The talks focused on expanding cooperation in applied research, crop protection technologies, and aligning Egypt’s agricultural policies with modern international standards to ensure sustainable production.
Farouk emphasized the ministry’s strategy of linking
agricultural output quality with global health standards. He noted that
coordination between the health and agriculture sectors is "a fundamental
pillar" for food safety.
The Minister added that any updates to international
classifications for agricultural materials require careful study to avoid
restrictions that could hinder crop protection or a farmer's ability to combat
pests. He stressed the need to maintain balanced production costs for farmers
while ensuring the seamless flow of crops to domestic and international
markets.
The meeting outlined several proposals to deepen technical
ties, including collaborating on improving strains of strategic crops,
specifically maize and other summer crops, to increase yields and climate
resilience, and testing Bayer’s latest products within the Egyptian environment
to verify safety and efficacy. They also discussed utilizing the Agricultural
Research Center (ARC) as a scientific reference to provide data and field
trials that support Egypt’s position in international forums regarding
agricultural regulations.
Both parties highlighted the importance of "proactive
risk management" by developing safe, effective alternatives for substances
that may face future international restrictions.
They also agreed to intensify training and awareness
programs for farmers and technicians on the "rational use" of
agricultural inputs. These initiatives aim to ensure compliance with modern
scientific standards while balancing public health protection with sustainable
agricultural growth.
The two sides agreed to maintain ongoing technical consultations to ensure national policies remain updated with the latest scientific developments.