Egypt, Germany plan cooperation to boost organic farm exports

Egypt and Germany are exploring closer cooperation in organic agriculture, with plans for a new partnership to support export growth, training, and compliance with international standards, the Agriculture Ministry said Thursday.

Saad Gaffar, head of Egypt’s Central Laboratory for Organic Agriculture (CLOA), met in Cairo with Bernhard Schulz, executive director of German inspection and certification body CERES, to discuss ways to strengthen collaboration, alongside CERES Egypt CEO Mohamed Mohsen.

The talks focused on establishing a cooperation protocol to train and qualify Egyptian farmers, while expanding services for bio-nutrition and biological pest control. The agreement would also support the development of a digital database of export-ready organic farms and products.

“The visit reflects the government’s commitment to streamlining organic exports and building stronger international partnerships,” Gaffar said, adding that the protocol would help improve competitiveness by aligning local certification systems with global benchmarks.

Under the plan, CERES would assist in inspection, registration, and the issuance of compliance certificates in accordance with national and international organic farming standards.

Schulz praised Egypt’s technical progress in organic agriculture and the swift, effective support provided to exporters by the General Directorate of Organic Agriculture.

The two sides also discussed updating Egypt’s legal framework for organic farming—particularly Law No. 834—to align with EU regulations and raise export quality.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser