The Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) sponsored the signing of 34 matching grant agreements between farmers and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), as part of a developmental project aimed at improving livelihoods in rural Lebanese areas, with support from the FAO and the Embassy of Denmark in Beirut.  According to the Lebanese Minister of Agriculture, MoA is committed to enhancing partnerships with international organizations to provide direct and effective support to small-scale farmers. Additionally, this project represents the Ministry's primary operational arm in implementing its vision towards sustainable agricultural development.  In parallel, according to the Lebanese Minister of Agriculture, contract farming is crucial as a strategic option to boost agricultural production and marketing. The aforementioned project dubbed “The Green Project”, alongside the Agricultural Research Scientific Authority, the Directorate of Cooperatives and the General Directorate of Agriculture, is set to form an integrated system working in harmony to develop the agricultural sector.  MoA is also working on formulating reform plans and strategic projects aimed at organizing the sector and improving the effectiveness of support. As part of the reform plan, registration in the agricultural registry will soon become a prerequisite for benefiting from future support programs and projects, which will enhance the efficiency of implementing initiatives and ensure they reach deserving groups.  It is worth noting that these agreements are part of a comprehensive vision adopted by MoA in collaboration with the FAO, aiming to build a cohesive and resilient agricultural sector capable of facing economic and climatic challenges. This is set to be done through well-planned interventions and effective partnerships with local and international entities. In turn, this is set to enhance food security and contribute to the development of rural communities in Lebanon. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Bank Audi, Lebanon Weekly Monitor, 18 April - 4 May 2025