Establishments and Products with its provisions, including inspection, supervision, and testing operations. 8. The application of the provisions of this Resolution shall not prejudice other legislation related to labor, agriculture, the environment, or the safety and quality of food, nor shall it prejudice or exempt from any legal obligations stipulated in those legislations.

Article (13) Publication and Entry into Force This Resolution shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall enter into force on the day following the date of its publication. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Prime Minister Issued by us: On: 30 Dhu al-Qi 'dah 1441 A.H. Corresponding to: 21 July 2020 A.D.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 13 Annex No. (1) Attached to Cabinet Resolution No. (52) of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System Standard Principles Indicators Mandatory Requirements 1. Planning and Management System 1-1 Operational Management Maintaining or enhancing the social, economic, and environmental viability of the operation. a. Business Management The Operator shall maintain a business strategy aligned with financial planning, and social and environmental responsibilities. 1. The existence of a valid plan that considers supply, demand, and price fluctuations. 2. The Operator or Supplier shall identify potential commercial and/or financial risks. 3. The existence of a plan to manage commercial and/or financial risks. b. Farm Management To meet sustainable supply and demand, the Operator shall improve the utilization and exploitation of land, and the management of animal and plant production, and natural resources, where applicable. 1. The existence of a plan for the utilization and exploitation of land, the management of animal and plant production, and the rational management of natural resources. 2. The Farm Management Plan shall be aligned with local and federal requirements (particularly the legislative and regulatory framework) for water, soil, waste, and biodiversity conservation. 3. Periodic assessment of the land's production potential and resource management shall be conducted at least once a year to determine whether improvements can be made

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 14 to production and resource management. 4. The Operator shall continuously assess potential sustainable improvements for the utilization of land, animal and plant production, and resource management. 5. The Operator shall comply with the applicable Sustainable Agriculture practices. c. Site Selection Communities near the site of the Establishment shall not be adversely affected by agricultural activities, and the site shall not be located near any hazards that cannot be eliminated or mitigated. 6. The Operator shall adhere to a mechanism designed to prevent any adverse impacts of agricultural activities on local communities. 1-2 Trade Enhancement Conducting the procurement of raw materials, equipment, and services, and the lawful sale of Products. a. Business Conduct Trade in Products shall be carried out in a fair and honest manner that fosters trust among stakeholders (including consumers). 1. No judicial rulings shall have been issued against the Operator in the past (3) three years in connection with fraud, unethical conduct, or other illicit business practices. 2. Sales of the Product shall not exceed the volume of the harvested crop. 3. The Operator shall conduct an annual review (or more frequently if necessary) to monitor and improve business practices.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 15 b. Inventory Management The inventory of inputs, equipment, and production tools shall be monitored. 1. An active inventory management system shall be available. 2. A mechanism shall be available to monitor production requirements, storage risks, cash flow, stock availability, cost of ordering individual items, delay costs, and holding costs when setting ordering cycles. 3. Stock levels of inputs shall be sufficient to meet the needs of the operation until the next ordering cycle. 4. Stock levels of inputs shall not exceed the operational requirements until the subsequent ordering cycle. 1-3 Creating direct and indirect job opportunities Promoting economic and social stability in the State by supporting local companies and the workforce. a. Emiratization At least (50%) of the production cost shall be incurred in the State. This includes, for example, but not limited to: labor, input, equipment, logistical services, and marketing. 5. Availability of a procurement statement. 6. Availability of employee records.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 16 1-4 Legal Compliance The Operator and the Supplier shall comply with all relevant local and international laws and regulations. a. The Operator and the Supplier shall demonstrate compliance with all relevant legal requirements related to agriculture and food safety. 1. The Operator's understanding of and compliance with all relevant laws regarding agricultural production and food safety. 2. The Operator's retention of all relevant documents detailing compliance with the legislation. 3. Obtaining the necessary permits and licenses. 4. No judicial violations against the Operator and the Supplier in the past (3) three years. 1-5 Sustainable System Governance Verifying the integrity of the Sustainable Production System by maintaining accurate and comprehensive records. a. The Operator shall maintain records related to employees, cultivated crops, crop yields, production processes, inputs, equipment, and all other areas necessary to prove compliance with this standard. 1. The existence of a clear mechanism for traceability of operations. 2. Maintaining records for at least two years.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 17 2. Environmental Management 2-1 Environmental Systems Maintaining and protecting the quality of existing ecological systems through Sustainable Agriculture. a. Ecological System Management Maintaining and enhancing existing ecological systems through Sustainable Agriculture. 1. The Operator shall identify the impacts of agricultural activities on existing natural ecological systems. 2. The Operator shall minimize the impacts of agricultural activities on existing natural ecological systems to the greatest extent possible. 3. The Operator shall conduct an environmental impact assessment when cultivating virgin lands. 4. The Operator shall comply with national environmental law and biodiversity management. 5. The Operator shall annually review the impacts of agricultural activities on existing natural ecological systems. 6. No land clearance or topsoil removal during the past five years. 7. No land clearance for production or agricultural activities involving the burning of plants or crop residues.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 18 b. Protection of Threatened Plant Species The existence of measures to protect threatened plant species. 1. Taking measures to prevent or reduce the degradation of threatened and protected plant species and varieties within the operation, and establishing the necessary mechanisms to support the long-term survival of such species and varieties. 2. Farm management practices shall contribute to the conservation of threatened and protected plant species and varieties. 3. No activities related to threatened and protected plant species shall be carried out unless a permit is obtained from the Competent Authorities. c. Invasive and Alien Plant Species The existence of measures to control or eradicate the spread of invasive and alien plant species. 4. Identification of alien plant species present in the operation in terms of classification, name, density, characteristics, potential risks, and the required procedure. 5. Eradication of invasive and alien plant species (or control thereof as appropriate) using suitable methods for the specific species concerned and the environment in which they grow. 6. No importation of invasive and alien plant species shall be permitted

