Food security expert Dr. Fadel ELZUBI stated that the surge in imported feed prices, particularly barley and bran, is the primary cause of the hardships faced by livestock breeders.

He explained that the scarcity of rainfall and the decline of natural pastures over the past four years have forced breeders to rely almost entirely on costly imported feed. The government maintains that it distributes subsidized feed through 50 outlets across the Kingdom, with an annual allocation of 20 kilograms per sheep. Breeders, however, complain that these quantities are insufficient, compelling them to purchase from the open market at prices beyond their means.

ELZUBI noted that the Agricultural Credit Corporation has extended loans worth 7.7 million dinars to 2,276 farmers for feed purchases. In addition, the internationally supported “Small Ruminants” project is underway to improve livestock breeds and support rural households. Yet these efforts confront the reality that Jordan covers only 45% of its meat needs domestically, importing the remainder from more than 21 countries.

Reports also indicate that subsidized barley is leaking into uses other than its intended purpose, exacerbating perceptions of unfair distribution.

According to ELZUBI, the crisis affects not only breeders but also consumers, who now face record prices: over 13 dinars per kilogram for local lamb, and 11–12 dinars for local calves. Some large breeders prefer exporting to neighboring countries in search of hard currency, reducing domestic supply and driving prices higher.

He stressed that the crisis is not simply a matter of “insufficient support” or “high costs” as separate factors, but rather a complex blend of both. Production costs are soaring, while support mechanisms fail to reach those most in need.

ELZUBI concluded that while breeders require immediate relief, the sector as a whole demands a genuine strategic vision—one that addresses the roots of the problem: improving rangelands, managing water resources, developing production and marketing chains, and regulating imports and exports to protect the local market. Food security, he emphasized, cannot be built on statements alone, but on bold decisions that halt the bleeding before the sector collapses entirely.