Damascus, Nov. 9 (SANA) Syria’s General Farmers Union has established nearly 125 agricultural production cooperatives across the country since liberation, aiming to reduce production costs, increase farmers’ incomes and strengthen the agricultural economy.
The initiative seeks to give farmers a greater role in processing, packaging and marketing their products rather than relying on intermediaries to sell raw agricultural goods.
Bassam al-Hussein, director of the union’s Public Relations Office, told SANA that the cooperatives are designed to operate as independent economic entities capable of managing agricultural production, processing and marketing collectively.
He said the initiative, launched in May 2025, has involved consultations with government agencies and local and international organizations, resulting in five cooperation agreements with the Syrian Development Organization.
The union is developing specialized cooperatives based on regional agricultural strengths, including olive oil and Damask rose production in Killi, figs in Ariha, saffron in Homs province, and livestock farming.
Plans are also underway to introduce a collective brand, Khayrat Biladi (Bounties of My Country), for cooperative products in Idlib to improve their visibility and competitiveness in domestic markets.
The union and the Ministry of Agriculture have approved a regulatory framework defining their respective responsibilities. The union will oversee the cooperatives’ organization and development, while the ministry will provide technical assistance, research and agricultural guidance.
Financing and infrastructure remain major obstacles
Despite progress, Al-Hussein said limited financing, shortages of agricultural machinery and processing equipment, and inadequate storage and refrigeration facilities remain major barriers to expanding cooperative operations.
He warned that without sufficient investment and operational resources, some cooperatives could remain administrative structures rather than becoming financially sustainable agricultural businesses.
The union is seeking stronger partnerships with the private sector and development organizations to improve access to financing, modern equipment and domestic and export markets.
Al-Hussein said the next phase would focus on assessing existing cooperatives, identifying those with the strongest economic potential and providing targeted support, including training, processing facilities and marketing services.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to rebuild Syria’s agricultural sector, which has suffered extensive damage in recent years, while improving food security and creating more sustainable sources of income for rural communities.
In July, the General Farmers Union reported that 98 specialized production cooperatives had been established during 2025 and 2026, a figure that has since risen to nearly 125.
R A H / ABD
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