Amman:The Ministry of Agriculture in Jordan has signed a $4 million project agreement aimed at enhancing the sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness of the country's olive sector. This initiative also seeks to bolster the sector's resilience against climate and economic challenges.
According to Jordan News Agency, the project titled "Unlocking the Olive Economy A Pathway to Sustainable Food Systems in Jordan (2026-2027)" is focused on developing olive value chains, improving food systems, and increasing access to financing and markets. It will involve creating digital databases and maps of olive orchards, enhancing quality control and product traceability systems, supporting innovation, and promoting sustainable farming practices to improve production efficiency and market access.
The signing ceremony was attended by notable figures including UN Resident Coordinator in Jordan Sheri Ritsema-Anderson, UNDP Resident Representative Randa Aboul-Hosn, and representatives from the United Nations and UNDP. Agriculture Minister Saeb Khreisat stated that the project would focus on improving regulatory frameworks, institutional coordination, and digital transformation, including traceability systems for olives and olive oil. Additionally, it will support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives in accessing financing, investment, and modern agricultural equipment.
Khreisat emphasized that the project prioritizes smallholder farmers and agricultural enterprises led by women and young people by expanding their access to technical services, financing, and markets. He noted that the $4 million budget includes $2 million from the UN Joint Sustainable Development Goals Fund under its High-Impact Track and an additional $2 million from existing resources and projects of participating UN agencies.
Ritsema-Anderson underscored the significance of ongoing cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and the need for continued technical and financial support to enhance agricultural development, investment conditions, and food security.