Posts classified under: Gallery

This week marks the start of UNCCD COP16 on desertification in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, under the impactful theme “Our Land. Our Future.”

The UNCCD stands as the global leader for land issues, one of the key components of the Rio Conventions alongside climate and biodiversity.

Our dedicated team—Samira, Margaux, and Bakr—is on the ground representing CropLife Africa Middle East. They’ve already engaged with key stakeholders, including the Ministers of Environment from Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon, as well as UNCCD focal points from several nations, including Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Tanzania, Morocco, and Burkina Faso.

In these discussions, we highlighted the crucial role of agricultural innovation and public-private partnerships in promoting sustainable land management practices. We also explored various projects at local level in the AME region in the circular economy that align with our ambitions for sustainable land management. Together, we can secure a healthier future for our land!

Exciting discussions took place on November 28th and 29th as CropLife Africa Middle East and CropLife South Africa hosted crucial sessions in Pretoria and Cape Town: “How Can South African Agriculture Remain Relevant in a World of Changing Trading Standards?”

Key stakeholders, including grower groups, government representatives, academia, industry, and media, came together to tackle the challenges of transitioning to sustainable food systems while maximizing agricultural productivity and competitiveness. It was emphasized that this transition must be tailored to each country’s unique conditions—as what works for one may not work for another due to variations in climate, geography, and pests, and therefore what is needed is a sustainable transition that is tailored to Africa.

To support this effort and support evidence-based decision-making, CropLife has commissioned the Bureau for Food and Agriculture Policy (BFAP) to conduct independent research on the impact of the EU Green Deal on vital South African crops such as maize, pomefruits, citrus, and table grapes. Stay tuned for the outcome of this research!

Let’s work together to create a sustainable future tailored to Africa’s needs!

The week of November 25th was buzzing with activities as CropLife Africa Middle East held in-person its Board meeting as well as its annual in-person Public Affairs & Communications committee & Regulatory committee, in South Africa.

This was a fantastic opportunity to discuss our achievements for 2024 and set priorities for 2025, all aimed at supporting our members to ensure farmers can deliver sustainable agriculture and food safety while ensuring profitability. Together, we are focused on creating favorable regulatory, legislative and societal environments for a smooth and effective transition to more innovative plant protection solutions.

Thanks to our President Jerome Barbaron for leading great discussions during our Board meeting, and to all our members for their great insights that are shaping CropLife AME’s strategy for 2025!

And of course, we took the time to reconnect with our members and enjoyed some delicious South African cuisine after our productive discussions! 🍽️🇿🇦

It also a great opportunity to closely connect with CropLife South Africa team, and always a pleasure to spend some time together! Thanks for having us.

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.