EGYPT STUDY TOUR - IFEAT

drying and processing. With considerable charm and with open hearted hospitality, the Co-opManager and his family invited the group to enjoy somesplendid food and take away samples of the Co-op'sproducts. Everyone seemed pleased with the visit. It wasrural Egypt at its very best.One of the remarkable aspects of this tour was theintimate introduction to rural life in the Nile Delta. Thenarrow roads meandered through small towns andvillages, past hundreds of small verdant farms in apicture book setting of palms, busy people and animals -and abundant harvests. It made a lasting and dramaticimpression on the group and a wonderful impression ofthe real Egypt and its people.Dressed for the occasionFayoum Organic Co-operativeWhile it was a wonderful drive through this part of the Delta, the narrow roads, edge to edge farmsand oddly shaped bridges eventually became a major obstacle for the over-sized...for the job…tourbus. It was a marvellous bus, just a bit big. The driver was outstanding and extremely patient witheveryone giving him advice at the same time, including the amazed onlookers. It was probably the firsttime that a vehicle of that size had ever been in some of the villages. It was a wonderful day albeitlong, tiring and a lot of driving and ended well with dinner, a glass or two of Rubbayyat Red and anovernight stay at the somewhat surprising 'Auberge du Lac'. Worth a visit.In a somewhat smaller, more manoeuvrable bus, westarted the second day near Beni-Suef at Fridal'simpressive almost- complete production facilities.Probably complete by now, these facilities will allowcontinuous processing of herbs, primarily – youguessed it - parsley, and other herbs, from freshlyharvested, through washing, cleaning, steampasteurisation, drying and packaging, with herbs beingdelivered from outlying growing areas including DivaFarms. Very impressive.Small scale co-operatives Located near these new facilities is the importantgeranium growing area that provides some 95% of theEgyptian geranium oil output. There are between 30–40 co-operative-owned distilleries suppliedmainly by small-scale farming operations, with larger companies purchasing oils on a contract basis.The estimated geranium oil production for 2007/2008 is very substantial at between 80-100 tonsWe visited an operating co-operativedistillation unit which was one ofmany highlights of the study tour. Itwas a very festive occasion thatattracted a fair crowd from the nearbyfarmers and contract growers and wewere even treated to ice cold cocacolaby our hosts.Oil-fired boilers and a festive atmosphere176