Context
As a result of the regional conflict affecting Jordan in 2011, agricultural and agri-food activity has fallen sharply and exports of Jordanian agricultural produce have come to a complete halt. Several companies exporting up to 100 to 120 lorries of fresh produce a day have suddenly seen their markets disappear overnight.
Despite the fact that the country is affected by a water shortage, Jordan has a certain agricultural potential with a number of fertile soils, and 9 million hectares are considered suitable for agroecology. The climate varies from hot in winter to very hot in summer, and is conducive to the development of many fruits and vegetables. Finally, the land, particularly in the Jordan Valley, is particularly fertile.
In this context, the JEPA association was set up in 1994. It brings together a team of professional experts to support producers in promoting, selling and exporting their produce, with a particular focus on new international markets.
The project
The primary aim of JEPA is to help agricultural businesses promote their products, both in Jordan and abroad, by putting producers in touch with new customers. JEPA has also developed a knowledge and information centre on the international market, tailored to the specific needs of the producer and the international market.
The association also provides technical assistance through personalised advice for producers and networking with international and national funders and partners. For example, with the Dutch CBI, JEPA has secured an export coaching programme for around 40 selected Jordanian companies, helping them to conquer new export markets over a 4-year period.
JEPA also provides support to people wishing to launch their own agri-food projects. For example, the company can facilitate dialogue between the project promoter and Jordan's Ministry of Agriculture, help the producer find local, national or international markets suited to his production, or introduce him to the distribution channels best suited to promoting his products.
Finally, the association has created the Jordan Excellence Platform (JEP), which brings together several farmers to produce fresh fruit and vegetables in the same place. This centralisation of production saves on costs and logistics. Their production is certified "Jordan Excellence, certified by Jepa", to attest that the products meet international standards and requirements. As part of the Organic Ecosystem project, a group of local organic farming experts has already met several times with the Ministry of Agriculture and JEPA to discuss organic farming, regulatory legislation and the techniques to be adopted to develop the sector in the region.
JEPA's initiative is ultimately about the sustainability of the agri-food system, offering support to farmers and project developers, particularly when it comes to supplying local markets with local produce. Environmental and economic sustainability are also important issues, as the company is working to develop agro-ecology and organic farming and to centralise production within a single platform (Jordan Excellence Platform).
Who is it for ?
JEPA's services and support are aimed at producers, agricultural businesses, exporters of Jordanian products and international buyers.
Means
JEPA has several partners: the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Jordanian Ministry of Labour, the Amman Chamber of Commerce, the Association of Agricultural Engineers and many others. The association also has a number of financial partners, including the Jordan Commercial Bank and the European Investment Bank.
Results
JEPA has welcomed 41 new members over the last two years.
Little Extra
The association also advocates to the government in support of the agricultural sector. For example, with the recent emergency caused by storms in Jordan's valley, JEPA was the first to connect with the government and negotiate multiple support actions for Jordan's agricultural sector.
This initiative sheet was written by Nadja Camille, LFC project manager in February 2023.
Sources:
- https://jepa.org.jo
- https://south.euneighbours.eu/fr/news/organic-ecosystem-in-jordan-organic-msmes-actively-involved-in-local-laboratories/
- https://www.eib.org/fr/press/all/2022-179-jod-24-million-eib-backing-for-jordanian-business-investment
Last modification : 12 Jun 2023.
JEPA
JEPA (Amman Fruit and Vegetable Exporters and Producers Association) is an association that supports agricultural businesses in their development through advice and networking, as well as offering them technical assistance.