Training Completed for Plant Quarantine Staff on Pomegranate Inspection and Sampling
القاهرة، أغسطس 2025
As part of the ongoing efforts of the EU Integrated Rural Development Programme for Egypt (EU-ZIRA3A) to enhance agricultural standards and strengthen export readiness, a training programme was organized by CDB in the framework of grant contract titled: Enhancing integrated governance to improve performance of the Egyptian plant quarantine system and pesticides monitoring as well as developing and adopting a digital archiving system. The training targeted 30 staff members from the Central Administration of Plant Quarantine at the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation.
The training focused on building technical capacity in the visual inspection and sampling of pomegranates, a key export crop for Egypt. The programme covered essential topics such as the introduction to pomegranate sampling, visual inspection procedures, sampling protocols for pesticide residue analysis, as well as sample documentation and chain of custody requirements.
The opening session participants included Dr. Mohamed El-Mansi, Head of Plant Quarantine، Dr. Islam Farahat, Supervisor of the Plant Health Unit, who both highlighted the importance of strengthening inspection systems to ensure the safety and competitiveness of Egyptian agricultural exports.
On the second day, participants conducted a field visit to Daltex Farm, where they observed and practiced the inspection and sampling techniques in a real production environment. This hands-on experience provided valuable insights into the application of theoretical knowledge in practical settings, reinforcing the training’s objectives.
This initiative reflects the programme’s commitment to enhancing plant health systems, supporting farmers and exporters, and ensuring compliance with international market requirements. By investing in training and capacity-building, EU-ZIRA3A continues to empower institutions and professionals working at the forefront of agricultural development in Egypt.