Tartus Agriculture Officials Meet EU Mission to Boost Rural Exports
The Directorate of Agriculture in Tartus has held formal discussions with representatives from the European Union’s mission to Syria to explore new avenues for bilateral cooperation aimed at revitalizing the province’s agricultural sector. The meeting, which brought together Dr. Mohammed Ahmed, Director of Agriculture in Tartus, and Kieran Long, the EU’s program manager for agriculture and rural development, focused on establishing priorities to strengthen the sector’s overall economic footprint.
Central to the discussions was the potential to enhance the competitiveness of Syrian agricultural produce, particularly as the province looks to transition from traditional farming models toward more efficient, modern practices. These improvements are intended to help local producers meet international quality standards, thereby increasing their viability in foreign markets, including potential exports to the European Union. Officials emphasized that such a transition would provide direct economic benefits to farmers and local rural communities.
Beyond technical advancements, the consultation addressed the importance of preserving the unique identity and heritage of local Syrian products. The dialogue explored strategies to balance modern agricultural techniques with the preservation of traditional methods, ensuring that local goods retain their distinct market appeal while scaling up production capacity. The effort is part of a broader strategy to support rural industries and secure a stronger presence for these products in competitive markets.
During the proceedings, the Tartus agricultural delegation highlighted the province’s diverse range of signature crops and the specific challenges currently facing the region’s farmers. The two sides assessed the technical and advisory support required to modernize production facilities and supply chain logistics.
In a gesture reflecting the intersection of local industry and development, the meeting concluded with a presentation of a handcrafted gift to the EU delegation. The artwork, created from silkworm cocoons, served to highlight the craftsmanship and labor of rural Syrian women, underscoring their vital role in the country’s socio-economic landscape and sustainable rural development.
This meeting follows a separate engagement held earlier this week between the EU mission and the General Organization for Seed Multiplication. That discussion centered on similar goals, including the development of enhanced seed varieties and the provision of technical support to strengthen the institutional capacity of Syrian agricultural entities. These engagements mark a continued focus on addressing the infrastructure and productivity needs of the Syrian agricultural sector through structured technical dialogues.
