The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has reiterated its ban on cryptocurrency mining on farmland, emphasising that such activities are not within the scope of approved agricultural and livestock operations. The move follows several instances where farms were found to have misused land for cryptocurrency mining, thereby threatening sustainability and biosecurity.
Strict Penalties for Violations
Farms found in breach of regulations will face fines up to AED 100,000 ($27,225), with penalties doubled for repeat offences. Additional measures include suspension of support services, disconnection of electricity, confiscation of mining equipment, and referral to relevant authorities for legal action. Both farm owners and tenants engaging in crypto mining are liable under the new enforcement guidelines.
Protecting Agricultural Sustainability
ADAFSA emphasised that farmland must be used exclusively for agriculture and livestock activities as defined by law. Misuse risks discontinuation of services and runs counter to the authority’s sustainability policies. The agency urged all farm owners and workers to comply with regulations, warning that improper practices could jeopardise farm operations and the broader agricultural ecosystem.
