Cairo: Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouq announced that Egypt's agricultural exports have reached approximately 6.8 million tons since the start of 2026. According to State Information Service Egypt, this increase is attributed to the state's concerted efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian agricultural products. The compliance of farmers and exporters with quality standards and the continuous opening of new export markets have also contributed significantly to this achievement.

Farouq emphasized that the presence of Egyptian crops in major international markets signifies global trust in the safety and quality of these products. He highlighted the Ministry of Agriculture's implementation of a coding and digital traceability system for export-oriented farms as a key measure to bolster competitiveness. This system ensures meticulous monitoring throughout the production chain, from cultivation to the final consumer in the importing country.

The minister underscored the critical importance of agricultural exports as a vital source of foreign currency and a significant contributor to the national economy. He commended the ongoing coordination among various bodies within the ministry, such as the Central Administration of Plant Quarantine, accredited reference laboratories, the Agricultural Relations Department, and the Agricultural Crops Export Council. These entities collaborate to overcome challenges facing export shipments while maintaining strict technical standards.

Farouq also noted that efforts to expand agricultural exports are paralleled by initiatives to maximize the added value of crops and utilize export surpluses in agro-processing industries. Looking forward, the focus will be on opening more markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, leveraging the strong competitive reputation of Egyptian grapes, citrus fruits, potatoes, and other specialized crops.

An official report from the Central Administration of Plant Quarantine at the Agricultural Services Sector revealed that citrus fruits topped Egypt's agricultural exports, with shipments totaling 2.3 million tons. Fresh potatoes followed with 929,000 tons, then sweet potatoes at 280,000 tons. Grapes ranked fourth with 189,000 tons, followed by fresh onions at approximately 183,000 tons and fresh and dry beans at around 150,000 tons. Other main export commodities included fresh garlic, fresh strawberries, mangoes, fresh tomatoes, pomegranates, and guavas.