Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt seeks to replicate Italy’s Farmers’ Market model to empower farmers, consumers
Bari, Italy – At the conclusion of their official visit to Italy, Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Alaa Farouk, and Minister of Parliamentary and Legal Affairs, Counselor Mahmoud Fawzi, commended the innovative “One-Day Farmers’ Market” in Bari, calling it a strong example of how agricultural cooperatives can empower farmers and benefit consumers alike.
The ministers toured the market, part of a nationwide Italian initiative developed by the Cooperative Union in partnership with chambers of commerce. This initiative has seen the creation of 80 similar markets across Italy — each designed to bring around 25 farmers together to sell their products directly to consumers, bypassing intermediaries.
This model, the ministers observed, has a remarkable impact: it increases farmers’ incomes, guarantees high-quality products for consumers at fair prices, and advances food security through transparent, sustainable trade. Importantly, the market operates as a non-profit cooperative, charging only minimal fees to participating farmers and supporting them with logistics and services, including designated areas for processing dairy and meat products to the highest standards.
The “One-Day Market” not only enables direct sales but also helps farmers develop skills in environmental stewardship and meet international standards, opening doors to both domestic and export markets. Customers benefit from affordable, farm-fresh products—sold at cost—while enjoying the peace of mind that comes with knowing the story behind their food.
Minister Farouk and Minister Fawzi emphasized that the core aim of such cooperatives is to safeguard consumers by keeping prices in check and ensuring food quality. “The Italian experience stands as a model worthy of emulation,” they stated, highlighting Egypt’s keen interest in learning from global best practices to modernize its own agricultural cooperatives.
This visit further strengthens the partnership between Egypt and Italy, especially in cooperation with the CIHEAM Bari Institute, building on a recently signed memorandum of understanding. By embracing initiatives like Italy’s cooperative markets, Egypt hopes to advance its sustainable development goals and forge stronger ties with international partners—always seeking ways to lift up farmers, support communities, and secure a healthier, more equitable future for all.