Capacity Development

Mitigating risks from pests in Egypt’s grain supplies

A 3-day training course helped strengthen capacity for phytosanitary control and wireless sensor technologies in grain storage as part of broader efforts to reduce loss in the supply chain of one of Egypt’s most important food staples. Learning to fight back better against pests This month, in coordination with the Egyptian Holding Company for Silos and Storage (EHCSS), a series of training courses took place in Cairo on best practices for pest management in stored grains. The training was part

Putting Tunisian Olive Oil on the International Map

Investment Opportunities for Tunisian Olive Oil to branch into international export markets Since 2013, the Tunisian Government has been working to unlock the potential of its quality olive oil through a cooperation programme with the EBRD and FAO. A combination of agrifood investments, innovative marketing, and capacity-strengthening activities across the value chain seek to stimulate a transition from mass production to bottled oils. “We had productive discussions with private stakeholders to see how, together with public authorities, we can put

Expanding Egypt’s horticultural exports through improved food safety compliance

Cairo, Egypt – Following a three-year project to help position Egyptian horticultural products on the global stage through improved compliance with international food safety standards, the EBRD and FAO met with project stakeholders across the value chain in Cairo to present achievements, reflect on lessons learned and plan next steps. Putting food safety on Egypt’s export portfolio The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the EBRD) and FAO have been working closely with Egyptian authorities and the private sector to improve

Finetuning prevention and early detection of African swine fever

African swine fever, an infectious viral and highly lethal disease that kills pigs and wild boar, first appeared in the Balkans and the Republic of Moldova nearly a decade ago. While not a threat to human health, the virus is a major hazard to pig farms, livelihoods, local economies, and food security. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) continue to raise awareness of African swine fever in

Moroccan olive oil players saw how Portuguese peers have built a thriving industry

Morocco has taken steps in recent years to raise the profile of its olive oils – both at home and abroad – by improving quality standards, productivity and efficiency, from field to shelf. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are supporting Morocco in this quest. Technical assistance combined with EBRD lending operations complement investments along the olive oil supply chain targeting different players, from farmers and economic

A study tour in Italy gives Jordanian and Palestinian olive oil producers food for thought

A group of Palestinian and Jordanian olive producers and government representatives visited Apulia, Italy’s leading olive oil producing region, to see what it takes – investments, innovations, cooperation between the public and private sectors – to build a booming industry. The delegation met with olive oil producers – both large firms and small family-run companies – technical experts, local authorities and olive oil cooperatives. They toured modern and ancient olive groves and mills and saw different cultivation methods and advanced

From Italy to Georgia: regenerating rural communities with agritourism

Exploring Georgia’s gastronomy offers tourists unique insights into the country and its culture. Enriching tourists’ experiences also has the potential to attract more visitors which can generate vital income in rural communities. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) are working to unite Georgia’s unique food heritage, traditions and landscapes, by strengthening the links between agriculture and tourism. Last year, the EBRD and FAO organized a study tour

Sharing innovations in irrigation and pruning to help Jordan’s olive trees thrive

Technical training on good pruning and irrigation techniques targeted technicians and extension service agents of the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture (MoA). Practical workshops for farmers and support services took place in Al-Karak, Al-Salt and Irbid – the country’s most important olive growing regions. The sessions were geared at boosting plant health and yields, cutting production costs, promoting efficient harvesting methods and reducing water usage. “Maximising harvests for farmers and promoting good irrigation techniques remains very important from both economic and

New online course targets a better and safer olive oil industry

World Olive Tree Day is coming up and with it a chance to celebrate the importance of olive trees to people and the planet. It’s also a good time to announce a new two-part course available on the FAO elearning Academy that seeks to improve quality, biosafety and resilience in the olive oil industry. The first lesson centres around good agricultural, hygiene and manufacturing practices to produce a safe and authentic olive oil. The second lesson is dedicated to strengthening