26.10.2024
The first farmers’ market in central Saad Zaghloul Square was inaugurated this morning in Alexandria, Egypt.
The first farmers market in the central Saad Zaghloul Square was inaugurated this morning in Alexandria, Egypt. A significant moment for the path of the “Mediterranean and African Markets Initiative” (MAMI-Farmers Markets) project, an initiative funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and implemented by CIHEAM Bari in collaboration with the World Farmers Markets Coalition and with the support of Coldiretti’s Campagna Amica Foundation. The commitment of the Italian Embassy in Cairo is also important for this first opening.
This farmers market in Alexandria marks the beginning of an ambitious project, which aims to create a network of markets throughout the Mediterranean and Africa, such as Albania, Tunisia, Kenya and Lebanon, to strengthen ties between farmers and citizens, with a significant impact on local communities. Present at the inauguration were the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida, the Italian Ambassador to Egypt, Michele Quaroni, the Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, Sherif Farouk, along with the governor of Alexandria, Ahmed Khaled Hassan Said, the deputy director of CIHEAM Bari Biagio Di Terlizzi along with Enrico Azzone project coordinator and representatives of the Campagna Amica Foundation, including president and general manager Dominga Cotarella and Carmelo Troccoli, respectively. Also present our WorldFMC President Richard McCarthy.
The MAMI project was created precisely with the aim of creating local farmers’ markets that promote sustainable consumption patterns and support agricultural economies by promoting direct consumer access to local, quality products. “The opening of the Alexandria farmers market represents a first step for the spread of farmers markets in all governorates of Egypt with the guaranteed support of Italian know-how, according to a non-predatory and absolutely sustainable model of intervention that aims to create wealth and development for local communities,” emphasizes Fondazione Campagna Amica’s director general Carmelo Troccoli.
“The experience of farmers markets is now proposed as a worldwide model to help the economies of the poorest countries, to develop food supply chains ‘from below’ in order to defend the democratic nature of food and reappropriate decision-making processes for the benefit of the community,” explains the president of the World Farmers Markets Coalition, Richard McCarthy.
“Today’s opening of the first Farmers’ Market in Alexandria, Egypt, in the presence of Agriculture Minister Lollobrogida, whom I sincerely thank for his presence, is a very significant step in the Italian-Egyptian strategic collaboration in the area of food security, launched by the Italian government as part of the Mattei Plan for Africa. The project, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, involves the gradual opening of farmers’ markets in the country’s major centers thanks to the technical assistance of Bari-based CIHEAM together with the Campagna Amica Foundation and the World Farmers Markets Coalition. The project brings the best of Italian experience and tradition here to Egypt by valuing the role of Egyptian farmers and enabling consumers to source local produce directly. Special thanks to the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and the Confederation of Euro-Egyptian Business Associations for their cooperation in launching the first stage in Alexandria, and also thanked all the Egyptian authorities present.”
The social value of the market and the role of education. The MAMI project is not only limited to the creation of direct sales spaces, but represents an initiative that aims to upgrade the urban social fabric by promoting the meeting of producers and consumers in local settings. Farmers’ markets are key to fostering a more conscious and seasonal diet, supporting small-scale farmers and guaranteeing consumers fresh, wholesome, zero-mile products.
Coldiretti’s Campagna Amica Foundation has played an essential role in training producers, offering refresher courses and tools to manage markets and communicate effectively with customers. Two selected Egyptian managers have already received training in Italy and, in turn, will transfer the skills acquired to local farmers. The training covers aspects such as market management, marketing and product enhancement, with the aim of creating a sustainable and replicable model in other cities.
Among the main activities already carried out under the project are the selection of farmers, the design of the market space, and the provision of the necessary equipment, including branded tables and gazebos. Each location will be organized in such a way as to enhance the offerings of the producers, making the market a place not only for purchasing, but also for socializing and cultural exchange.
Twenty farmers and the best of local produce. The Alexandria market, which will be operating every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., will feature twenty local farmers, carefully selected to offer a wide range of products: seasonal fruits and vegetables, sweet and savory breads and baked goods, fresh and cured dairy products, chicken and beef, eggs, honey and handicrafts. Located in the bustling Saad Zaghloul Square, the market promises to be a landmark for those who wish to purchase high-quality local products..
