Nubaria – The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in cooperation with Blue Moon LTD, inaugurated a new produce handling center in Nubaria yesterday.  The produce handling center provides modern processing and storage facilities for Egypt’s burgeoning high-value produce export market.

“The agriculture cooperatives in Nubaria are key players in developing the premium produce market in Egypt,” said Dr. Mary C. Ott, Mission Director at USAID in Egypt.  “Thanks to their efforts, Egypt is growing high-value produce that meets global standards for export.”

In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Nubarian Agriculture Cooperatives, and Blue Moon LTD, USAID rehabilitated the pack house, which has helped farmers obtain more advantageous pricing for their produce and eliminated costs.  As a result of the improved post-harvest facility, 118 new jobs have been created for men and women in the community. 

USAID provided training for 4,000 farmers in Beheira and Marsa Matruh on Global Good Agricultural Practices and Fair Trade standards that enable them to access high-value local and international fresh produce markets.  Aligning with Fair Trade standards allows farmers to more fairly compete in international trade, provides a safety net, and brings money into the communities.  These practices ensure sustainable use of land and water resources and mitigate food safety risks. 

This initiative is one facet of a comprehensive package of technical assistance from the American people that promotes job creation, economic recovery and reform, private sector business growth, and a stronger trade and investment environment.  Over the past two years, USAID activities have led to new or better full-time employment for over 40,000 people and short-term jobs for another 20,000.  These projects are part of the nearly $30 billion that the American people, through USAID, have invested in Egypt since 1975.