SEKEM, a leading Egyptian social enterprise dedicated to regenerative development, has signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Matrouh Governorate, Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and IEOC Production B.V., representing Eni, to implement the Towards Organic Agriculture project.

The initiative aims to enhance organic agricultural practices in Egypt, particularly in Matrouh, by supporting 700 farmers in their transition to organic farming.

“According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 24 million Egyptians are involved in agriculture and fishing, yet farming still carries a stigma in our society. Farmers often lack the recognition and support they need to thrive. At SEKEM, we view society as an interconnected unit, a belief that drives our commitment to a holistic approach to sustainable development. Our ‘Economy of Love’ model empowers farmers to adopt sustainable practices such as organic and biodynamic agriculture. These practices not only improve soil health and crop quality but also contribute to carbon sequestration and generate additional income through carbon credits,” said Helmy Abouleish, CEO of SEKEM Group.

“Through this cooperation, the project aims to support 700 farmers in the Matrouh Governorate as part of our broader initiative to transition 40,000 farmers to sustainable agriculture by 2025. Also, this project underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability,” he added.

The project will enhance farmers’ skills through training and capacity building, and provides essential resources such as organic inputs, composting systems, and photovoltaic units for water pumping, according to SEKEM Press release on Monday.

Moreover, the project will facilitate access to markets and organic certification, assisting farmers in obtaining certifications and connecting with premium buyers. By promoting participation in the carbon credit system, the project also empowers farmers to generate additional income and enhance their livelihoods.

The agreement, signed during the second day of the EGYPES 2025, was attended by notable figures including Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; Khaled Shoeib, Governor of Matrouh; Francesco Gasparri, General Manager of IEOC Production B.V.; Salah AbdelKerim, CEO of EGPC; and Helmy Abouleish, CEO of SEKEM Group.