Abu Dhabis Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has confirmed a ban on cryptocurrency across farms in the emirate warning that offenders are facing stiff sanctions and interruptions from public services.
The relocation follows the recent discoveries of farms that recycle land and electricity for mining digital assets, do not use permitted under existing agricultural regulations.
According to ADAFSA, such activities collide with the intended function of agricultural land, which is limited to growing crops and raising livestock.
Farms trapped by mining will be fined with 100,000 dirham (about $ 27,000), with the penalty doubling by repeated offenses. In addition to the fine, ADAFSA will cut off electricity, confiscate equipment and stop access to agricultural support programs.
Criminals, both owners and tenants, can also be referred to other authorities for further action, ADAFSA said.
Cryptocurrency energy needs have led to other bans worldwide. At the end of last year, Russia introduced a six-year ban in 10 regions of energy consumption.
