According to the supply ministry’s statement, the hubs will use modern technology and clean energy in their operations and design, as well as recycle food waste using renewable energy
Egypt launched its “Green Food Hub” initiative on Monday, aiming to establish 17 green food centers for the wholesale of fruit and vegetables.
The logistics hubs will provide refrigeration, packing, and sorting facilities, according to a statement by the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade, and will target both local markets and exports.
Implemented by the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade, the project was made possible with the collaboration of the Ministry of International Cooperation (MOIC), the Internal Trade Development Authority (ITDA), and the French Development Agency (AFD).
MOIC minister, Rania Al-Mashat stressed that “food security is one of the vital issues that represents the national security of the Arab Republic of Egypt. In this regard, the Ministry of International Cooperation has worked, through strategic cooperation with multilateral and bilateral development partners, to enhance and advance these efforts through a number of programs and financing agreements”.
According to the supply ministry’s statement, the hubs will use modern technology and clean energy in their operations and design, as well as recycle food waste using renewable energy.
These new hubs will have the ability to recycle solid and nonsolid food waste - such as leftover remains of vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat, explained Ibrahim Ashmawy, head of the ITDA and advisor to the supply minister. By reducing waste, food product reserves will rise throughout the year and will support controlling prices, he added.
The first green food hub will be built in Ismailia with an area of 100 feddan and requires estimated investments worth EGP 3-4 billion. The first phase of the project will kick off in 2024 and is expected to be completed within two years.
Al-Mashat highlighted Egypt’s keenness to engage with the private sector to overcome any challenges they may face, particularly in food security by achieving sustainable, comprehensive, and resilient food systems.
