Egypt’s Minister of Environment ,Dr. Yasmine Fouad, took center stage at a recent forum celebrating Egyptian farmers leading the charge against climate change through sustainable agriculture. The event, held at Helwan University and organized in collaboration with the Egyptian Association for Organic Agriculture and Sechem Holding Company, spotlighted the critical role of carbon credit certification in transforming Egypt’s agricultural sector.
Speaking at the “Impact of the Economy of Love on Community Development in Egypt” forum, Dr. Fouad emphasized the government’s concerted efforts to raise awareness among farmers about carbon certificates and their practical benefits—an initiative stemming from commitments made during the COP27 climate summit.
“The Egyptian state has worked diligently to ensure farmers understand how carbon certificates can incentivize sustainable farming practices, reduce emissions, and promote biodiversity protection,” said Fouad. She expressed optimism that by 2030, 50 million farmers will have adopted organic farming methods and be participating in carbon certification programs.
Empowering Farmers Through Carbon Certification
The ministry’s strategy to link agriculture directly with climate action dates back nearly three decades, when the shift from chemical pesticides to organic alternatives began under the leadership of Helwan University and partner organizations. The introduction of voluntary carbon markets further reinforced these efforts, with Egypt launching its first voluntary carbon trading platform, closely tied to the agricultural sector.
Minister Fouad explained that carbon certificates serve as incentives, encouraging farmers to transition from conventional to organic agriculture while opening up new marketing opportunities for their eco-friendly produce. “This initiative reflects our commitment to balancing Egypt’s development needs with the preservation of natural resources,” she said.
The program also recognizes the pivotal role of Egyptian women farmers, who face unique climate-related challenges while playing a central role in agriculture nationwide.
Recognizing Climate Champions
During the forum, Fouad presented carbon credit incentives to farmers from diverse governorates—including Damietta, Minya, Qena, Luxor, and Aswan—who have demonstrated genuine commitment to sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.
Helmy Abu El-Eish, founder of the Economy of Love initiative and a pioneer of organic farming in Egypt, hailed the farmers as “true climate heroes” and praised the government’s ongoing support, particularly the Ministry of Environment’s leadership in establishing carbon market regulations and integrating them within Egypt’s financial infrastructure.
Abu El-Eish noted that pilot projects involving around 2,000 farmers, showcased during COP27, helped increase farmers’ incomes and expanded their access to competitive markets. This success has contributed to growing Egypt’s organic farming community to over 30,000 farmers, positioning the country as a leader in climate-smart agriculture across Africa and the Middle East.
Looking Ahead
Minister Fouad reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to continue providing technical assistance and incentives to farmers adopting organic methods and engaging with carbon markets, underscoring the broader vision of sustainable rural development and climate action.
The forum’s closing ceremony highlighted the transformative power of linking agriculture with climate policy, as Egypt pursues ambitious goals to enhance environmental stewardship and improve livelihoods through innovative green economy initiatives.
