A strategic shift in food security.. Egypt is on the path to self-sufficiency in wheat
A strategic shift in food security.. Egypt is on the path to self-sufficiency in wheat
In the heart of Egypt’s desert and its expansive fields, new chapters are being written today in the story of a long struggle with wheat, the golden grain that has been a symbol of life and stability throughout history. However, the scene this time is different. The numbers announce a strategic shift that the country has not seen in decades, as dependence on imported wheat decreases to record levels, and the national dream of self-sufficiency is close to becoming a tangible reality.
Hence, Egypt is no longer satisfied with the role of the largest importer in the world, but rather has begun its path towards agricultural leadership, based on a clear political will, advanced scientific research, and a farmer who knows that every grain of wheat he grows is a brick in the wall of food security that protects future generations.
In a scene that reflects the features of a profound strategic shift in the file offood security, during the first seven months of 2025, Egypt recorded an unprecedented decline in its wheat imports, as imported quantities fell by 31%, from 8 million tons in the same period in 2024 to only 5.5 million tons, which is the lowest level in three years.
These numbers reflect a fundamental change in the way the state manages a commodity that is a lifeline on Egyptians’ tables. This sharp decline also reflects a conscious government policy that seeks to reduce dependence on volatile global markets, through an integrated combination of reliance on strategic stocks, expanding local production, and diversifying import sources. In light of geopolitical tensions and high inflation rates globally, this step has become a strategic necessity, as it has enhanced the exploitation of internal resources, reduced pressure on the hard currency, and increased the country’s ability to negotiate with suppliers.
With regard to the private sector, it maintained an almost stable pace in imports with a slight decrease that did not exceed 7%, which reflects that a fundamental change occurred in the government strategy, which redrew the map of the country’s wheat supply in a more balanced way and less exposed to external risks.
Egypt redraws the wheat import map
The change was not limited to reducing the volume of imports, but rather extended to include completely redrawing the import map. Egypt has witnessed a clear shift towards diversifying its import origins (the term import origins refers to the countries or regions from which goods or services are exported). To reduce dependence on a single source, especially with the disruptions in supply chains the world is witnessing; Russia – which was traditionally the largest supplier – decreased its exports to Egypt by 47%, while imports from Ukraine increased by 15%. To reach 1.5 million tons.
This change came as part of a plan to increase the number of import origins from 15 origins in 2021 to 22 origins in 2024, compared to only 11 origins in 2014. This flexibility gives Egypt a greater ability to deal with any fluctuations in prices or availability of quantities, and reduces the possibility of the local market being exposed to sudden shocks.
In addition, diversifying sources gives the state an opportunity to benefit from competitive prices and achieve higher quality, especially if the import is linked to technical conditions and quality standards that ensure the arrival of wheat of high nutritional value to markets and bakeries. This approach is consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal No. (2) related to the complete elimination of hunger and achieving food security, as it contributes to building a food system capable of withstanding global crises.
The agricultural revolution.. Technology in the service of the farmer
Positive numbers cannot be achieved without increasing local production, which led the state to invest heavily in agricultural scientific research, as the Agricultural Research Center succeeded in developing and registering five new varieties of wheat, characterized by a productivity exceeding 20 ardas per acre, in addition to their resistance to diseases and climate change. These varieties represent a qualitative leap in wheat cultivation. It provides high productivity with outstanding quality, which motivates farmers to adopt it.
To ensure that these varieties reach all farmers, 100% of the cultivated areas were covered with approved seeds, and distributed through agricultural outlets and associations in various governorates, as this step ensures no disparity in productivity between regions, and gives farmers an equal opportunity to benefit from scientific progress.
The state also launched a national campaign to promote wheat, which included demonstration fields, field schools, and training seminars, in addition to preparing a “class map” that identifies the most suitable varieties for each governorate according to its climate and soil quality, which raises the efficiency of agriculture and enhances production.
This investment in agricultural technology represents a practical application of innovation in the service of food security, and is consistent with Goal No. (9) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which focuses on enhancing scientific research and developing infrastructure.
National projects and a modern storage system
The transformation was not at the production level alone, but rather included the storage and transportation system, which are crucial links in ensuring the stability of supplies. Since 2014, Egypt has expanded the establishment of modern silos. The number of silos will increase from 35 to 81 in 2025, which will double the storage capacity from 1.2 million tons to 3.4 million tons. 21 silos were also developed and 105 dirt shans were converted into upgraded hangars, which reduced the loss of wheat that was costing the state billions of pounds annually, and allowed the crop to be preserved with high quality for the longest possible period.
In addition to the storage system, there was a boom in major agricultural projects launched by the state during the last decade, such as“The New Delta“, “Sinai Development” and “East Al Owainat”, which added 2.2 million acres of reclaimed land since 2014; To provide new areas for growing wheat and other strategic crops.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was keen to follow these projects closely, and he always personally participated in the wheat harvest seasons in multiple locations. His Excellency confirms that this file remains a fixed priority on the state’s agenda, and that supporting farms and achieving self-sufficiency is a national security issue before it is an economic goal.
Therefore, these projects not only achieve food security, but also support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by increasing agricultural area, improving water resources management, and ensuring optimal use of land in a way that enhances environmental sustainability and establishes a strong agricultural economy capable of withstanding future challenges.
Farmer support is the cornerstone
The state is aware that the farmer is the first pillar for achieving self-sufficiency, the supply price of wheat was raised to 2,200 pounds per ardeb in 2025, compared to 725 pounds in 2021 and 420 pounds in 2014. This jump in prices gives the farmer a lucrative return, and motivates him to expand wheat cultivation.
The cost of harvesting equipment was also reduced to 1,000 pounds per acre, and 420 collection points were prepared to receive the crop and pay dues within only 48 hours. These logistical and administrative facilities make the supply process easier and more efficient, and increase farmers’ commitment to participating in the formal supply system.
In light of these indicators, it seems that Egypt is entering a new phase in managing the wheat file, a phase that goes beyond the idea of bridging the gap between production and consumption to building an integrated system capable of withstanding climate fluctuations and global markets, while enhancing the strength of farms and supporting research technology.
This transformation is a pillar of national security, and a practical step on the path to achieving self-sufficiency and fortifying food security for future generations. Therefore,FoundationEarth Guards finds in this Egyptian experience an inspiring model for integrating advanced agricultural policies with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where the efforts of the state, scientific research and society converge in one path, which places the environment and people at the heart of the development equation, and proves that investing in land and farms is the most beneficial investment for the future. More stable and secure.
