April 1st, 2026 – Global Affairs Canada issued its Notice of Determination and determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors: 

• community knowledge; 

• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures. 

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are: 

• Groundwater and surface water resources are protected from contamination through strict separation of wastewater streams (sanitary wastewater, processing wash water, and refrigeration condensate) and on‑site pre‑treatment measures (screening, sedimentation, and grease traps) prior to discharge into the public sewer network.
• Water quality and human health are safeguarded by the use of automated Cleaning‑in‑Place (CIP) systems that reduce water and chemical consumption, combined with the exclusive use of EEAA‑approved cleaning and sanitizing agents and strict protocols for dosing, safe storage, and spill prevention.
• Soils and the surrounding environment are protected through source segregation of organic waste generated during fruit processing and packaging, followed by controlled composting or reuse as animal feed, thereby minimizing landfill disposal and leachate risks.
• Air quality and the climate are protected through the installation of high‑efficiency refrigeration systems using low‑global‑warming‑potential (low‑GWP) refrigerants, in compliance with the Montreal Protocol and Egypt's national environmental regulations.
• Climate change impacts and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by integrating a hybrid energy system combining grid electricity with a solar photovoltaic installation supplying approximately 20–25% of initial energy needs, with potential future expansion to further displace fossil fuel use.
• Freshwater resources are conserved through the separate collection of refrigeration condensate and the implementation of water recycling loops for non‑food‑contact uses, reducing overall potable water demand.
• Worker health and environmental safety are ensured through preventive measures including ventilated chemical storage areas, secondary containment, spill response kits, and regular staff training on safe handling and emergency procedures.
• Long‑term environmental compliance is ensured through regular monitoring of effluent quality (pH, BOD, COD, oils, and metals), waste streams, and energy consumption, supported by periodic audits and environmental performance indicators to enable timely corrective actions.

Global Affairs Canada is satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. 

Therefore, FAO may carry out the project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.