Partners of the European Union–funded Agri-food Business Development Programme convened in Baghdad at a high-level event organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to review progress in strengthening Iraq’s agri-food value chains and to advance dialogue on mobilizing private sector investment. The event brought together representatives from Iraqi ministries, the European Union, international agencies, and private sector actors, underscoring the importance of coordinated partnerships in driving agricultural transformation, job creation, food security, and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
Launched in 2021, the programme supports the transformation of Iraq’s agri-food sector through a comprehensive Farm-to-Fork approach that strengthens systems from production to market. Implemented by a consortium of seven international partners working closely with national institutions, the initiative focuses on enhancing sustainable livelihoods, improving market linkages, and reinforcing key value chains to make the sector more competitive and resilient in the face of climate, water, and market challenges.
Speakers at the event highlighted how the programme has helped reduce losses, create employment opportunities, and improve prospects for farmers, processors, and agribusinesses, while laying the groundwork for increased private investment. Presentations, visual exhibitions, and a mini-market showcasing value-added products illustrated tangible results, including improved production practices and stronger connections between producers and markets that open new avenues for private sector engagement.
Discussions also addressed the opportunities and constraints surrounding private investment, emphasizing the need for an enabling policy environment, stronger entrepreneurship, and continued collaboration between public institutions and development partners. Overall, the event reinforced a shared commitment to building resilient, inclusive, and market-oriented agri-food systems in Iraq, with the AfBDP serving as a platform for sustained growth and investment beyond the programme’s lifespan.
