Abu Dhabi says “No More Crypto Mining on Farmlands!” – fines up to Dh100,000 for violators
It seems that Abu Dhabi is very clear about what can and cannot happen on its valuable farmlands. The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has just made it clear that cryptocurrency mining is not allowed on agricultural land, and they mean business. If you’re caught, you could be fined up to Dh100,000, and possibly even more.
In short, the ADAFSA says that farming land is for farming and raising livestock. Crypto mining uses a lot of energy and is not related to farming, so it does not count as a sustainable use of land. The authority has noticed a number of farms using their land and resources for other purposes, which goes against the very reason these lands are designated for farming.
This isn’t just about rules; it’s about protecting the long-term health and purpose of Abu Dhabi’s agricultural sector. Crypto mining can have negative impacts on sustainability and biosecurity, factors that ADAFSA is committed to safeguarding.
What happens if you’re caught?
The consequences for farms caught mining cryptocurrency are significant and multi-layered:
- Financial Penalty: A steep Dh100,000 fine will be issued, which will double to Dh200,000 for repeat offenses.
- Loss of Support: ADAFSA will immediately cut off all services and support programs normally provided to the farm owner.
- Power Cut: The farm’s electricity supply will be disconnected.
- Equipment Confiscation: All crypto mining equipment will be seized.
- Legal Action: The case will be escalated to relevant authorities for further legal proceedings.
This crackdown is going to target both farm owners and tenants who are found to be misusing agricultural land. ADAFSA’s message is clear: they are working hard to educate farmers and make sure that agricultural land is used only for farming. They’re asking all farm owners and workers, whether they work with plants or animals, to stick to approved activities. If you do anything else, you risk severe penalties and you could also put vital agricultural support at risk. This would also go against ADAFSA’s sustainability goals.
