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ICBA launches good agricultural practices framework to combat Red Palm Weevil
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Wednesday, 04 February, 2026, 16 : 00 PM [IST]
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Dubai, UAE
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The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) has officially launched Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) as a central pillar for the prevention and management of the Red Palm Weevil, under the International Consortium for Red Palm Weevil Control (C4RPWC) programme. The initiative is supported by the Government of the United Arab Emirates and the Gates Foundation.
ICBA convened an inception partners’ meeting at its headquarters in Dubai, bringing together key stakeholders including the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), and date palm farmers. The meeting marked a significant step toward strengthening science-based, preventive approaches to address one of the most destructive pests threatening date palm production globally.
The Red Palm Weevil poses a serious risk to date palm systems and the livelihoods dependent on them across several regions. Recognising the limitations of short-term and isolated control measures, the consortium is promoting integrated strategies that focus on strengthening production system health through effective Good Agricultural Practices. These practices aim to improve tree vitality, reduce susceptibility to infestation, and enhance the overall resilience of date palm ecosystems.
The C4RPWC programme brings together international research institutions, national authorities, and local partners through an applied, impact-driven approach. The United Arab Emirates is serving as a testing and validation platform for innovations that are practical, scalable, and transferable to low- and middle-income countries affected by the Red Palm Weevil.
Commenting on the launch, Dr Tarifa A. Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA, said that managing the pest requires a coordinated, long-term strategy rooted in prevention and system resilience. She emphasised that Good Agricultural Practices form the scientific foundation of sustainable Red Palm Weevil management by addressing underlying vulnerabilities in date palm production systems and supporting informed, day-to-day farming decisions.
The programme will initially focus on strengthening Integrated Pest Management (IPM) efforts in the UAE, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Kingdom of Morocco, with outcomes expected to benefit other affected countries as the initiative progresses.
With more than 25 years of applied research experience in date palm systems, ICBA will contribute its scientific and field expertise to translate research into practical, field-validated solutions that address real challenges faced by farmers. Through C4RPWC, partners aim to protect date palms, safeguard livelihoods, and enhance agricultural resilience across regions impacted by the Red Palm Weevil
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