Latest news with #AlaaFarouk
Daily News Egypt
8 hours ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
National Veal Project secures EGP 9.7bn in funding for nearly 45k beneficiaries: Agriculture Minister
Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, announced that the Board of Directors of the National Veal Project has approved new funding worth EGP 149.8m to support 107 smallscale farmers and young graduates, covering a total of 2,140 heads of livestock. The Minister noted that this brings the total financing provided to the project so far to more than EGP 9.715bn, benefiting around 44,900 individuals. The funds have supported the rearing and fattening of over 520,000 heads of cattle, including calves for meat production and highyield dairy heifers, with the aim of increasing the availability of meat and dairy products in the local market. Farouk emphasised that the initiative aligns with the 'Decent Life' programme launched by President Abdel Fattah ElSisi, which seeks to develop rural communities and improve the living standards of smallscale farmers and breeders. He stressed the project's role in providing red meat at fair prices to consumers and producers alike, as well as in maintaining market price stability for livestock, red meat, and dairy products. To ensure proper implementation, specialised field committees have been formed from the Livestock and Poultry Development Sector and the General Authority for Veterinary Services, in coordination with agricultural and veterinary directorates across all governorates. These committees provide beneficiaries with technical, veterinary, and healthcare support and work to resolve any challenges encountered on the ground. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Mostafa ElSayyad highlighted that the Ministry, along with the Agricultural Bank of Egypt and the National Bank of Egypt, conducts onsite inspections to verify the suitability of breeding and shelter facilities before funding is approved. Once the livestock are distributed, they are insured through the Livestock Insurance Fund at discounted rates, enabling beneficiaries to access additional support services. Tarek Suleiman, Head of the Livestock and Poultry Development Sector, added that those wishing to join the Baladi Veal National Project can apply through their nearest agricultural department or any branch of the Agricultural Bank of Egypt or the National Bank of Egypt nationwide. Alternatively, they can directly contact the Livestock and Poultry Development Sector for guidance and support.
Daily News Egypt
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt launches first national workshop on food systems, climate action with UN, global partners
Egypt has launched its first national workshop under the 'Convergence Initiative on Food Systems and Climate Action,' a major step toward aligning national food, health, and climate policies. The event is supported by the United Nations, World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Bank. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, along with Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk, inaugurated the workshop, which reflects Egypt's push for integrated solutions to climate and development challenges in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Describing the workshop as 'a unifying national moment,' Abdel Ghaffar underscored the importance of coordinated, inclusive policymaking. He cited progress in public health, including a decline in child stunting to 13% in 2021, with a national target of reducing it to 10% by 2030. He also pointed to the success of school feeding and food safety programs, while acknowledging ongoing challenges related to malnutrition, climate change, and economic shocks. The workshop, organized in collaboration with the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, FAO, and the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Egypt, featured the launch of the Convergence Action Plan (CAP)—a national framework to guide cross-sectoral cooperation, enhance resilience, and build sustainable food systems. In a recorded message, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Rania Al-Mashat highlighted Egypt's commitment to integrated development strategies, referencing the National Climate Strategy 2050 and the 'NWFE' (Nexus of Water, Food, and Energy) platform as examples of successful policy convergence. Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk stressed that transforming food systems is a national imperative amid rising global food security pressures. He outlined Egypt's efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, increase local production, and expand access to modern technology and financing. Health Ministry spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar added that the initiative sets a strategic direction for inclusive, consultative policymaking that prioritizes equity, resilience, and long-term sustainability in both food and health systems.
