Beni Suef, Egypt
EU-ZIRA3A Programme participated in the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) Festival in Beni Suef, attracting more than 200 visitors to its booth. The two-day participation served as an engaging platform for farmers, students, associations, and government officials to learn more about EU-ZIRA3A’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the MAPs value chain including post-harvest practices and promote sustainable agricultural across Upper Egypt.
Throughout the event, the EU-ZIRA3A team engaged directly with participants, sharing insights on how the Programme supports farmers in improving productivity, quality, and market access. Visitors were eager to learn about innovative approaches being implemented to make Egypt’s MAPs sector more competitive and environmentally sustainable.
The booth also featured a vibrant display of MAPs-based products from Al Afdal and El Esraa Associations, demonstrating the tangible impact of EU-ZIRA3A’s field interventions and community partnerships. The collaboration provided local associations with valuable exposure to new audiences and markets, while showcasing the programme’s commitment to empowering rural producers.
“It was inspiring to see farmers, youth, and associations interacting with our team and showing real interest in EU-ZIRA3A’s interventions,” said EU-ZIRA3A field Programme Officer in Beni Suef.
Driving Change Through Action
The Programme’s work in the MAPs sector focuses on practical, results-oriented interventions designed to strengthen local value chains and enhance farmers’ livelihoods. Key ongoing activities include:
- Updating Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and post-harvest guides
- Training extension officers and organizing crop demonstration days
- Upgrading 100 distillation units in Beni Suef
- Supporting the registration of Geographical Indications (GIs) for Basel , Geranium and pomegranate
- Facilitating access to new markets and exhibitions
- Conducting digital and print awareness campaigns on sustainable production practices
Each initiative reflects EU-ZIRA3A’s mission to empower rural communities, and enhance crop productivity and quality.
