Abu Dhabi’s Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has announced a new enforcement regime that will fine farm DH100,000 if cryptocurrency mining is detected on farmland.
Violators will also lose access to government support, face suspects and see mining equipment being confiscated. The crackdown occurs after inspections reveal that multiple farms misuse energy-intensive cryptographic operations.
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Prohibition confirmation: mining is no longer acceptable on farmland
Violators are currently facing a DH100,000 fine, and it turns out that repeated offenders will have double the penalty. Additionally, non-compliant farms will lose access to all government support and services. Authorities will cut off electricity, confiscate mining equipment, and suspend support programs related to the owner or tenant of the farm involved.
The enforcement comes after a 2024 warning when the DH10,000 fine was introduced. The new 2025 penalty shows a significant 900% increase, indicating the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of agriculture.
Escalation of penalties: fines, amputation, forfeiture
Adafsa stressed that if cryptocurrency mining occurs on their land, both farm owners and tenants are responsible.
Authorities emphasized that these measures protect agriculture sustainability and prevent potential biosecurity risks associated with unauthorized energy-intensive operations. As a result, farmers are required to strictly adhere to approved agricultural activities to avoid facing legal action.
Repression: Food, sustainability, and resource pressure
Authorities emphasize that farmland plays an important role in ensuring food security in the region. Farms must remain committed to growing crops and supporting livestock, rather than hosting energy-demand crypto rigs.
Authorities warn that misuse of farmland not only reduces productivity, but also strains resources such as electricity, which could support sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, violating these regulations could result in long-term legal and financial consequences for parties.
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Farm owners and farm workers are reminded to prioritize approved economic use of the sector. Adafsa encourages all participants in the plant and animal industry to refrain from unauthorized activities and strengthens authorities taking critical steps to maintain compliance.
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