In this context, expert Fadel ELZUBI stated, “In a step that deserves both praise and reflection, the Ministry of Agriculture signed support agreements with a number of food factories within the project to stimulate industries in industrial, developmental cities and municipalities. These agreements, which include The Holy Land for Food Industries, specialized in freeze-drying fruits and vegetables, and Al-Ne’ma for Animal Feed Industry, based on recycling organic waste, represent a promising model for integration between the agricultural and industrial sectors.
ELZUBI added, “The positive impact of these agreements on multiple levels cannot be denied. Economically, they contribute to creating real added value for local agricultural products instead of exporting them raw or wasting them. They also provide direct and indirect job opportunities in developmental areas that need economic revitalization, such as Mafraq Governorate and the Al-Muwaqqar region.”
He explained that employing freeze-drying technology in the Holy Land factory indicates a trend towards high-value manufacturing capable of competing in foreign markets, while Al-Ne’ma company embodies a model of the circular economy by transforming waste into wealth, which enhances environmental sustainability and reduces animal production costs for farmers.
ELZUBI pointed out that maximizing the benefit from these agreements requires adopting well-studied scientific procedures. Regarding integration with value chains, these factories should be built based on advance contracts with farmers to ensure continuity of supply and achieve production security for both parties.
He stressed the importance of conducting accurate market studies that identify target markets locally, regionally, and internationally before production begins, and linking these projects with a research system, including the National Center for Agricultural Research and Jordanian universities, to continuously develop and improve product quality. He called for setting clear and measurable performance indicators to monitor the impact of these projects on agricultural income, employment rates, and exports.
ELZUBI added that successful international experiences, particularly in the Netherlands and Turkey, indicate that the success of this type of initiative rests on three pillars: First, complete vertical integration from farm to consumer within an integrated and documented value chain. Second, providing post-support services, meaning the government’s role should not end with signing the agreement, but should extend to include marketing, technical, and training support throughout the operational stages. Third, establishing integrated agro-industrial complexes that bring together several complementary food industries in one location to reduce logistical costs and enhance competitiveness.
He wondered: Where is the private sector in this equation? What about the amount of government support provided, the available legislative environment, and Jordan’s distinguished geographical location? All these factors constitute fertile ground for major private investments in the food industries, yet the response remains below expectations. He explained that there is chronic hesitation among major investors to risk investing in a sector considered a pillar of national security, while foreign companies do not hesitate to seize the same opportunities.
ELZUBI stated that the private sector is called upon to move beyond the logic of waiting and hesitation, and to engage seriously in strategic partnerships with the government, before regional competition advances and fills the void. He explained that these agreements will not achieve their desired goals unless accompanied by a strict and transparent governance system.
He pointed out that this necessitates publishing periodic reports on the implementation stages of the projects and their actual impact in a manner accessible to the public, establishing independent follow-up committees comprising representatives from the private sector, civil society, and academia, as well as adopting clear accountability mechanisms in case of shortcomings or deviation from set goals. He stated that transparency is not an administrative luxury, but rather the primary guarantor for transforming agreements from paper into reality, and from good intentions into measurable and evaluable achievements.
ELZUBI clarified that Jordan possesses all the necessary components to make its agricultural and food industrial sector a true driver of sustainable development, and what we lack is not just political will, but institutional discipline, investment courage, and transparency in implementation.”