| Palestinian Agribusiness Partnership Activity (PAPA) |
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2005-2009, SEGIR Priv II In addition to capital, PAPA delivered logistical and marketing support as well as targeted technical assistance. The project is in close contact with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) at the District Coordinating Offices (DCOs) and border checkpoints, including Allenby Crossing into Jordan. PAPA liaises between Palestinian businesses and the IDF, coordinating shipping schedules, obtaining permits, and arranging planning meetings between the Palestinian firms and the IDF. To connect these firms with outside markets, PAPA introduced them to export/import companies, including ARAVA Export Growers Ltd. in Israel and RockGarden Herb Import Company in the United States. The project also helped Palestinian companies obtain certifications and registrations necessary to sell in foreign markets. For example, PAPA covered the cost of GlobalGap training and certification, a requirement of high-value buyers in Europe, for greenhouse and packinghouse owner/operators. Sometimes all these elements came together: PAPA worked with the U.S. ConGen in Jerusalem, USAID in Tel Aviv, RockGarden and directly with the USDA so that one of the firms, Khaizaran Herb Farm, could ship directly to the United States—a first for Palestinian fresh produce. Download PAPA's Newsletters: |
Through $6.1 million in cost-sharing grants, this project is enabling seven agribusiness firms in the West Bank to expand and enhance operations to meet export standards and opening markets for about 650 small famers and producers of herbs, vegetables and olive oil. By boosting quality and volume, the improvements will ultimately create over 2,000 new full-time equivalent jobs in the West Bank and generate approximately $14 million of new sales revenue annually (mostly through exports to Israel and international markets).