Oct 20, 2024
In a significant step towards enhancing agricultural research and development, Dr. Glenda Humiston, Vice President of the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR), led a distinguished team to Jordan. The team included:
- Dr. Brent Hales, Associate Vice President of UCANR
- Dr. Ashraf El-Kereamy, Director of the Lindcove Research and Extension Center
- Dr. Khaled Bali, UCANR Cooperative Extension Specialist in Irrigation Water Management
- Dr. Mohammad Yaghmour, UCANR Cooperative Extension Advisor in Horticulture
- Dr. Atef Swelam, Senior Agricultural Water Management Specialist
During the visit, two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed. The first MoU was signed between UCANR and the Association of Agricultural Research Institutions in the Near East and North Africa (AARINENA), aimed at fostering regional agricultural research and innovation. The second MoU was signed between UCANR and the University of Jordan, focusing on joint academic and research initiatives, with the University of Jordan, as a member of AARINENA, playing a pivotal role in executing the agreed projects.
In addition to the signing of the MoUs, the UCANR delegation held productive meetings with key Jordanian agricultural stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), and Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST). The team also visited several date farms in the Jordan Valley, where they gained firsthand insight into Jordan’s agricultural practices and explored opportunities for collaboration in sustainable farming technologies and water management strategies.
This visit marks a significant milestone in strengthening international cooperation for sustainable agriculture, addressing climate challenges, and promoting innovation across the agricultural sectors in both Jordan and California.
