Amman: Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khraisat participated in a high-level ministerial meeting of the MED9 Group, held remotely with foreign ministers from member states, representatives of the European Union, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and other international and regional organizations. The event took place amid ongoing geopolitical developments and their impact on global supply chains, particularly in the Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz, which have "intensified" challenges related to food security and availability of agricultural inputs, especially fertilizers.
According to Jordan News Agency, Minister Khraisat emphasized in the virtual meeting that food security has evolved from a sectoral issue to a core pillar of regional security and stability. He highlighted the interconnectedness between food, energy, and climate change, noting how recent regional crises have exposed vulnerabilities in food systems. Khraisat pointed out Jordan's "relatively advanced level" of food security, with agricultural self-sufficiency reaching approximately 62 percent.
The agricultural sector in Jordan recorded a 7.4 percent growth in 2025, maintaining strategic food reserves sufficient for 10 to 11 months. Khraisat stressed the necessity of collective action through partnerships and coordination to enhance resilience and ensure sustainable food security in the region.
Key priorities outlined by Khraisat include ensuring uninterrupted flows of essential commodities and agricultural inputs, which are influenced by fluctuations in energy and shipping costs. He advocated for diversifying supply routes and developing alternative transport corridors.
Khraisat also emphasized the importance of supporting food-importing countries, particularly in the Middle East and Africa, by diversifying import sources, boosting production, improving supply chain efficiency, and strengthening market monitoring and early warning systems. He called for MED9-related initiatives, including the MED9++ platform, to adopt clear implementation mechanisms covering policy coordination, information sharing, and financial and technical support for the most affected countries.
Furthermore, Khraisat urged the activation of international funding mechanisms, such as climate funds, to assist vulnerable countries in enhancing their capacity to respond to food security and climate-related challenges. He underscored the significance of investing in logistics infrastructure and strengthening the role of transit countries in stabilizing regional supply chains and ensuring food supply security.
In conclusion, Khraisat reiterated Jordan's commitment to bolstering regional and international cooperation to develop practical and sustainable solutions that enhance food security.