By Zayed Alzyoud
The University of Jordan (UJ) School of Agriculture signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to enhance cooperation in education, research, and training. The first agreement was with the Jordan Agricultural Engineers Association, and the second with Sakata Vegetables Europe S.A.S. Middle East Regional Office, a Japanese company specializing in the production and marketing of vegetable seeds.
Vice President for Scientific Schools Prof. Ashraf Abu Karaky signed the MoUs on behalf of UJ President Prof. Nathir Obeidat. Signing for the Jordan Agricultural Engineers Association was its President Eng. Ali Abu Nuqta, while Managing Director of STMF Middle East Regional Office Eng. Ihssan Naji signed on behalf of Sakata Vegetables Europe S.A.S. The signing ceremony was attended by Dean of the School of Agriculture Prof. Hadeel Ghazzawi, along with faculty members and representatives of both partners.
Under the agreements, UJ and its partners will collaborate on joint research projects, workshops, and training programs, and support the establishment of small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises for early-career engineers. They will also conduct studies that promote agricultural development, rural empowerment, and sustainable production, including the development of new seed varieties adapted to Jordan’s climate.
Abu Karaky reaffirmed UJ’s commitment, through its School of Agriculture, to strengthening collaboration with professional associations and production sectors, noting that the two partnerships exemplify innovation and knowledge transfer that support food security and student development.
Ghazzawi said the agreements align with UJ’s vision of fostering impactful partnerships that enrich academic and research quality.
Abu Nuqta commended the collaboration with the School of Agriculture for its role in preparing skilled agricultural professionals and expanding applied training opportunities.
Naji emphasized that the partnership with UJ marks an important step toward developing climate-resilient seed varieties and enhancing national agricultural sustainability.
The two MoUs reaffirm UJ’s strategic role in linking academic expertise with practical innovation to foster agricultural progress and sustainable development in Jordan.