As part of the efforts to strengthen cooperation between academic institutions and the industrial sector, and under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Hussein, Tanta University President, a high-level delegation from the Faculty of Agriculture, headed by Prof. Essawy Qassem, Faculty Dean, conducted a scientific and practical visit to the Egyptian-Australian Fertilizers and Soil Conditioners Factory in Merghem Industrial Zone, Alexandria Governorate.

   The visit was made at the kind invitation of Dr. Mohamed El-Shazly, the factory’s founder and owner, as part of the faculty’s strategy to strengthen partnerships with production sectors, study labor market needs, and support sustainability and environmental protection by promoting organic farming and biofertilizers to produce healthy and safe food.

   The delegation included a distinguished group of university and faculty leaders, faculty members, and staff:

• Prof. Essawy Qassem – Faculty Dean.

• Prof. Adel Helal – Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development.

• Prof. Amgad El-Gammal – Vice Dean for Postgraduate Studies and Research.

• Prof. Essam El-Baaly – Faculty Quality Assurance Advisor and Director of the University’s Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Intellectual Property.

• Prof. Rania El-Shall – Director of the Faculty’s Research Laboratory.

• Prof. Mahmoud Samir – Director of the Faculty’s Quality Assurance Unit.

• Asst. Prof. Naglaa El-Mohamady – Department of Soil and Water.

• Asst. Lecturer Samaa El-Maddah – Department of Soil and Water.

• Ms. Shaimaa Abo El-Kheir – Dean’s Office Manager.

• Engr. Asmaa Hafez – Head of the Faculty’s Plant Tissue Culture Unit.

   During the visit, the delegation toured the factory’s production lines and learned about the manufacturing processes for its key biofertilizer products. Discussions were also held on mechanisms for joint cooperation and the exchange of research and manufacturing expertise between the two parties.

   The visit yielded several significant positive outcomes, foremost among them an agreement to sign a cooperation protocol and plans to launch a promising initiative led by the faculty entitled “Gharbia: A Governorate Free of Agricultural Chemicals.” The initiative aims to expand the use of biofertilizers and biopesticides while reducing the inappropriate use of chemical substances, thereby protecting public health and the environment. It also aligns with Egypt’s national policies and Egypt’s Vision 2030 for achieving food security and sustainable development. 

10/29/2026