On Oct 21, the Sustainable Pesticide Management Framework launched in Cairo, Egypt, under the Patronage of the Ministry of Agriculture ! This Framework will be rolled out over the next 5 years, following successful launches in Kenya (2021) & Morocco (2022), where it has already demonstrated changes: strengthened local pesticide laws, enhanced capacities of poison centers, streamlined biological product registration, developed drone trials, trained farmers in good agricultural practices, combatted counterfeit pesticides, & established container management schemes.
At the launch event, we were thrilled to welcome a diverse group of stakeholders. We were especially honored to host H.E. Mr. Alaa Farouk, the Minister of Agriculture & Land Reclamation. H.E. expressed support for public-private collaboration & is committed to initiatives that improve ag productivity in Egypt, assist smallholder farmers, promote innovation, & address climate change.
As emphasized by CropLife AME’s President, Mr Jerome Barbaron, the successful implementation of the SPMF requires a localized approach – as one size does not fit all – & a coordinated effort and collaboration with local and global partners, including government bodies, farmer groups, and civil society.
Dr. Samira Amellal, CEO of CropLife Africa Middle East, stated, “the success of the SPMF in Egypt will depend on collaboration across value chains and a localized approach. Each country has unique needs and challenges, and the SPMF enables us to customize our actions accordingly. I am proud that Egypt, along with Morocco and Kenya, is taking the lead with the SPMF in the region, and we aim to create positive impacts not only in Egypt but also throughout the continent”
Since the program began over the summer :
Partnerships Established: MoUs with the Central Lab for Residues Analysis of Pesticides & Heavy Metals in Food (QCAP), Agricultural Pesticides Committee (APC) and Agricultural Export Council (AEC) have been signed! Discussions have been initiated with several other key partners and stakeholders in Egypt.
Stakeholders’ Training: In collaboration with the QCAP, we’ve trained 60 accredited agro-dealers in Qalubiya and Gharbiya on anti-counterfeiting methods. Additionally, 80 primary citrus suppliers and exporting companies in Behira have received training on good agricultural practices. In collaboration with the AEC, 40 producing & exporting companies were trained on MRL & pesticide residues in exported crops. We aim to continue this training & reach 10% of the AEC member companies by the end 2024!
Building Capacity: To support exporters, regulatory authorities, & researchers, we’re translating educational modules on MRL and pesticide residues from English into Arabic.