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 19 unless evidence of a legal justification for doing so is provided. d. Threatened and Endangered Wildlife Taking measures to protect threatened and endangered wildlife, and identifying wildlife species that are threatened and endangered with extinction within the operation and listed in the (protected area). 1. Identification of wildlife species threatened with extinction. 2. Protection of wildlife and species threatened with extinction using appropriate methods suitable to the specific species concerned and the environment in which they live. 3. No threatening, hunting, accessing, trading, dealing in, exporting, killing, capturing, possessing in captivity, physically controlling, transporting, breeding, poisoning, or exposing wildlife and species threatened with extinction to any other illegal activity, and the establishment of deterrent legislation to prevent such acts. e. Protecting wildlife corridors Protecting and maintaining wildlife corridors. 1. Identification of wildlife corridors. 2. Protection of existing wildlife corridors. 3. Creation or rehabilitation of wildlife corridors when necessary to facilitate wildlife movement. 4. Verification of the effectiveness of wildlife corridors in facilitating wildlife movement. 5. No use of wildlife corridors for economic activities, except for

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 20 ecotourism when a valid permit is obtained. f. Buffer Zones Buffer zones shall be established and maintained to prevent or reduce potential contamination of crops pollutants, and to protect areas of high conservation value. 1. Protection of buffer zones on a continuous basis. 2. Establishment of new buffer zones and restoration of existing ones when necessary. 3. Verification of the effectiveness of buffer zones in mitigating the adverse impacts of production activities. 4. No use of buffer zones for economic activities. g. Land Conservation Land shall be conserved and rehabilitated when necessary. 1. Surveying the land at least annually to identify areas of degradation. 2. Developing a remedial action plan. 2-2 Biodiversity Sustainable Agriculture practices shall be applied to support the survival of diverse populations of species. a. Conservation of the existing natural ecosystem. 1. The Operator shall take measures to promote biodiversity through the conservation of the existing natural ecosystem, the restoration of degraded lands, the preservation of natural grasses, the practice of conservation tillage, and effective soil management. 2. The existence of sustainable measures to reduce the adverse impacts of fires when burning is necessary.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 21 2-3 Soil Sustainable Agricultural methods for the conservation and improvement of soil. a. Soil Management Soil quality shall be maintained and enhanced. 1. Assessment of soil condition at least once per season, in terms of its ability to retain water, store and preserve minerals, facilitate the natural flow and infiltration of water, and resist erosion. 2. No hazardous or illegal substances shall have been added to the soil during the past five years. 3. Analysis of nutrient content and pH level shall be conducted at least once every five years, or when changes occur in crop types or general conditions, to assess the need to adjust the quantity, levels, and composition of fertilizer and/or manure. b. Soil Erosion Operators shall take effective and appropriate measures to prevent soil erosion and reduce topsoil loss. 1. The Operator shall identify areas of fragile soil. 2. The Operator shall identify factors contributing to soil erosion, such as: livestock grazing and movement, strong winds, heavy rainfall, water runoff, soil composition, and land slope. 3. Assessment of soil condition on a continuous basis. 