International food security expert Dr. Fadel ELZUBI affirmed that the Agricultural Engineers Association’s report on the “Milk Powder File” came at a highly critical time, as it sheds light on an issue that touches the core of national food security and the balance of both the agricultural and industrial markets simultaneously.
ELZUBI stated that the observations and reservations raised by the Association’s president do not merely reflect a unionist stance, but rather a national and professional responsibility aimed at protecting local production, safeguarding the rights of farmers, consumers, and manufacturers, and ensuring the quality of what reaches the tables of Jordanians.
He added that transferring the file from the Ministry of Agriculture to the Ministry of Industry and Trade is not a mere administrative change, but one tied to the future of a vital sector that provides thousands of jobs and constitutes a cornerstone of the food security system. He stressed that keeping the file under the Ministry of Agriculture, as the most technically competent authority, guarantees transparency, prevents violations, and ensures balance between imports and local production.
ELZUBI explained that the report opens the door to a responsible national dialogue on ways to support the dairy sector, strengthen consumer confidence, and protect farmers, thereby ensuring the sustainability of this sector amid current economic challenges. He pointed out that many international experiences — such as those of India, Brazil, Jamaica, and Kenya — have demonstrated the negative impact of imported milk powder on local production and small farmers.
In India, for example, fresh milk production declined by 18 percent over five years, while more than 20,000 small farms in Brazil closed between 2010 and 2020 due to unfair competition with subsidized powder. In Jamaica, reliance on milk powder led to the near-total collapse of the local dairy sector.
ELZUBI emphasized that these global experiences confirm the need for a careful balance in dealing with milk powder, allowing its use only as a complementary measure in times of shortage, alongside smart protective policies such as imposing tariffs or setting import quotas to preserve the sustainability of local production.
He called for investment in reducing feed costs — which account for 60 to 70 percent of milk production expenses — improving cooling and transport chains to minimize losses, and encouraging the establishment of agricultural cooperatives that enhance small farmers’ bargaining power and collective marketing.
He also stressed the importance of moving toward value-added products such as traditional, organic, or lactose-free cheeses to increase competitiveness.
ELZUBI noted that some successful international experiences — such as India’s “White Revolution” program, the European Union’s direct farmer support policies, and Kenya’s protective tariffs — could serve as inspiring models for Jordan and the wider Arab region.
He concluded by saying that the milk powder file is not merely a technical or administrative issue, but a national one that affects the present and future of the dairy sector, with direct implications for farmers, consumers, and national industry. Keeping it under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture ensures the application of strict technical standards, protection of local production, and preservation of consumer trust.
He stressed that making responsible decisions that serve the higher national interest and balance market needs with the protection of local production has become urgent, affirming that protecting the dairy sector means protecting thousands of Jordanian families, strengthening the national economy, and ensuring the sustainability of the country’s food resources.