Page 24 - AA 2026

Jordan

conservation and genetic improvement

of local almond varieties

The Food and Agriculture Organiza-
tion of the United Nations and the Na-
tional Agricultural Research Center
(NARC) today signed an agreement
under the project “Conservation and
Genetic Enhancement of Local Al-
mond Varieties in Jordan for Sustain-
able Agricultural Development.” The
signing ceremony was attended by
the Director General of NARC, Profes-
sor Dr. Ibrahim Al Rawashdeh, repre-
sentatives from both sides, and sev-
eral relevant partners.
FAO Representative in Jordan, Eng.
Nabil Assaf, stated during the cer-
emony that this agreement marks an
important step toward protecting and morphological analyses of local al- of the project. He affirmed that the joint
promoting Jordan’s local almond vari- mond varieties across various regions work between both sides contributes
eties, which hold significant agricul- of the Kingdom. These activities will to enhancing agricultural biodiversity
tural and cultural value. He empha- contribute to establishing a strong sci- and ensuring the long term sustain-
sized their vital role in strengthening entific foundation for conserving and ability of Jordan’s almond sector.
the agricultural sector’s resilience to sustainably developing local genetic
future challenges, particularly climate resources. In conclusion, the FAO Representa-
change and genetic erosion. tive extended his appreciation to all
FAO Representative expressed the parties who contributed to the success
He explained that the agreement Organization’s pride in its partnership of this collaboration. He expressed his
will enable NARC to begin imple- with NARC, noting the Center’s scien- optimism for the positive outcomes
menting a set of specialized techni- tific expertise and technical capabili- expected from the implementation of
cal activities, including field surveys, ties that make it the ideal partner for the agreement’s activities, and their
sample collection, and conducting carrying out this essential component impact on farmers, researchers, and
future generations through the pres-
ervation of the country’s agricultural
heritage.
The Director General of the National
Agricultural Research Center, Profes-
sor Dr. Ibrahim Al Rawashdeh, said
that signing the agreement with FAO
represents a pivotal milestone in Jor-
dan’s efforts to preserve plant genetic
resources, particularly local almond
varieties, which are an integral part of
the national agricultural heritage.
This agreement comes as part of
FAO’s ongoing efforts to support Jor-
dan in achieving sustainable agricul-
tural development and strengthening
the management of plant genetic re-
sources in line with national priorities.
22 Arab Agriculture 2026