Cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization

Cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

The cooperation between the Palm Farmers Cooperative Association in Jericho and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has been a key driver in developing the Palestinian dates sector through training, technical, and institutional projects aimed at enhancing farmers’ efficiency and improving the competitiveness of Palestinian products.

Background of the Cooperation

The Palm Farmers Cooperative Association in Jericho and the Jordan Valley was established in 1999 to serve as an organizational umbrella for farmers, protecting their interests and developing the dates sector, which spans over 30,000 dunums in the Palestinian Jordan Valley. From its early years, the association established partnerships with international organizations, most notably the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), one of the major supporters of the Palestinian agricultural sector.

Objectives of the Cooperation

• Transfer modern agricultural knowledge through lectures and scientific workshops on palm cultivation and date production.
• Enhance quality and food safety by training farmers on sorting, packaging, and grading according to international standards.
• Increase production efficiency by introducing modern techniques in irrigation, pest control, and farm management.
• Empower young farmers and women by involving them in training and field programs.

Joint Activities

• FAO, in cooperation with the association and the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture, organized specialized scientific lectures at Hebron University in 2022.
• Field visits for agriculture students and farmers to palm farms and packing centers in Jericho.
• FAO supported the association’s programs in modern marketing and opening new regional and international markets.

Impact on the Palm Sector

• Improved the quality of Palestinian dates in line with global standards.
• Increased farmers’ awareness of sustainable natural resource management.
• Enhanced the competitiveness of Palestinian dates against Israeli products.
• Expanded the association’s international network and attracted additional projects.

Conclusion

The cooperation between the Palm Farmers Cooperative Association in Jericho and the FAO represents a successful model of partnership between local and international institutions, enhancing farmers’ ability to produce high-quality dates capable of competing globally.