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