Amman, Sept. 13 (Petra) – The Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO) and the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) signed a cooperation agreement to implement technical capacity-building activities under the third phase of the Rural Economic Growth and Employment Program Upscaling (REGEP-UP) Project, covering 2026–2032.
Under the agreement, NARC will conduct 400 training programs for around 5,500 beneficiaries, including 250 programs on climate-resilient crop production and 150 on food processing and proper nutrition. The agreement also provides for establishing and rehabilitating five model organic farming sites and producing 30 training videos.
According to a JEDCO statement issued Sunday, the agreement seeks to support economic development in rural areas, strengthen food security and food quality, empower farmers, producers, and entrepreneurs, improve rural household incomes, and create sustainable employment opportunities.
Training will cover efficient water use, sustainable soil management, organic farming, integrated pest management, food processing, and the preparation of grant and loan applications. It will also prepare beneficiaries for employment in green projects and strengthen the capabilities of agricultural enterprises.
JEDCO Executive Director Ghaleb Hijazi highlighted the importance of the partnership with NARC, saying it forms part of efforts to strengthen institutional coordination in support of rural enterprises and agricultural value chains.
Hijazi added that the third phase is designed to enhance the technical and administrative capabilities of farmers, producers, and entrepreneurs and help turn modern agricultural practices and ideas into viable projects and economic opportunities that generate employment and improve rural incomes.
Acting NARC Director General Zakaria Musallam said the agreement reflects cooperation between scientific research and practical application and will help transfer modern agricultural knowledge and technologies to farmers and rural communities.
The cooperation falls under a financing agreement between the government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) aimed at supporting rural households, farmers, producers, and processors, while increasing the participation of youth and women in the rural economy.
//Petra// AO
