Liberalizing the Agricultural Sector - Jordan Environment Watch

Minister of Agriculture Mr Akef Zou'bi stated in a meeting meeting on Tuesday with Ajloun Governor Ahmad Shayyab that the Ministry will fully liberalize the agricultural sector in Jordan.

The minister claimed the sector is now capable of competing on international markets due to the high quality of its products. He added that the government is currently revising laws and legislation to regulate and develop the agricultural sector with the aim of creating more job opportunities. He also said the government would remove all obstacles hindering the development of the sector.

I feel a little bit anxious about this statement and the full liberalization. The agricultural sector in Jordan is yet vulnerable to scarcity of water resources, low crop diversification and smal markets. Our legislation still do not contain any elements that protect and regulate the use of indigenous genetic resources and access to them in relation to Intellectual propoerty right.

I hope that the governent will take all necessary technical and legislative measures to ensure the survival of the Jordanian agriculture sector in a tough open market.