The commitment to strengthening food security in Egypt continues through the delegated EU-KAFI programme, coordinated by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). The initiative aims to modernize Egypt’s seed system and increase national cereal production by supporting the modernization of the agricultural sector.
As part of these efforts, a Study Visit concluded in Rome under the five-year programme, funded by the European Union with a budget of EUR 40 million, and dedicated to strengthening the technical capacities of Egyptian institutions.
From 13 to 17 July 2026, a delegation comprising experts from the Central Administration for Seed Certification (CASC), representatives of Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, the Agricultural Research Center (ARC), and AICS Cairo participated in an intensive technical training programme in Italy, organized by CREA – Council for Agricultural Research and Economics.
The study visit took place in Milan, Bologna and Rome, with the objective of enhancing Egypt’s national capacities in varietal registration, seed testing, seed certification and quality control—all essential components of a modern, efficient and internationally compliant seed system.
In Milan, the delegation explored the procedures for registering new wheat varieties, agronomic evaluation methodologies, and the application of genetics and DNA analysis for varietal traceability. In Bologna, the programme focused on seed sampling, inspection and testing procedures, including practical demonstrations of the quality control processes that ensure seeds meet the required standards before reaching farmers. The mission concluded in Rome at CREA Headquarters, where the final institutional meeting brought together senior representatives of CREA, Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry (MASAF), the Agricultural Research Center (ARC), and the EU-KAFI team.
The concluding meeting provided an opportunity to review the programme’s progress and reaffirm the strength of the partnership between Italian and Egyptian institutions.
In her remarks, Rita Petrilli, EU-KAFI Project Coordinator, highlighted the strategic importance of the mission: “These activities are essential for establishing a modern, efficient and internationally compliant seed system in Egypt. Training, knowledge transfer and scientific cooperation are key instruments for strengthening food security and promoting sustainable agricultural development.”
Through EU-KAFI, AICS Cairo continues to support a shared pathway with Egyptian institutions and Italian scientific partners to foster innovation, food security and sustainable agricultural development, contributing to Egypt’s efforts to increase wheat production and strengthen the country’s cereal self-sufficiency.
