Egypt
Description
In Egypt, across diverse regions including Ismailia, Belbas, Fayoum, Elminya, and Elwahat, farmers cultivate oranges and chamomile for both local and export markets. These areas hold strong agricultural potential, yet their economic growth is constrained by limited market access. Farmers either work with biodynamic practices through the Egyptian Biodynamic Association (EBDA) or utilize natural production processes.
Challenge
Despite the high quality of these products, Egyptian farmers often face barriers in reaching international buyers, competing with larger producers, and achieving fair prices. This limits income growth opportunities and threatens the sustainability of small-scale agricultural practices.
Solutions
In Egypt, MED-LINKS project activities supported orange and chamomile farmers by enhancing market access in local and export-oriented contexts. Partnering with the Egyptian Biodynamic Association, the project introduced farmers to new business models, voluntary sustainability standards (VSS), and digital tools to connect them with international buyers. Training sessions familiarized farmers with VSS certifications like Organic EU, crucial for fair trade and competitiveness. Key impacts included an 87.5% satisfaction rate for VSS adoption, increased supply chain visibility through digital solutions, and a projected 22% growth in new customers. Despite some initial hesitation, farmers gained valuable knowledge that is expected to strengthen Egypt’s small-scale farming sector in global markets.