Khaberni - The Parliamentary Agriculture and Water Committee discussed on Wednesday the criteria for the import of dry milk, the possibility of reopening the export markets for Jordanian sheep, and the follow-up of Forestry Department projects.
This came during the committee's meeting chaired by Deputy Ahmed Al-Shdifat, attended by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture Mohammed Al-Hayari, the General Director of the Food and Drug Corporation Rana Abidat, and the Acting Director-General of Standards and Metrology Engineer Lina Abu Aita, alongside a number of stakeholders in the Ministry of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Corporation, the General Customs, farmers, and representatives of animal breeders.
Al-Shdifat demanded clarification of the basis and criteria for the import of dry milk, questioning the procedures followed to reopen the markets for sheep exports, offering a number of suggestions to ensure compliance with health and technical requirements, achieve market balance, and support the local product.
In turn, deputies Mohammed Al-Marayat, Fathi Al-Bawat, and Walid Al-Masri called for enhanced coordination between the relevant authorities to follow up on these files, affirming the supervisory and legislative role of the House of Representatives in supporting the agricultural sector and enhancing food security.
From his side, Al-Hayari pointed out that the Ministry of Agriculture follows up on the procedures related to import and export files, in addition to monitoring forestry projects in general.
In her turn, Abidat confirmed that the file of milk and its derivatives is managed in joint coordination between seven governmental entities involved, ensuring the integration of regulatory and supervisory roles in this vital sector. She clarified that the Ministry of Agriculture had determined the allowed quantities, while the Ministry of Industry defined the mechanism for the entry of plant-based milk alternatives within the approved legal frameworks.
She indicated that the currently registered violations are very limited and are considered individual violations, emphasizing the continued intensive field monitoring by the institution's staff, in cooperation with the Royal Environmental Protection Police, within a permanent coordination framework.
She emphasized the compliance of Jordanian factories with the Jordanian Standard Specification, especially the use of fresh milk in the production of dairy and white cheeses, which preserves the quality and safety of the local product.
From their side, the farmers confirmed that reopening the export markets for Jordanian sheep would positively reflect on the sector, and contribute to increasing the marketing opportunities for the local product, stressing the need to adhere to the health standards to ensure the quality of the product.
