Palestinian Agribusiness Partnership Activity (PAPA)

Through cost-sharing grants, this project enabled seven agribusiness firms in the West Bank to expand and enhance operations to meet export standards and opened markets for about 650 small famers and producers of herbs, vegetables, and olive oil.

By boosting quality and volume, the improvements created over 2,000 new full-time equivalent jobs in the West Bank and generated approximately $14 million of new sales revenue annually (mostly through exports to Israel and international markets). In addition to capital, PAPA delivered logistical and marketing support as well as targeted technical assistance.

The project was in close contact with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) at the District Coordinating Offices (DCOs) and border checkpoints, including the Allenby Crossing into Jordan.

PAPA liaised between Palestinian businesses and the IDF, coordinating shipping schedules, obtaining permits, and arranging planning meetings between the Palestinian firms and the IDF.