Agricultural exports rose by 12% in 2014 — ministry

AMMAN — Jordan’s fruit and vegetable exports increased by 12 per cent last year compared to 2013, government officials said on Saturday.

The country exported 888,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables in 2014, compared to 790,000 tonnes in 2013, Agriculture Minister Akef Zu’bi, said in a statement.

“A total of 85 per cent of the agricultural exports were vegetables, 50 per cent of which were tomatoes,” Zu’bi added.

He also noted that 613,000 heads of cattle were exported last year.

The country exported 450,000 heads of cattle in 2013 and 350,000 in 2012, according to official figures.

Agricultural exports in 2014 generated JD550 million, Agriculture Ministry Spokesperson Nimer Haddadin told The Jordan Times over the phone.

“The major importers of our fruits and vegetables are the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada and France. Agricultural produce exports are transported to European countries by air,” Haddadin noted.

He said cattle are mainly exported to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries.

Haddadin attributed the rising demand for local produce to their high quality and the fact that they undergo several lab tests, starting at the farm and ending at the central market. 

In addition, the ministry is working to open new markets.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson indicated that the ministry’s technical teams tasked with assessing the magnitude of crop damage in the Jordan Valley following a frost spell between January 7 and 12 are still examining the crops.

“The teams haven’t finished yet... However, initial reports indicate that zucchinis and potatoes were hit hardest by the frost,” Haddadin noted.