Ramallah, 2 February 2026, The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) celebrated the successful conclusion of the micro-grants component of the SANET (Support Agri‑food Coop Network in Palestine) project with a ceremony in Ramallah, where winners of agricultural grants for farmers and agripreneurs were announced. The event recognized the dedication and innovation of those driving sustainable agriculture in Palestine. This component of the project was carried out in collaboration with the Palestinian Employment Fund (PEF), and the Palestinian Ministry of Labor.
Implemented by CIHEAM Bari in partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture, the SANET project aims to enhance resilience among farmers and entrepreneurs while developing value chains for plums and fodder crops. The project supports cooperatives and networks of farmers to improve inclusiveness and collaboration, boosts value chain performance and market access, promotes entrepreneurship, particularly among youth and women, and encourages the adoption of digital solutions in agri‑food activities.
At the event, AICS Jerusalem Head of Office, Mirko Tricoli, highlighted the project’s achievements: “The SANET project reflects the integrated approach of Italian cooperation, combining value chain development, support for small-scale producers, and job creation. Through the launch of incentive schemes for two strategic value chains in Palestine, we received 344 applications and identified 50 beneficiaries who will now benefit from this support.”
Present at the event were Minister of Labor Dr. Enas Atari and Minister of Agriculture Prof. Rezeq Salimia, who shared their insights on the project’s significance for Palestinian farmers and the overall agricultural sector.
Minister Attari, who is also Chairwoman of the Palestinian Employment Fund, the Palestinian institution mandated with the management of the grants, stated: “We firmly believe that agriculture is a priority sector for job creation and economic resilience. Through the Ministry of Labor and the Palestinian Employment Fund, we are working within a clear strategic framework to support the agricultural sector by expanding decent employment opportunities through an integrated and practical approach. This includes implementing a range of programs and projects that target the agricultural sector directly and indirectly, through financing, technical support, capacity building, and strengthening value chains”.
Minister of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Rezq Salimia emphasized that agriculture is a practical pillar of Palestinian resilience through its role in food, water, and livelihoods. He noted that the Ministry has implemented concrete measures, including expanded field services, training over 400 farmers, support for livestock and applied programs, promotion of agricultural investment, strengthened governance and rapid response, and enhanced national and international partnerships to support farmers and the agricultural economy despite ongoing challenges.
The event highlighted AICS’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, innovation, and inclusive growth, offering practical support to those who are shaping the future of Palestine’s agrifood sector.
The end.
