Last week, HELP Logistics, in collaboration with the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture, conducted a dynamic workshop on the challenges and prospects for improving agricultural supply chains in the Jordan Valley.
This engaging workshop brought together 25 participants, including engineers from the Ministry of Agriculture, project management teams, area advisors, and local farmers. The goal was to expand their knowledge and facilitate a meaningful exchange on food supply chain dynamics. The workshop was facilitated by His Excellency Dr. Walid Abed Rabboh, a distinguished expert in agriculture, food security, and natural resource management.
Farah Moghrabi, HELP's project manager, provided an insightful overview of the various stages in the food supply chain and shared effective strategies for minimizing food waste. "Improving our agricultural supply chains means creating sustainable solutions that directly benefit our farmers and communities. By sharing knowledge and best practices, we can drive meaningful change and boost the prosperity of the Jordan Valley," said Moghrabi.
During the workshop, participants discussed key logistical challenges they face, such as the high costs of cold storage and transportation due to rising energy prices, limited warehouse capacity, a lack of knowledge on best practices for packing and storage, and a lengthy supply chain with multiple intermediaries before products reach consumers.
A particular emphasis was placed on dates as a strategic crop, highlighting the Jordan Valley's reputation for producing high-quality Medjool dates. Thanks to its optimal climate of high temperatures, low humidity, and minimal rainfall, date palm farming in Jordan is flourishing, with increasing production and exports. According to data from The Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), Jordan exported $42.9 million worth of dates in 2022, positioning it as the 12th largest exporter globally.
Building on the valuable insights and outcomes of this workshop, HELP Logistics will continue to provide further training and support to the ministry and farmers, leveraging regional experiences and successful supply chain designs.