WELCOME TO ORGANIC EGYPT NEWSLETTER!
Volume 40
Dear Reader,
This is volume number 40 of Organic Egypt project newsletter. It reviews our activities in September 2024 and illustrates all interventions conducted with our partners, the Integral Development Action of Minia (IDAM) and the Egyptian Biodynamic Association (EBDA).
We hope you enjoy the read!
TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS FOR PARTNER ASSOCIATION
Training on Organic Pest Control
Organic Egypt conducted a three-day training for the partner association EBDA on organic pest control. On the first day of training, the lecturer focused on the importance of integrated pest management strategies and the benefits of using natural predators and beneficial insects instead of chemical pesticides. On the second day, the participants were able to identify pests and diseases on some of the crops and learn how to properly monitor and assess the severity of infestations. They also practiced implementing cultural control methods to prevent pest outbreaks in the future. On the final day, all the participants had the opportunity to know how to benefit from vegetative management and fertilization in biological control methods; additionally, each one of them gave a presentation about different biological control strategies. Overall, the workshop provided valuable knowledge and skills that will help the participants to support their farmers, reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides and promote a healthier environment for both crops and beneficial insects.
Training on Video Production
Orgainc Egypt team participated with its partner association, EBDA, in a two-day training on enhancing their skills in video production. On the first day of the training, topics such as storytelling techniques, camera operation, and editing software were covered to help participants create engaging and impactful videos for their projects. On the second day, they took all the implementation steps of video filming, editing, and feedback to create impactful farmer-to-farmer video interviews with successful farmers. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to practice hands-on with equipment and receive feedback from experienced professionals in the field.
TRAINING AND LEARNING MATERIAL CREATED WITH OUR PARTNER
Report on the “Context of Organic Agriculture in Egypt – Laws and Policies”
Organic Egypt published a report about the laws and policies in Egypt that are related to organic agriculture. The report highlights the importance of having clear regulations and standards to support the growth of the organic agriculture sector in the country. It mentions the governmental actors that are responsible for implementing the organic law, as well as other actors and laws that have a direct or indirect influence on the organic sector.
EDUCATIONAL AND AWARENESS RAISING CAMPAIGNS
Consumer Excursion
Consumer excursions are designed to bring consumers closer to farmers and producers. The excursion this September was organized at Dahshour Farm to celebrate the Dates season. The farm has organic dates, and it offered an opportunity for attendees to seasonal harvest their own dates and learn about the cultivation process. The program of the excursion offered an enjoyable oriental breakfast, hands-on workshops including energy ball making, date pastries, and a guided tour of the date palm fields. Additionally, all the participants had the chance to visit the local “manshar”, the drying facility to learn about the
process of sun-drying dates to turn them into “Agwa”. The excursion ended with a delicious lunch featuring traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. Overall, the Dates season celebration at the farm was a unique and educational experience that allowed participants to immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of date cultivation.
Organic Ambassador program in Minia
With the support of the Organic Egypt project, our partner association IDAM developed the “Organic Agriculture Ambassador Programme,” a pioneering initiative aimed at uniting rural and urban youth in Minia. This month, a two-day camp on Agroecology and Green Initiatives was conducted to support the ambassadors in establishing their initiatives in their villages. On the first day, the camp featured a presentation on the Egyptian environmental organization “Greenish,” founded in 2017, which focuses on sustainable development. Additionally, they also discussed the relationship between agriculture and the environment, including topics like local food systems and water management. On the second day of the camp, the session highlighted the importance of organic farming, which aims to produce food without synthetic fertilizers or genetically modified organisms and promote a sustainable management system. During the camp, the ambassadors got the necessary skills to implement sustainable agriculture initiatives in their communities, promoting sustainable practices and educating others on the benefits of organic farming.
NETWORKING ACTIVITIES OF ORGANIC EGYPT PROJECT AND PARTNER
Agricultural Sahara Exhibition
Sahara has been an annual event for over three decades; this year is the 36th Edition of the Sahara Exhibition, which is the largest agricultural, animal production, and aquaculture exhibition in the MENA region. It was conducted from September 15th to September 17th, 2024. Organic Egypt team participated in the exhibition for the three days with partner association, EBDA. The team attended a variety of sessions with different topics such as sustainable agriculture practices, technological advancements in farming, and the future of food security. Additionally, the team conducted several side meetings with different stakeholders for building stronger networking and exploring potential collaborations in the agricultural sector. Overall, the participation in Sahara provided valuable insights and opportunities for Organic Egypt to expand its presence among students, consultants, and industry professionals in the agricultural field.
