There is a general global disparity between supply and demand for agricultural products. Some of those contributors are the scarcity of natural resources required for agricultural production such as land and water which cannot be substituted. This scarcity subsequently impacts supply and food prices with the continuous rise in demand. Investments are similarly required in new technologies to improve the quality of crops and efficiency of production. Sustainable means for the production and management of natural resources are also lacking, causing further concerns for current and future food supply. Such challenges and the reliance on food imports in the local market is what prompted Sidra to invest in agriculture and modern technology, in the form of hydroponic farming, to contribute to government and private sector efforts in the GCC region and developing countries therefore ensuring the participation in various future food security programs.

Such challenges and the reliance on food imports in the local market is what prompted Sidra to invest in agriculture and modern technology, in the form of hydroponic farming, to contribute to government and private sector efforts in the GCC region and developing countries therefore ensuring the participation in various future food security programs.

I. Investment in Technology The development and use of controlled environment agriculture and hydroponics have been known to enhance the economic wellbeing of many communities throughout the world. Hydroponic technology contributes to water conservation and it is environmentally safe due to the absence of release of pollutants into the environment. This, in addition to its sustainable agricultural practices in implementing organic standards, result in high quality produce grown in harmony with the environment. The International Food Network has invested in photocell technology converting the abundant sunlight in its homeland into electric energy to power its farm. These initiatives are a clear demonstration that taking care of the environment and society will yield a return on investment in the medium- to long – term.

II. Investment In Agricultural Development Yet another illustration of the “triple bottom line” effect is the establishment of The International Food Network’s Farm Services Division which aims at playing a critical role in fostering the development of agriculture. This is instrumental for economic growth and sustainable development where its investments in agriculture would achieve both financial returns and development impact by addressing a growing need for food and other agricultural products.

III. Protecting Our Environment Protection of the environment and climate change has been one of the crucial issues of the last decade and has significant resonance with employees and consumers. The Sidra Group aims to limit its negative impact on the environment and reduce its carbon footprint as part of its environmental agenda. Buildings are one of the main sources of carbon emissions through gas and electricity consumed for the purpose of heating, cooling, lighting the premises and power IT and industrial equipment. The Sidra Group’s offices were designed with the aim of contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency by monitoring and reducing its consumption of electricity through the efficient design and installation of lighting and energy outlets. Its offices are therefore fitted out with lights that are linked to movement sensors for that purpose.

La Maison Mondiale, its general trading household business, and its sub-brand KitchenKraft applies in certain areas of its operations, the shared value principle through the framework of its partnerships where considerable attention is given to sustainable practices from the materials used, the processes undertaken to the waste produced.

Mobalpa one of La Maison Mondiale’s valued partners, is known for its exemplary environmental development, leading the way with its PEFC certification, which provides for recognition of companies’ dedication to responsible and sustainable forest management. In addition, it supplies its factory with 100% renewable electricity. Mobalpa’s environmental sustainability practices extend through every level of its organization.

In providing for the needs of a healthier external community as an extension of its internal well-being practices, the Sidra Group’s International Food Network ensures that it provides fresh organic produce to a growing health conscious community aware of the benefits of reduced farm to consumer time. The International Food Network aims to provide such consumers with seasonal organic vegetables that are picked at their peak freshness grown locally in its greenhouses by means of hydroponic technology.

a. HEALTH AND WELLBEING

The wellbeing and prosperity of the Sidra Group’s internal community is intrinsic to making an impact on the wider external community. The Sidra Group relies on its people to articulate the organization’s values through their actions that are expected to be characterized by accountability, respect for diversity, embracing respectful debate and working together for a common meaningful purpose. The Sidra Group’s health and well-being objectives extend beyond its obligation to keep its employees safe at work or reduce sickness absence taking proactive measures to create the right cultural environment where work-life balance is accepted. The workplace is also carefully designed to create a pleasant working environment based on the awareness that its role in boosting employee well-being and morale must not be underestimated. Social areas were created to promote employee bonding, teamwork and communication. The Sidra Group dedicates time and resources to promote health and well-being and recognizes that each are

b. DIVERSITY

Where diversity relevant discussions mainly focus on gender and race, very little has been achieved in the Middle East to widen the spectrum of this dialogue and action to include disability. The Sidra Group is committed to addressing diversity in its broader perspective by creating an inclusive and supportive workplace.

Sidra Group’s management leads by example in emphasizing the importance of diversity, getting personally involved in the design of its premises to ensure that there would be no physical barriers to the employment of individuals with disability by that creating a welcoming environment and work areas and ensuring that their requirements are accommodated. This will be supported by providing disability awareness training to all of its employees and managers.