The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has reiterated and tightened its ban on cryptocurrency mining in farms, warning that the practice poses serious agriculture, environmental and biosecurity risks. 

The regulator has begun issuing violations to farm owners and tenants found using agricultural land for digital currency operations.

According to ADAFSA, mining rigs consume large amounts of electricity and water, which are scarce resources in the region. 

Cooling systems for mining generate heat and noise, which disrupts farm biosecurity and threatens environmental balance. 

Officials emphasised that the legal purpose of farms is strictly limited to agriculture and livestock production. 

Diverting resources to unauthorised activities, such as crypto mining, undermines food security and long-term sustainability.

The authority has introduced strict penalties: a first offence carries a fine of 100,000 dirhams (around $27,200), while repeat violations are fined 200,000 dirhams. 

Non-compliance could also lead to service disconnections, seizure of equipment, and potential legal action.

Officials urged farmers to focus solely on permitted agricultural and animal husbandry activities, reinforcing the emirate’s commitment to protecting food production and natural resources. 

“This crackdown reflects a broader balance between emerging technologies and traditional industries,” said ADAFSA. 

“By enforcing strict limits on non-agricultural activities, Abu Dhabi is prioritising food security and environmental stewardship over short-term profit from crypto mining.”

The measure highlights the need for sustainable farm management in a region facing resource constraints. 

Farmers are now being reminded that compliance ensures the protection of the emirate’s delicate agricultural ecosystem while supporting resilient, climate-smart 

Source: Newsng

Image Credit: Food and Drink Technology