Egyptian sweet potato exporters and producers recently gathered at a meeting hosted by "Agro Green" for agricultural exports. The meeting aimed to bring together major exporters, producers, and farmers from Damietta and Kafr El Sheikh governorates. The goal was to link European market requirements with Egyptian farms, improve crop quality, and protect farmers from losses. This initiative seeks to benefit all parties involved in the production and export process.
During the meeting, attendees agreed on a minimum price for purchasing sweet potatoes that would cover production costs for farmers. The agreed-upon minimum price is 7 EGP per kilogram for the current and upcoming seasons. This decision aims to ensure that farmers are not sold at a price lower than their actual production costs. Key figures from "Agro Green" such as Ayman El Sheikh, Ibrahim El Sadek, and Ahmed Abd El Rahman attended the meeting.
The meeting highlighted the growing importance of sweet potatoes as Egypt's third-largest agricultural export crop by volume, after citrus fruits and potatoes. This underscores the need to maintain product quality and competitiveness in global markets. Farmers and exporters emphasized the need for a clear agricultural program that aligns with international market requirements. They called for proper agricultural practices, approved pesticides, and safety periods to avoid issues with pesticide residues.
Participants stressed the importance of transferring international market requirements to Egyptian farms from the start of the production cycle. This approach aims to achieve the highest possible quality and best returns for farmers and exporters. It also seeks to preserve the reputation and global standing of Egyptian sweet potatoes. The meeting included representatives from various companies, including Shahd El Malka, Gripenya, El Rashed, Green Foods, and El Hekma.
Farmers from Damietta and Kafr El Sheikh governorates, including Mohamed Abd El Rab, Reda Galab, and Mohamed El Imam, participated in the discussions. They called for organizing awareness campaigns to avoid banned pesticides and minimize problems with pesticide residues. The attendees also invited other exporters, producers, and packaging stations to join future meetings. This aims to unify efforts on common issues affecting the sector's future and Egypt's export reputation.
The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, as well as relevant government agencies. Participants sought to leverage the ministry's technical and advisory expertise to enhance integration between the state, private sector, and farmers. The goal is to build a sustainable system that ensures fair returns for farmers, high-quality products, and competitive exports.
Key outcomes of the meeting include setting a minimum price for sweet potatoes and a commitment to improving product quality and competitiveness. The industry aims to increase Egyptian agricultural exports while maintaining the country's reputation in global markets. Future meetings are expected to include government participation and focus on addressing common challenges facing the sector.
Key points
- Egyptian sweet potato exporters agree on a minimum price of 7 EGP per kilogram.
- The industry seeks to improve product quality and competitiveness in global markets.
- Collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture is expected to enhance integration and support the sector's growth.
