The developed model will predict food product sources and quantities in identifying potential import diversification opportunities and reducing waste.

To ensure food security and prevent waste, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has developed an effective system that relies on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to predict and assess the quantity and cost of agricultural, animal, and poultry food products imported into the country.

According to The Khaleej Times, the new smart system aims to develop a future vision for the direction and value of food imports into the UAE, as well as analyze the most strategically important foods, using machine learning (ML) techniques.

The developed model will predict food product sources and quantities in identifying potential import diversification opportunities and reducing waste.

Officials described that the model was created by analyzing a set of historical data (2015-2020) for quantities and values of animal, poultry, and agricultural food imports and re-exports to create an interactive graphic dashboard. The dashboard displays interactive information about the countries from which the food product is imported, as well as the quantity and value of the imports.

The initiative has been co-developed with the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority and the Emirates Center for Innovation in Communications and Information Technology.

Predicting the number of total food imports, volume, country of origin and cost are the key factors to develop this ML-based smart system according to officials. Additionally, it will also examine the waste processes associated with the country's food supply, allowing for the identification of potential re-export possibilities.

"Developing a model to predict food imports, understanding the trends and patterns of food and feeds imports helps to develop a clear picture of the levels of food imports in the future," said Aisha Al Naili Al Shamsi, Director of Statistics and Analysis Department at the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority. The model was based on the country’s food import databases ranging between 2015 and 2020, she explained.

The director explained how knowing the quantities currently imported in the country also enables the development of policies, regulations, and plans that ensure the continuity of the country's food supply. It also assists in the development of accurate response plans in times of disasters and crises, or when there are any disruptions related to the supply of food, she added.

Officials say the system also provides detailed waste rates for each product in the supply chain, which helps to strengthen food waste accounting mechanisms and create opportunities for recycling and re-export.

Al Shamsi stressed the importance of future updates and additions by pointing out that the smart model allows for the addition of new updates to keep up with future requirements.