Italy is leading a one-million-euro European Union-funded project to support Algeria in developing its national organic agriculture system and enhancing its agricultural quality mark. Launched on Wednesday, the initiative involves Algeria, Italy, and France, with the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries serving as the beneficiary administration. An official launch event was held on Wednesday at the headquarters of the National Chamber of Agriculture. The project aims to establish a regulatory framework aligned with European standards and international references. It also includes preparing five specifications for pilot supply chains. Hanane Lebbiyoud, Project Leader, representing the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, stated, "The project aims to strengthen the certification system and prepare the regulatory framework for organic farming in line with European and international standards, through direct cooperation between experts from Italian and French public administrations and their Algerian counterparts, with the participation of technical institutes, agricultural chambers, and producers."
Project Partners and Structure
The project is structured around an institutional twinning mechanism, facilitating the exchange of expertise and experiences between European public administrations and their counterparts in the beneficiary country. This mechanism is designed to foster direct cooperation and knowledge transfer. The Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests (MASAF) serves as the main partner, with the French Ministry of Agriculture also participating. Eutalia is responsible for managing the administrative aspects of the initiative.
The project will last for 24 months and focuses on two primary areas. The first area concentrates on developing Algeria's national organic agriculture system. This involves establishing strong frameworks and practices for organic farming. The second area addresses the Agricultural Quality Mark (LAQ), which is an Algerian tool designed for recognizing and promoting high-quality agricultural products. Over its two-year duration, the project is expected to contribute to strengthening the regulatory framework for organic agriculture in Algeria. This full approach aims to elevate the standard of Algerian agricultural products on both national and international stages.
Key Objectives and Activities
Work will commence with five pilot supply chains specifically for the Agricultural Quality Mark, preparing detailed specifications for each. The project’s launch event was opened by the President of the National Chamber of Agriculture, Mohamed Yazid Hambli. Hanane Lebbiyoud, project leader, delivered a speech during the event, representing the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries. In her address, Lebbiyoud reiterated that the project aims to strengthen the certification system and prepare the regulatory framework for organic farming in line with European and international standards. The program incorporates awareness initiatives aimed at promoting organic agriculture and the agricultural quality mark within Algeria, educating both producers and consumers. Support for developing an official logo to represent these agricultural efforts is also included in the program, providing a clear visual identity. Additionally, the project is tasked with preparing full content for the national information portal dedicated to this sector, ensuring easy access to relevant information. The initiative is expected to develop strong control and certification mechanisms for organic products, ensuring their authenticity and quality.
Launch Event and Support
The project is expected to support the recognition of high-quality agricultural products by establishing credible standards and systems. The official launch event, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, on Wednesday saw attendance from representatives of Algeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with ambassadors from the European Union, Italy, and France. Officials from various agricultural chambers and institutions were also present, noting the broad support for the initiative. Additionally, farmers, associations, cooperatives, experts, and representatives from national and international organizations participated in the event. On the sidelines of the launch, an exhibition showcased diverse, high-value organic products sourced from various regions across Algeria, offering a tangible demonstration of the sector's potential. This exhibition provided attendees with a direct experience of the quality and variety of Algerian organic produce.