Yesterday, 23 April 2026, an institutional visit took place at the Central Wholesale Agricultural Market of Bethlehem, where two interventions funded by Italian Cooperation are currently being implemented: “Enhancing the agri-food sector in the West Bank through innovative and market-driven sustainable investments”, managed by FAO, and “Akli Baladi – Local food policies for Italian and Palestinian cities”, implemented by the Municipality of Turin and funded through the 2023 call for proposals for local authorities.
The delegation, composed of the Consul General of Italy in Jerusalem, the Deputy Consul, and the Director of the AICS Office in Jerusalem, was welcomed by representatives of the Municipality of Bethlehem and the FAO Director in Palestine.
Established in 1984, the market is a key reference point for the citizens of Bethlehem and a strategic hub for the distribution of fresh products in the southern West Bank, with over 500 daily retailers and an annual trade value of approximately 51 million USD.
During the visit, the modernization interventions of the market were presented. These are being implemented by FAO with a total contribution of €5 million, and include strengthening governance, improving infrastructure, and introducing sustainable and climate-resilient solutions. In particular, progress was shown regarding the construction of a new covering for outdoor spaces, a refrigerated storage unit, and the installation of a photovoltaic system as well as rainwater harvesting and reuse systems.
This intervention is carried out in synergy with the activities of the Municipality of Turin initiative, which foresees improved accessibility to infrastructure, enhanced waste management, and the creation of a Slow Food focal point.
The initiatives aim to make the market more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable, contributing to the reduction of post-harvest losses, the improvement of hygiene conditions, and the strengthening of economic opportunities for farmers, women, and youth.
The visit represented an important opportunity for dialogue with local institutions and project partners, in line with the commitment of Italian Cooperation to supporting the development of the agri-food sector in Palestine.
