High quality Egyptian onions for (new) export markets: a supply chain approach Egypt has favourable production circumstances for onions. The vast majority of onions is produced for the local market. Due to early harvesting and relatively proximity, the EU and Eastern Europe offer interesting markets for 5 months per year. During the remaining months, export to the Middle East forms an important outlet. The potential to benefit from these markets is not maximised due to sub-optimal management throughout the chain.The objective of this project is to strengthen the entire value chain, from primary production (outgrowers) to post harvest handling, grading and retail packing in a modern HACCP-certified pack house, and forwarding to European retailers and the Middle East. This will go hand in hand with training and introduction of quality control standards across the chain, including GlobalGAP for farmers who are organised in the Development Association of Small Organic Growers (DASOG). The pack house will be in Fayoum or Sadat City. At the end of the pilot annual production will be 12,000 tons.Applicant is Gourmet B.V. (1988) with local partner Pharaonic Bioherb Co. Ltd (2002) will set up a joint venture and will hold each 50% of the shares.Third partner is ENZA Zaden Export B.V.. ENZA Zaden Export B.V. will be involved in introduction of new seeds and trials. An important role in the supply chain is also reserved for DASOG, which unites 800 growers in the Fayoum and the Delta.The project is innovative, as it will establish a modern and HACCP-certified grading and packing facility for onion exports. It will also introduce new onion varieties and cultivation methods at the level of primary producers. This project is expected to boost the onion export sector at large, as it will serve as an example of a modern integrated supply chain approach.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)Partners, as well as the joint venture (will), operate according to good social policies, sustainable production methods and care for the environment. This is supported by compliance with international standards of food safety and quality like HACCP, GlobalGAP, Organic Certified and others.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsDuring the pilot 30 staff will be directly employed by the joint venture of which 10 are medium or high-level employees. This will be respectively 43 and 13, two years after the project. During the pilot three of the staff are agronomists who will support DASOG and its members. Working conditions will be good with ample attention for workers' health and safety, especially on protective clothing and mechanical air suction and ventilation to minimise exposure to dust. Salaries are 15% higher than going salaries in the sector and there will be employee benefits like basic medical insurance, free lunch at work, over-time pay and annual leave. Incentives for staff are also related to possibilities for training and learning.The grading and packaging facility will be only for 9 months per year in full operation. Partners have confirmed that staff will be on year round contracts. Temporary lay-off or retrenchment makes no sense in view of investments in training and the need for off-season maintenance work, vacation leave etc.The project will also create work and extra income for 150+ contract farmers.•	Innovation / Transfer of knowledgeAll training and other transfer of knowledge regarding the cultivation of onions, grading and packaging technology, logistics and marketing & distribution is new – or largely new – to the onion sector in Egypt. GlobalGAP is not entirely new, but next to expansion of the total number of farmers under GlobalGAP with 125+, also new concepts for quality management will be introduced.•	Chain effectsThe applied value chain approach will lead to efficiency and quality gains along the chain. This model will be a valuable example for the sector and others are likely to follow, as there is large potential for the Egyptian onion sector to increase its share in the EU, Eastern European and Middle East markets.•	EnvironmentThe project is environmentally sound. Adherence to GlobalGAP and promotion of IPM will reduce application of pesticides. The tillage system and quality requirements will minimise water use, especially during the last 4 weeks of the growing season. Too much water at the end of the growing season increases volumes, but adversely affects quality (taste, dry matter, neck rot). Post-harvest losses and reject percentages will be minimised.•	Position of womenThe joint venture will be an equal opportunity employer, but the majority of the staff in the grading and packaging facility shall be women. Also, primary producers are often women and thus will benefit from income gains. Sourcing, grading, packaging and marketing of high quality onions for (new) export and domestic markets, through an innovative supply chain approach.