Amman, Feb 3 (Petra) - The inaugural meeting of the ORIENTATE project (Towards a Circular Economy in the Agricultural Sector) was held on Tuesday, in partnership with Italy, Spain, Jordan, Turkiye, and Lebanon, aiming to develop sustainable and circular agricultural systems.

The project launch was attended by Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khraisat and EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Schatzisafas.

The initiative seeks to convert agricultural waste into high-value biological products, maximizing environmental and economic benefits, and promoting a circular economy in agriculture across the Mediterranean. The project focuses specifically on developing circular practices in the citrus and olive sectors in Jordan and other Mediterranean countries, drawing on existing expertise in European countries such as Italy and Spain.

ORIENTATE will implement innovative models and solutions to improve agricultural waste management and resource efficiency, in line with international studies (FAO and UNDP) highlighting environmental and economic opportunities for waste conversion in Mediterranean farming systems.

The project, part of the EU-funded NEXT MED cooperation program supporting cross-border environmental and development initiatives, has a total budget of 2.5 million euros, 89 percent of which is financed by the European Commission.

Khraisat, in his opening remarks, emphasized the need for scientific and practical solutions that ensure the preservation and sustainability of environmental and water resources, underlining the project’s role in advancing sustainable farming practices and reducing environmental losses from agricultural waste.

Ambassador Schatzisafas said the project reflects the depth of strategic relations between the EU and Jordan and confirmed genuine opportunities to boost European investments in the kingdom. He affirmed EU support for partnership with Jordan in green economy and sustainable agricultural technology.

Project coordinator in Jordan Alaa Wahbeh, told Petra that exchanging knowledge with European partners and developing innovative technological applications suited to Jordanian farmers’ needs are key project goals. She highlighted the project’s platforms for practical training and professional experience exchange among experts from participating countries.

Nedal Al-Ouran, Commissioner for Environment and Public Safety at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and head of the Jordanian delegation for the Interreg NEXT MED program, praised the importance of regional integration in addressing common agricultural environmental challenges.

Esmat Karadsheh, East Mediterranean coordinator for Interreg NEXT MED, highlighted the program’s successful record in fostering sustainable development initiatives.

The project is expected to benefit over 400 farmers, agricultural operators, and food industry stakeholders in the targeted areas. Farmers will acquire skills to convert agricultural residues, such as olive oils, fruit peels, and plant stalks, into high-value secondary products, increasing income and resource efficiency.

Feed mills and food industries will benefit from technology transfer and innovation opportunities, enhancing competitiveness and expanding eco-friendly products. Local communities will also gain environmental benefits by reducing waste and lowering CO? and methane emissions, alongside creating specialized green jobs and new local biological products.

Representatives from 10 other EU-funded projects, including MedRESOURCE, C’est la Vie, and LIFE OLEA REGENERA, participated in the launch to exchange strategies and experiences on circular economy in agriculture.

Project activities will include field training courses, workshops, on-site pilot tests, and professional exchange visits among partners to ensure the adoption of circular practices, supported by necessary political and institutional frameworks. The initiative is part of broader efforts to enable local communities and authorities to leverage European expertise in circular economy technologies, strengthening Jordan’s capacity to adopt innovative and sustainable agricultural solutions.

//Petra// AF

03/02/2026 22:30:12