Driving Agricultural Transformation: FAO Lebanon Highlights OCOP at Agri Lebanon exhibition and World Food Day event

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) participated in the first edition of the AGRI Lebanon Exhibition, held under the patronage of His Excellency Minister of Agriculture Dr. Nizar Hani. The event brought together farmers, agribusinesses, technology providers, and policymakers to showcase the latest innovations, foster sustainable practices, and drive economic growth across the agrifood sector.

FAO’s participation highlighted its strong partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and other national stakeholders in advancing Lebanon’s agricultural development agenda.

From 10 to 12 September 2025, the FAO Lebanon booth at the AGRI Lebanon Exhibition was buzzing with energy as visitors gathered to learn more about the FAO “One Country One Priority Product” (OCOP) Initiative.

In celebration of World Food Day, FAO Lebanon also joined a family event on 18 October, organized in collaboration with ACT for Tomorrow, WFP, UNEP, UNIC, and Nature by Marc. The event offered families and children from across Lebanon an enjoyable day filled with food tastings by Lebanese chefs and a variety of engaging workshops and activities promoting eco-friendly practices.

Under the OCOP Initiative, FAO Lebanon seized this opportunity to raise awareness about the initiative, share information about chickpea value chains, and distribute chickpea snacks in OCOP-branded cups.

The FAO OCOP Initiative works to promote Special Agricultural Products (SAPs), helping to build inclusive, profitable, and sustainable food systems that benefit farmers, communities, and consumers alike.

The importance of Lebanon’s chickpea sector was highlighted by showcasing a variety of locally improved chickpeas developed by LARI (Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute) in collaboration with the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture. Participants were introduced to the initiative, explained the current value chain challenges, and outlined the priority areas for investment to strengthen the sector.

To connect tradition with innovation, exhibition visitors also received mouneh bags—a symbolic reminder of the importance of preserving and valuing local agricultural products, including the chickpeas they plan to purchase.

Lebanon’s participation reflects a strong commitment to transforming its agricultural sector, supporting smallholder farmers, and positioning Lebanese chickpeas as a competitive product both locally and internationally.