International food security expert Dr. Fadel ELZUBI affirmed that Jordan has succeeded in recent years in building a comprehensive institutional framework to manage the food security portfolio. This began with the establishment of the Food Security Council in 2023, which later evolved into the Higher Council for Food Security chaired by the Prime Minister. This development helped unify national efforts and place food security at the forefront of priorities.
He explained that in 2024 the Kingdom launched its first National Food Security Information Management System, serving as an integrated platform to monitor indicators and support decision-making on precise scientific grounds.
Self-Sufficiency and Production Growth
The self-sufficiency rate for major food groups reached 61.4 percent in 2024, with surpluses recorded in the production of fresh vegetables and table eggs, despite challenges linked to water scarcity and climate change.
The capital of the Agricultural Credit Corporation rose to 100 million dinars, with more than 65 million dinars allocated as agricultural loans in 2025. This supported small farmers and strengthened rural development.
Leap in Agricultural Exports
The agricultural sector witnessed notable growth, as the value of agricultural exports increased from 969 million dinars in 2023 to 1.529 billion dinars in 2025—clear evidence of the rising competitiveness of Jordanian products in global markets.
This coincided with the operation of the National Seed Bank and expansion of modern irrigation systems and climate-smart agriculture, enhancing production sustainability and safeguarding agricultural genetic resources.
Integration of Water and Food Security
To confront the impacts of climate change, Jordan established and maintained 48 ponds and earthen dams with a total capacity exceeding 1.55 million cubic meters. These measures supported water resource sustainability and improved agricultural output, embodying the close interlinkage between water security and food security.
Food Safety and Support for National Industry
The Jordan Food and Drug Administration implemented a series of regulatory measures to ensure food safety. These included stricter controls on meat imports, banning the use of hydrogenated oils in cheese, and prohibiting powdered milk in dairy production. Local food industries were supported through streamlined licensing procedures, expanded e-services, and incentive programs such as the “Golden Trader” and “Trust Program.”
Strategic Reserves Enhancing Readiness
The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply raised grain storage capacity to about 2.3 million tons—enough to cover the Kingdom’s wheat and barley needs for up to ten months. This bolsters Jordan’s ability to withstand crises and global market fluctuations.
Green Innovation and Waste Reduction
Jordan launched its first National Food Waste Index, which revealed that household food waste approaches 950,000 tons annually. This provides a foundation for efforts to reduce food loss by 30 percent by 2033.
The Kingdom also introduced innovative green initiatives and projects offering practical solutions to challenges in water, energy, and agriculture.
Regional Role and Social Protection Networks
Jordan strengthened its regional standing by launching the Regional Observatory for Food Security and Nutrition for the Mashreq countries, in cooperation with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
On the social front, the National School Nutrition Program continued to improve students’ nutritional status, while the National Aid Fund provided cash and food assistance to more than 330,000 families.
International Indicators Reflect Progress
Jordan achieved tangible progress in the 2025 Global Hunger Index, advancing to rank 54 out of 123 countries. Rates of undernourishment declined, and the proportion of the population unable to afford healthy food decreased.
Dr. ELZUBI emphasized that these achievements represent a practical translation of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein’s vision of strengthening self-reliance and consolidating national sovereignty.
He added that food security has now become one of the pillars of national security and a testament to Jordan’s resilience in facing challenges—ensuring Jordanians a future of greater safety, stability, and prosperity.