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Agriculture represents a relatively small part of Jordan's economy and faces many constraints relating to the dry climate, lack of irrigation water, and small size of farms. Although Government policy stresses the importance of efficient use of water, irrigation for agriculture accounts for over two thirds of water used in Jordan and water is supplied to agricultural producers at prices that do not cover the cost of supply. Production of wheat and barley are also supported through minimum prices which vary from one year to another, while sheep and goat producers get subsidised feed barley.

(...) Agricultural development faces several challenges, particularly the dry climate with limited access to water supplies.

(...) There is minimal production in the semi-arid eastern regions as Jordan has limited water resources and much of the soil is relatively infertile. In 2014, out of a total land area of nearly 90,000 km2 only 9% was suitable for agriculture. As a result of shrinking irrigation supplies (linked to the crisis in neighbouring Syria), land for vegetable cultivation decreased from 49,000 ha in 2010 to 36,000 ha in 2012, although arable land overall increased slightly between 2008 and 2012.

Jordan is fully committed to further strengthen the economic and trade integration and to maintain positive attitude towards the multilateral trading system. Jordan is seeking technical support to achieve the full compliance with WTO agreements in the following areas:
(...)
• Strengthen the start-up of SMEs; strengthening the systematic vocational training, enhancing SME's competitiveness for export, enhancing the use of renewable energy by industries.
(...)

Table 2.4 FDI Restrictions
Foreign investment restrictions/prohibitions - Notes
Foreign ownership is limited to a maximum of 50% in:
Trade activities:
Refuse disposal services: collection and treatment of solid waste services - Excluding collection and treatment of hazardous waste (50% limitation and any other limitations on legal form provided by the Jordanian law, establishment and provision of services subject to Cabinet authorization and to an agreement with the Jordanian government, the number of service providers may be restricted)
(...)

The Council of Ministers issues decisions for the prohibition or the restriction of imports, taking into account Jordan’s international commitments. The authorities stated that some goods are prohibited from importation for reasons of public safety, health and environment, or protection of national resources, or to implement UN Security Council resolutions (Table 3.8).

Table 3.8 Goods subject to import prohibition, 2015
Products Rationale
Plastic waste Environmental protection
Diesel powered saloon cars Environmental protection
(...)
Coral Protect marine life from extinction
Hexavalent chromium except for paint and coating industry use Public health, environmental protection
(...)

Non-automatic import licences are used for the protection of health, safety, the environment, national security, public order and morals, and the conservation of natural resources. They may also be issued for goods subject to quantitative restrictions although the authorities stated that Jordan does not apply any quantitative restrictions. Non-automatic licences are issued within 15 working days of submission of documents. The licensee has the right to import the quantity specified in the licence during the period of its validity.

From 2008 to 2014, 1,328 Jordanian standards (voluntary) were issued, covering mainly: electrical engineering; domestic and commercial equipment for entertainment and sport; environment, health and safety protection; telecommunications, audio and video engineering; construction materials and building; and food technology. During the same period, 239 Jordanian technical regulations (compulsory) were issued, about half of which concern food technology.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are not allowed to be imported into Jordan, according to an instruction published by the Ministry of Environment in 2009. JFDA (Jordanian Food and Drug Administration) took a decision through its supreme committee for the control of food to prohibit the importation of all GMOs and their products intended to be used as food or in food production.