With the ongoing efforts of the Minister of Agriculture, Eng. Khaled Henefat, to develop the seed production sector and support the private sector, Dr. Khaled Adel Abu Hammour, the Director General of the National Agricultural Research Center, met with Mr. Harry Nijenstein, a seed quality expert from PUM (Netherlands Senior Experts), and an editor and expert within the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA).
Dr. Abu Hammour stated that this visit aimed to enhance collaboration with the PUM and discuss the achievements of the Seed Technology Laboratory in collaboration with Mr. Harry Nijenstein. Additionally, they discussed future plans to meet all the requirements for seed laboratory accreditation.
Dr. Abu Hammour also highlighted the efforts of the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture in developing the country's seed sector. He pointed out that more than 30 seed-exporting companies in Jordan now export to over 60 countries worldwide. This accomplishment is considered a national asset for Jordan and is expected to positively impact the agricultural sector, job creation, and food security.
Mr. Harry praised the pioneering role of the National Center for Agricultural Research in improving the quality of services provided to both local and international seed companies operating in Jordan, particularly in the areas of seed quality testing and certification. This has been achieved by pursuing accreditation at both local and international levels and keeping pace with global laboratories. Through the Seed Laboratory, the center has been able to enhance its performance and improve the quality of services provided to seed companies.
Dr. Majd Allouzi , Head of the Seed Technology Research Department and the representative of Jordan in ISTA, expressed her pride in the fruitful collaboration through the Seed Laboratory Qualification Project with the PUM (Dutch experts programme) and the ARDI project. She also emphasized the management's role at NARC in supporting this collaboration, which will have a positive impact on meeting the ISTA accreditation requirements. Moreover, Dr. Al-Louzi stressed the unique role of the Seed Laboratory in offering these services in Jordan and the region.