Under the theme “Current Developments in the Near East Region: Implications for Agriculture and Food Security,” the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Near East and North Africa Regional Network for Agricultural Policies (NENARNAP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture of Lebanon organized in Beirut a regional workshop, from 10-12 October. 

The workshop which was opened by His Excellency Minister of Agriculture of Lebanon Dr Hussein Hajj Hassan and was addressed by Mr Moujahed Achouri, Deputy Regional Representative for the Near East and the FAO Representative in Lebanon Mr Ali Moumen, discussed current issues shaping the agricultural policy and food security landscape of the region to enable effective regional cooperation and facilitate coordinated policy responses, through the NENARNAP. 

The network was officially launched in 2003 in Amman by countries in the region with the assistance of FAO. Currently 18 countries from the Near East Region are members of the network, represented through focal points appointed by their respective governments.

Most of those countries participated in this regional workshop meeting in Beirut, in addition to some invited regional and global networks and agricultural and food policy experts. 

The workshop provided the participating countries the opportunity to exchange information on their ongoing agricultural and food security policies and strategies.

Discussions covered a variety of issues addressing the current challenges in the region and the long term actions and policies needed to improve the resilience of the food and agriculture sectors by enhancing the sustainable use of scarce natural resources, addressing environmental, social and economic sustainability and competitiveness.

Country representatives also had an opportunity to discuss new agricultural strategies in their respective countries, and highlighted specific programs.