Ministry of Agriculture: Slaimiya reviewed the ministry's priorities to enhance food security and discussed with the Canadian Representative expanding the prospects for agricultural cooperation.

Ramallah: July 30, 2026

Minister of Agriculture, Professor Riziq Slaimiya, welcomed the Canadian Representative to the State of Palestine, Mr. Graham Dattles, and his accompanying delegation, which included Ms. Ina Lukac-Orange, Head of Cooperation, and Ms. Kimia Said Dijibri, Development Officer. The meeting was also attended by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Engineer Bader Hawamdeh, and the Assistant Undersecretary for the Natural Resources Sector, Engineer Hussam Talib.

During the meeting, Minister Slaimiya reviewed the Ministry of Agriculture's priorities and its strategy aimed at enhancing food and water security.
This strategy focuses on supporting agricultural production, developing value chains, improving the efficiency of natural resource use, and expanding development interventions that enable farmers to continue production and strengthen their resilience on their lands, despite the challenges imposed by the occupation on the agricultural sector.

The two sides discussed ways to expand cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Canadian government, and mechanisms for supporting priority agricultural projects, particularly in the areas of field and fodder crops, natural resource management, and enhancing the agricultural sector's capacity to meet challenges. This cooperation aims to contribute to achieving sustainable agricultural development and strengthening food security.

Minister Slaimiya affirmed that the Ministry operates according to a developmental vision focused on protecting the land, supporting farmers, and enhancing national production. He noted that partnerships with friendly countries and international institutions are a fundamental lever for implementing development programs and projects, and for supporting the Ministry's efforts in developing the agricultural sector and improving farmers' livelihoods.

Slaimiya also expressed his appreciation for the support provided by the Canadian government to the Palestinian agricultural sector, emphasizing the importance of building upon and developing this partnership in line with the Ministry of Agriculture's priorities. He stressed that this collaboration contributes to implementing impactful projects that strengthen farmers' resilience and increase the efficiency of agricultural production.

For his part, the Canadian Representative affirmed his country's continued support for the Palestinian agricultural sector and its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture in implementing development programs and projects. He commended the Ministry's efforts in developing the agricultural sector and enhancing food security, and affirmed Canada's readiness to continue joint work that serves the Sustainable Development Goals and strengthens the resilience of Palestinian farmers.