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt's minister, FRA chief discuss fast-tracking Agricultural Takaful Fund to boost farmer protection
Egypt - Mohamed Farid, Chairperson of the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), met with Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, to explore ways to accelerate the implementation of the Agricultural Takaful Fund's work plans and activate its role in the coming period. The meeting forms part of broader state efforts to strengthen insurance mechanisms for farmers, provide compensation for losses, and protect them against natural disasters and agricultural risks — all while promoting sectoral stability and sustainable productivity. Minister Farouk reaffirmed the state's commitment to enhancing insurance protection for farmers and breeders, underlining the Fund's strategic importance in supporting small-scale agricultural producers. He stressed the need to provide technical support and comprehensive coverage for natural disasters and pest-related damages to reduce their adverse impacts on crop production and rural livelihoods. He noted that effective cooperation with the FRA is essential to operationalising the Fund and achieving its mandate of safeguarding farmers' investments against climate-induced and other agricultural risks. For his part, FRA Chairperson Farid confirmed the Authority's full support for the Fund at all levels, particularly by offering technical assistance to ensure it functions efficiently and in alignment with the new unified insurance law. Farid pointed out that the Agricultural Takaful Fund will play a pivotal role in offering insurance coverage to workers in the agricultural sector, helping them withstand climate shocks and other hazards. This will also support broader national efforts to expand financial, insurance, and investment inclusion. He added that the unified insurance law, issued by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in July 2024, includes dedicated provisions for agricultural insurance and natural disaster coverage. These legal frameworks pave the way for expanded support tailored to farmers' specific needs. During the discussions, the two sides reviewed mechanisms to activate the Fund's operations — including extending insurance coverage to crops and livestock, streamlining procedures, and ensuring farmers benefit from inclusive insurance services that support business continuity and development, especially in the face of future risks. Both officials expressed confidence that joint efforts will enhance the Fund's capacity to provide integrated, responsive insurance services that help stabilise farmers' incomes and encourage increased agricultural productivity across Egypt. The Agricultural Takaful Fund was established by presidential decree to provide coverage against natural disasters and crop pest risks, safeguarding agricultural income. Prime Minister's Decision No. 2244 of 2024 subsequently formed the Fund's Board of Directors. Under the presidential decree, the Fund is authorised to offer incentivised insurance contracts to crop producers, reinsure with sector companies, promote insurance awareness in agriculture, support the adoption of risk-reducing technologies, and facilitate access to financing for farmers and producers.
Zawya
30-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt, Spain explore enhanced agricultural cooperation
Egypt - Alaa Farouk, Egypt's Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, met with his Spanish counterpart, Luis Planas, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, to discuss avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector. The meeting is part of Egypt's broader strategy to reinforce ties with EU nations and enhance the international presence of its agricultural exports. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the 6th Conference of African and European Union Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security, held at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations headquarters in Rome. The ministers focused on key issues essential for bolstering food security and promoting sustainable agricultural development. Central to the talks were water management strategies, particularly efficient usage practices, and the implementation of advanced field irrigation systems. Farouk underscored the importance of partnering with Spain to introduce cutting-edge technologies in smart agriculture and modern irrigation methods. He also highlighted opportunities for knowledge exchange across agricultural value chains and encouraged increased Spanish investment in Egypt's agri-business sector. Planas, in turn, commended the exceptional quality of Egyptian agricultural products and their rising profile in international markets. He expressed keen interest in enhancing trade in agricultural and food commodities between the two countries and extended a formal invitation to Farouk to visit Spain later this year, notably to attend a major agricultural exhibition set to take place in Madrid. Also present at the meeting were Saad Moussa, Head of External Agricultural Relations, and Mina Rizk, Egypt's Deputy Representative to UN Agencies in Rome.
Daily News Egypt
29-06-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt, Spain explore enhanced agricultural cooperation
Alaa Farouk, Egypt's Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, met with his Spanish counterpart, Luis Planas, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, to discuss avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector. The meeting is part of Egypt's broader strategy to reinforce ties with EU nations and enhance the international presence of its agricultural exports. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the 6th Conference of African and European Union Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security, held at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations headquarters in Rome. The ministers focused on key issues essential for bolstering food security and promoting sustainable agricultural development. Central to the talks were water management strategies, particularly efficient usage practices, and the implementation of advanced field irrigation systems. Farouk underscored the importance of partnering with Spain to introduce cutting-edge technologies in smart agriculture and modern irrigation methods. He also highlighted opportunities for knowledge exchange across agricultural value chains and encouraged increased Spanish investment in Egypt's agri-business sector. Planas, in turn, commended the exceptional quality of Egyptian agricultural products and their rising profile in international markets. He expressed keen interest in enhancing trade in agricultural and food commodities between the two countries and extended a formal invitation to Farouk to visit Spain later this year, notably to attend a major agricultural exhibition set to take place in Madrid. Also present at the meeting were Saad Moussa, Head of External Agricultural Relations, and Mina Rizk, Egypt's Deputy Representative to UN Agencies in Rome.
