International Trade Centre inaugurates second agricultural aggregation hub in Hamidat, Iraq

(Mosul/Geneva) – The International Trade Centre (ITC), in partnership with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and the World Food Programme (WFP), yesterday inaugurated an agricultural aggregation hub in Hamidat district, Ninewa Governorate. Funded by the European Union through the “Strengthening the Agriculture and Agri-food Value Chain and Improving Trade Policy in Iraq” (SAAVI) project, the hub was formally handed over to local farmers under the SAAVI Alliances, marking another milestone in Iraq’s agricultural transformation. 

This is the second aggregation hub established under the SAAVI project, following the launch of the first facility in Al-Quba district. These hubs are designed to serve as vital market-linkage platforms, helping farmers aggregate, clean, sort and grade produce to meet buyer specifications and access higher-value markets. 

ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke Hamilton said, “This aggregation hub is more than just infrastructure—it’s a gateway to opportunity. By enabling farmers to process, package and meet market standards, it unlocks access to new buyers and more stable incomes. It’s a practical example of how trade can empower communities, strengthen rural economies and build resilience where it’s needed most.” 

Mr. Lennart Deridder, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Iraq said: “The European Union is proud to support initiatives like the SAAVI project that empower Iraqi farmers and transform local agricultural systems. This aggregation hub in Hamidat is a demonstration to what can be achieved through partnership, innovation, and community engagement. By connecting farmers to better markets, fostering sustainable practices, and strengthening value chains, we are helping lay the groundwork for long-term economic resilience and food security in Iraq. The EU remains committed to supporting inclusive development that leaves no one behind.”

The inauguration ceremony—co-hosted by the Ninewa Governorate and key development partners—featured guided tours of the facility, personal stories from local farmers and the official handover of the hub to the farming community. 

Since the start of the SAAVI project, more than 75 business transactions have been facilitated, moving a total of 270 tons of agricultural produce. Of this, 36 tons were aggregated and sold directly through the hubs to supermarkets such as Carrefour Iraq and Big Mart, significantly reducing reliance on intermediaries and enabling farmers to secure fairer prices. 

“Supporting smallholder farmers is central to WFP’s mandate in Iraq,” said Mageed Yahia, WFP Iraq Representative and Country Director. “We are delighted to be working with ITC to ensure more smallholder farmers in Ninewa have access to the resources and markets they need to build a more resilient food system and enhance their livelihoods.”

The event also convened agencies and partners of the European Union’s Agri-Food Business Development Programme (AfBDP), which aims to strengthen governance in the agri-food sector and promote sustainable job creation. ITC is one of the implementing partners of AfBDP. 

Beyond improving market access, the aggregation hubs play a crucial role in long-term agricultural resilience. By providing training, supporting climate-smart agriculture, and fostering innovation, they are building the foundations of a more sustainable and prosperous agri-food economy in Iraq. 

About the International Trade Centre – ITC is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. ITC operates four offices across Iraq—in Baghdad, Mosul, Erbil, and Basra.  

Media contacts

Delegation of the European Union to Iraq 

Sadiq Al-Adilee 

Political, Press and Information Officer 

Delegation of the European Union to Iraq

E:Alsadiq.AL-ADILEE@eeas.europa.eu 

International Trade Centre 

Waqas Rafique  

Public Information Officer, Country Communications Unit  

E: wrafique@intracen.org 

World Food Programme 

Saif al-Tatooz

Communications Officer 

External Relations Unit 

E: saif.altatooz@wfp.org