Bridging Borders for Agri-Food Growth: Jordanian Cooperatives Unlock New Value-Addition Pathways in Morocco
16/09/2026
Morocco, 6–13 September 2026 — A delegation of Jordanian local cooperatives completed a study tour to Morocco from 6 to 13 September 2026, organized under the Italian-funded FAO project “Enhancing Food Security and Resilience of Host Communities and Syrian Refugees in Jordan through Agri-food Production Chains.”
The joint learning mission was supported by the FAO Representation in Morocco and the Office for the Development of Cooperation (ODCO), providing participating Jordanian cooperatives with an opportunity to exchange experiences with Moroccan cooperatives and other key actors working across agricultural and agri-food value chains.
The delegation included representatives from Jordanian cooperatives specializing in honeybee and honey production, oil extraction, distillation, branding and packaging, fruits and vegetables drying and overall value addition. Through field visits, technical exchanges and direct discussions, participants explored practical approaches to strengthen cooperative enterprises while enhancing the value and marketability of locally produced products.
The program offered exposure to various aspects of cooperative development, including production and processing techniques, product diversification, quality control, food safety, packaging, branding, marketing, business development and cooperative management. Particular emphasis was placed on understanding how Moroccan cooperatives transform locally sourced agricultural products into market-ready goods while strengthening their members’ economic opportunities.
The mission also provided a platform for peer-to-peer learning. Jordanian cooperatives discussed practical challenges and solutions directly with their Moroccan counterparts, gathering insights that can be adapted to the Jordanian context.
“The value of the study tour goes beyond observing successful experiences; It is about identifying what can be realistically adapted and applied by cooperatives when we return to Jordan,” said Nabila Zobi, one of the participating cooperative representatives.
Participants were encouraged to translate the lessons learned into actionable improvements within their own cooperatives, including enhanced processing practices, new product ideas, improved quality, stronger branding, and more effective market access strategies.
Huda Balasiya, another participating representative, described the experience as highly impactful, emphasizing the value of direct knowledge sharing. She shared her own experience in producing honeybee vinegar while gaining first-hand insight into how Moroccan cooperatives meet certification requirements, including site preparation, quality control, and regulatory compliance. This cooperation between FAO Jordan, FAO Morocco and ODCO helped strengthen institutional and cooperative-to-cooperative linkages between Morocco and Jordan, opening opportunities for continued knowledge exchange and future collaboration.
On 11 September 2026, the delegation visited ODCO in Rabat, where they were introduced to ODCO’s mandate, functions, and support initiatives for Morocco’s cooperative sector. ODCO presented an overview of the national cooperative ecosystem, helping participants better understand its institutional framework and support mechanisms. During the session, participants reflected on key lessons learned and the vital role cooperatives play in local economic development.
On the same day, the delegation was welcomed by the FAO Representation in Morocco, where participants shared their on-ground insights and key takeaways from the field visits.
Following the mission, participating cooperatives will share their findings with their members and evaluate opportunities to implement these practices locally. This follow-up will help ensure that the study tour contributes to tangible improvements in product quality, value addition, competitiveness, business development and the sustainability of cooperative enterprises in Jordan. The study tour reflects FAO’s broader efforts, supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), to strengthen resilient agri-food production chains and empower local communities and cooperatives in Jordan through knowledge, innovation, value addition and market-oriented approaches.
This activity aligns directly with FAO’s South-South Cooperation (SSC) framework, enabling both countries to share technology, expertise, institutional experience, and practical solutions.