Ministry Signs Farming Accord
Syria's Ministry of Agriculture signed a memorandum of understanding on 15 July 2026 with a private agricultural investment company to expand the production of olives and Aleppo pistachios. The accord was signed by the agriculture minister and the company's board chairman, and sets out a multi-year program to modernize orchard farming and raise the efficiency of domestic output.
The agreement covers investment in agricultural land for orchards across four selected regions, using advanced cultivation techniques, alongside broader support for agricultural investment.
Two Million Seedlings
Under the memorandum, the company is to supply two million seedlings and plant 15 million trees over eight years. A further 300,000 saplings are to be distributed free of charge during reforestation campaigns aimed at replacing trees removed in earlier years.
The plan pairs these targets with area assessments and the introduction of new commercial varieties to the local market. Together, the seedling supply and the planting figure form the core deliverables of the eight-year program.
Contract Farming Model
The accord builds on a contract-farming approach that links growers directly with the investor. It provides for a training center to develop the skills of farmers and agricultural staff, and for collaboration with universities and scientific research bodies.
Officials framed the arrangement as a way to guarantee quality standards while giving farmers a defined route to market for their produce.
New Varieties and Technology
The program introduces Spanish olive varieties and dwarf-root pistachio cultivars intended to lift yields on limited land. It also envisions technology transfer, including the use of artificial-intelligence tools for irrigation scheduling and pest management.
Rebuilding the Farm Sector
The signing reflects wider efforts to draw private capital into agriculture and to rebuild productive capacity. By combining seedling supply, training and modern techniques, the parties said they aim to raise the efficiency of domestic production and improve the quality of Syrian olive and pistachio output.