Baghdad: Partners of the EU-funded Agri-Food Business Development Program (AfBDP) reviewed the progress achieved in developing agricultural value chains in Iraq during a high-level event held in Baghdad and organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with broad participation from governmental, international, and private sector entities.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the event discussed ways to enhance private sector investment in the agricultural sector within an integrated “farm-to-table” approach that seeks to transform agricultural and food systems into more efficient, sustainable, and competitive ones.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Iraq, Ghulam Ishaqzai, praised the existing partnership between the Iraqi government, the European Union, and UN agencies, emphasizing that the program exemplifies what can be achieved through a shared vision and effective cooperation. This collaboration has contributed to strengthening agricultural value chains and opening new horizons for private sector investment, thereby supporting economic recovery and sustainable development in Iraq.
It is worth noting that the AfBDP program was launched in 2021 with funding from the European Union and includes seven international partners: the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and Cowater International. The program works in coordination with national institutions to promote sustainable livelihoods, develop markets, and support value chains in key agricultural sectors.
The event was attended by high-level representatives, including representatives from the European Union Delegation to Iraq, the Ministries of Agriculture, Planning, and Water Resources, as well as UN agencies, partner international organizations, and representatives from the private sector.
For his part, the EU Ambassador to Iraq, Clemens Semniter, affirmed that the EU’s support for the program stemmed from its commitment to assisting farmers and agricultural institutions in confronting growing challenges, particularly climate change, water scarcity, and weak market linkages. He noted that the program has contributed to job creation, reduced losses, improved opportunities for local producers, and the establishment of a more competitive and attractive agricultural sector for investment.
The event featured interactive presentations, a panel discussion, a photo exhibition, and a mini-market showcasing value-added agricultural products. These activities reflected the practical impact of the program’s interventions, highlighting improved production practices, enhanced linkages between producers and markets, and the opening of new avenues for private sector participation.
In this context, the Technical Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mithaq al-Khafaji, affirmed that multilateral partnerships are a fundamental pillar in supporting agricultural transformation in Iraq. He explained that the program has contributed to strengthening value chains, connecting farmers to markets, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, and expanding the role of the private sector in agriculture.
For his part, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representative in Iraq, Salah al-Hajj Hassan, explained that organizing this event reflects the FAO’s commitment to supporting a collective approach that highlights the impact of the program’s interventions in strengthening agricultural and food value chains and creating a suitable environment for attracting future investments. He commended the partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and the continued support from the European Union.
The high-level panel discussion addressed the opportunities and challenges associated with attracting private sector investment, strengthening the enabling environment through policies and regulatory frameworks, and encouraging entrepreneurship in the agri-food sector.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony that highlighted outstanding contributions to developing key value chains supported within the program, reaffirming the partners’ commitment to building resilient, inclusive, and market-oriented agri-food systems in Iraq.