FAO Representative in Lebanon, Nora Ourabah Haddad, signed a project agreement today with the Minister of Agriculture, Abbas Hajj Hassan. The project, funded by the European Union, will contribute to the improvement of the living conditions, food security and resilience of host communities and refugees living in Lebanon.

It will also increase the local sustainable production of key agricultural products contributing to food security and import substitution.

For more than two years, small farmers have been particularly affected by successive crises due to Covid-19, the explosion in the port of Beirut as well as the economic and financial crisis, which has affected food security in Lebanon. They faced several challenges, including the massive increase in the cost of imported agricultural inputs, as well as a severe shortage of cash.

Minister of Agriculture explained that this signature agreement is a foundation for many partnerships with different parties, and it is translated today through the partnership with the European Union, FAO and the WFP. ”this grant agreement strengthens the capacities of host communities", he said.

In her intervention, FAO Representative in Lebanon said: “In light of the continuing impacts of the ongoing and multifaceted crises on Lebanese population as well as refugees, today we are launching this transformative

 project with the aim of increasing Agriculture  productivity   while supporting farmers livelihoods and developing  their capacities in support of sustainable food systems.

Alessandra Viezzer, Head of Cooperation in the EU delegation in Lebanon, stated: “Through this agreement, the European Union takes pride in strengthening the collaborative efforts between the EU, the Ministry of Agriculture, FAO, WFP, and the stakeholders of Lebanon's agricultural sector”. She added: “This agreement symbolizes a shared vision aimed at empowering farmers, and ensuring food security for all. With this substantial 15 million euros contract, we reinforce our commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, efficient resource management, and the empowerment of rural communities.”

"WFP is committed to addressing the challenges of Lebanon's food system to improve food security, reduce import dependency, and improve production," says WFP Deputy Country Director Antoine Renard. "Together with the Ministry of Agriculture and FAO with the support of the European Union, we embrace the complexity of this food system to achieve the transformational change we all aspire to.”

The project will improve the productive capacity of a number of farmers through continuous support, quickly identifying and assessing the value chains and interventions needed. It will also strengthen the institutional capacity building for seed production and other agricultural inputs and increase the availability of arable land, irrigation water and agricultural assets.