MOU Underscores Commitment to Education and Training for Animal Agriculture in Egypt

The Egyptian Poultry Association joined the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) last week for a meeting focused on creating opportunities for training and education around U.S. Soy in the animal agriculture sector. The meeting culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by both organizations committing to the establishment of online and in-person cooperative agricultural training services in Egypt.

'We are thrilled about this partnership and the commitment to continuous learning,' said Monte Peterson, USSEC chairman and a soybean farmer from Valley City, N.D. 'As our third largest customer destination, Egypt has become an important market for U.S. Soy.'

During the past five years, Egyptian imports of U.S. Soy have continuously increased. In 2017, Egypt imported 807,000 metric tons of U.S. Soy, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Last year, exports landed at a booming 3.7 million metric tons and this marketing year (2020-21), exports are at 2.4 million metric tons with six months left in the year.

'Couple that with the fact that the United States has maintained market share above 70% for the past several years, and this provides us the opportunity to build on the intrinsic benefits of U.S. Soy - that being our people, technical expertise, workshops and training,' said Jim Sutter, USSEC CEO.

Representing the Egyptian Poultry Association was Mahmoud Al Anani, who serves as president. Anani also owns Dakahlia Poultry Co. and serves as its chairman.

Founded in 1981, Dakahlia is a leader in Egypt's poultry industry, having established a number of subsidiaries covering the entire value chain over the years. This includes everything from raising breeding stock and selling one-day old chicks to producing poultry and fish feeds and commodity trading, as well as veterinary inputs trade.

'I am very happy with the continuous cooperation with USSEC, and I seek to develop this cooperation to include all poultry producers in all governorates in Egypt,' said Al Anani. 'Let us work together to provide the needed technical support to all poultry producers around Egypt to help them achieve the best results in order to increase poultry production and consumption per capita of poultry meat in Egypt.'

The Soy Excellence Center was launched in Egypt in September 2019. Since then, more than 43 events have been held with approximately 4,800 participants, ranging from entry level to senior management and CEOs and owners. Activities target all members of the supply chain, including feed milling, aquaculture, dairy, soy processing and refining and management.

Brent Babb, USSEC regional director for Greater Europe and the Middle East and North Africa, said the Soy Excellence Center combines education and relationship building with animal agriculture integrators.

The Soy Excellence Center has become a hub for connection in the region as industry growth continues, Babb said. It makes perfect sense for the Egyptian Poultry Association to partner with the Soy Excellence Center, he added.

The MOU between USSEC and the Egyptian Poultry Association signifies both organizations' commitment to promoting the use of soy in poultry feed and providing the education needed for producers to maximize their rations and production techniques. The agreement was signed by Al Anani, Sutter, and Peterson.

Al Anani hopes the cooperation will help small- and medium-sized poultry farmers improve performance and increase production, while lowering the cost of production. To further reach with as many poultry farms as possible, training and educational opportunities will be hosted in many cities throughout Egypt.

In addition to establishing cooperative poultry training sessions, the MOU vows to support Egypt's agricultural sector and promote proficiency in soy production and use. This partnership furthers the mission of the Egyptian Soy Excellence Center and builds upon already strong relationships in the region.

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