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The Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture signed a $4 million project agreement on Tuesday to bolster the sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness of the nation's olive sector while increasing its resilience to climate and economic shifts.
The project, titled 'Unlocking the Olive Economy: A Pathway to Sustainable Food Systems in Jordan (2026–2027)', aims to modernize olive value chains, refine food systems, and broaden access to both financing and global markets.
Key initiatives within the project include the development of digital databases and GIS mapping for olive orchards, strengthening quality control and product traceability systems, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable farming practices to enhance production efficiency and market reach.
The signing ceremony was attended by UN Resident Coordinator in Jordan Sheri Ritsema-Anderson, UNDP Resident Representative Randa Aboul-Hosn, and other UN officials.
Agriculture Minister Saeb Khreisat stated that the project will focus on improving regulatory frameworks, institutional coordination, and digital transformation, specifically highlighting the implementation of traceability systems for olives and olive oil. It will also assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives in securing investment and modern agricultural machinery.
Khreisat emphasized that the project prioritizes smallholder farmers and agricultural enterprises led by women and youth by expanding their access to technical services and financing. He explained that the $4 million budget is composed of $2 million from the UN Joint Sustainable Development Goals Fund under its High-Impact Track, with the remaining $2 million sourced from existing UN agency projects.
Sheri Ritsema-Anderson highlighted the ongoing cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, noting the importance of sustained technical and financial support to advance agricultural development, optimize investment conditions, and safeguard food security.
Source: Jordan News Agency (Petra)