TEHRAN – A Joint conference on the development of agricultural cooperation, standards and agro-food trade between Iran and the European Union kicked off in Tehran on Monday, IRNA reported.

Attended by over 300 officials from both the European Union and Iranian ministries of agriculture; health and medical education; as well as industry, mines and trade, the two-day conference is focusing on developing standards for agricultural and food products, removing barriers in the way of exports and strengthening trade relations between the two sides.

Speaking in the event, the Director General of the Office of International Affairs at Iran’s Ministry of Agriculture, Houman Fathi, mentioned the country’s potentials and capabilities in agro-food sector saying, “In the case of development of cooperation between Iran and the European Union, the production of livestock, poultry, fruits, vegetables, and fisheries could double in the next 10 years.”

Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Commercial and Agricultural Industries Ali Akbar Mehrfard also pointed to Iran’s agriculture and livestock production levels noting, “Annually, 122 tons of agricultural products are produced in Iran, including 15-16 tons of protein products, 22 million tons of fruits and vegetables, 2 million tons of fisheries, and 82 million tons of crops.”

Putting the Iran-EU trade in agro-food sector at $2.5-$3 billion, Mehrfard further called for expansion of trade ties between the two sides in this area.

EF/MA