Lebanese agriculture at the international coordination table: a comprehensive plan for growth and sustainability

During the meeting, the strategic directions of the agricultural sector in Lebanon were discussed for the two years 2025-2026, where Minister Hani stressed the importance of coordination between all the parties concerned to ensure the implementation of agricultural and development projects that support the sector that suffers from the effects of recent Israeli attacks on the southern regions and Bekaa.

The Ministry of Agriculture announced the strategic directions of the agricultural sector, which is centered on four main priorities. The first is emergency relief, as financial support and agricultural inputs will be provided to more than 50,000 farms affected by conflict, as well as capacity building. The second is agricultural extension, where more than 500 training sessions will be organized in various Lebanese regions through 40 counseling centers. The third is the expansion of the markets, by increasing exports by 10% by 2026, with a focus on the markets of the Gulf and the European Union. As for the fourth, it is sustainability, as the Ministry will work to convert 10% of agricultural lands into water -saving practices and take into account climate changes.

The ways of enhancing cooperation between the various bodies were also discussed to develop institutional work within the ministry, by linking the regional centers of guidance and 30 forest centers, which contributes to facilitating coordination operations and enhancing the capabilities of employees. Minister Hani focused on the importance of opening global markets to Lebanese agricultural products, stressing that increasing exports will contribute significantly to supporting the local economy and achieving sustainable development.

The meeting concluded by emphasizing the need to support the agricultural sector as an essential pillar for developing the local economy and enhancing agricultural production, which contributes to improving livelihoods for farmers and ensuring the sustainability of natural resources in Lebanon.

In another context, the Ministry of Agriculture announced the launch of a national program for agricultural guidance aimed at enhancing communication with farmers and providing technical support in the face of new agricultural challenges such as combating plant diseases, sustainable use of pesticides, and developing olive, honey and livestock sectors. The program will be implemented through field lectures, visits to fields, and awareness programs through the media and social media platforms, with the aim of increasing awareness about the importance of agriculture in achieving food security and food sovereignty in Lebanon.