4. Adoption of proactive measures to ensure soil conservation, especially when it is fragile.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 22 2-4 Climate Change Sustainable agricultural methods are characterized by resilience to the effects of climate change. a. The operator shall address and adapt to potential climatic changes that may affect production by enhancing resilience and reducing exposure to climate change. 1. Identification of climate change and potential risks. 2. Existence of plans to adapt to any environmental changes arising from climate change risks that may affect production. 3. Review of climate change-related plans annually. 2-5 Water Water is recognized as a priceless resource on which all life depends. a. Water Rights The water rights of local and indigenous communities shall be respected. 1. Water sharing management. 2. Ongoing assessment of water supplies for the local community. 3. Taking measures to mitigate any negative impacts of production activities on the water supplies of the local community. b. Water Quality Managing water resources to conserve or improve water quality. 1. Water shall be suitable for its intended use. 2. The amount of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in water used for irrigation shall be (undetectable or zero), and the level of thermotolerant fecal coliform bacteria in water shall not exceed (10/100 ml). 3. Water shall be tested by an accredited laboratory for microbial and chemical pollutants within the past 12 months. 4. Taking corrective measures whenever a contaminated water

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 23 source is identified, to adjust the water quality to make it suitable for the intended use. 5. Treatment of wastewater and/or surface runoff containing chemical or metallic pollutants, recycling, or proper disposal thereof. 6. Farm waste shall not be discharged into water courses. 7. Water shall not be contaminated with raw sewage, treated, or recycled wastewater. 8. Developing plans to treat water pollution during emergencies. 9. In the case of animal enclosures, rainwater runoff shall not be directed from the enclosures to water sources. 10. In the case of animal enclosures, rainwater runoff shall be directed from the enclosures to the liquid waste management system. c. Water Consumption Efficiency Water resources shall be managed to maintain optimal water reserves. 1. Identifying and monitoring water resources (including surface and groundwater). 2. The operator shall improve water efficiency over time through specific measures.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 24 3. Obtaining valid licenses and/or permits for water extraction when necessary. 4. Proper management of local rainfall, storage, distribution, and treatment conditions. 5. Water resources (including surface and groundwater) shall not be exploited or depleted without rationalization. 6. Detecting and mitigating the impacts of water extraction where possible. 7. Existence of measures to protect water courses. 8. Waterways shall not be obstructed. 9. The natural flow of the watercourse shall not be altered. 10. Taking measures to preserve and/or restore appropriate riparian buffer zones. 11. Irrigation systems shall be maintained and periodically inspected to ensure that their operations align with design specifications and to prevent or repair leaks. 12. The operator shall not dredge, dig, submerge, or remove soil, sand, or

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 Regarding Emirates Sustainable Agriculture Label System 25 rocks exceeding (5) cubic meters from the waterway. 2-6 Energy Rationalizing the use of non- renewable energy and promoting the use of renewable energy resources. a. The operator shall ensure the implementation of energy efficiency practices at all stages of the production process, and shall monitor