Egypt's Agricultural Research Centre (ARC) signed a cooperation agreement with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) under the EU-KAFI Programme to enhance field crop yields, including wheat, a statement by the agriculture ministry said Wednesday. The agreement was signed in Cairo in the presence of Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk, EU Ambassador to Egypt Angelina Eichhorst, and Italian Ambassador Michele Quaroni. The deal focuses on boosting the use of certified seeds, improving mechanisation, and training farmers in sustainable agricultural practices. "This partnership is a key pillar of Egypt's strategy for sustainable agricultural development and enhancing food security," Minister Farouk said in a statement. "It will also improve the competitiveness of Egyptian produce in global markets." The agreement includes supplying modern agricultural equipment, upgrading wheat breeding laboratories, and building seed production facilities in Egypt. It also aims to reduce post-harvest losses and expand digital traceability systems for grain crops. Minister Farouk praised the EU's role in helping small and medium-scale farmers access improved seeds and technologies, while also reinforcing Egypt's position as a reliable partner in regional food security. Ambassador Eichhorst said the EU supports over 15 agricultural and rural development projects in Egypt. The EU is committed to helping Egypt build sustainable food systems and improve rural livelihoods, she said. Italian Ambassador Quaroni reiterated Italy's commitment to agricultural collaboration under the government's Mattei Plan, focusing on innovation, knowledge-sharing, and investment in sustainability. Tiberio Chiari, AICS Director, said the partnership would accelerate development in Egypt's wheat sector, a strategic crop for the country. The KAFI programme, funded by the EU, promotes field crop productivity through better seeds, training, and machinery. It also supports the development of a national strategy to curb grain losses and improve food value chains through stakeholder coordination and digital tools. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
