Marwan Kheireddine Initiatives for a Sustainable Food Industry

Lebanon's agribusiness sector has historically played a significant role in the country's economy and culture. Agriculture in Lebanon has a long history dating back thousands of years, and it has been a source of livelihood for many Lebanese families. Marwan Kheireddine has been a vocal supporter of Lebanon’s agribusiness sector by promoting modern agricultural practices, connecting farmers with markets and enhancing food security.

Diversification and modernization

Lebanon's diverse topography and climate allow for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and tobacco. Lebanon has historically exported agricultural products to neighboring countries, including Syria, Jordan, and the Gulf states. Lebanese produce, such as apples, citrus fruits, and olive oil, has gained international recognition for its quality. Additionally, olive oil and wine production are also significant contributors to the agricultural sector and have been a big source of exports into Europe, Canada and the United States. There is a growing interest in organic farming in Lebanon, driven by consumer demand for healthier and environmentally friendly products. “The Lebanese government has initiated various programs to support the agricultural sector, such as providing subsidies, technical assistance, and promoting agricultural cooperatives”, adds Marwan Kheireddine. Several Lebanese farms have adopted organic practices and have turned their farms into bio restaurants and green hotels to give locals and tourists the whole green experience. Even more, promoting modern agricultural practices is essential for increasing agricultural productivity, sustainability, and food security. Modern agriculture practices incorporate advanced technologies, innovative techniques, and sustainable methods to enhance the efficiency and profitability of farming operations. Promoting modern agriculture practices requires a multi-faceted approach involving governments, agricultural organizations, research institutions, and the private sector. By investing in technology, knowledge transfer, and sustainable farming methods, countries can enhance agricultural productivity, reduce poverty among rural communities, and contribute to food security and economic development.

Challenges of the agribusiness

However, in recent years, the country faced competition from imported agricultural products, which can be cheaper due to subsidies and economies of scale in other countries. This competition has affected the profitability of local farmers. Additionally, the agribusiness sector in Lebanon has been affected by various challenges, including political instability, conflict, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental issues. Frequent power outages, water shortages, and limited access to finance have hindered the sector's growth. As a former minister and public servant, Marwan Kheireddine highlights the fact that the majority of farms in Lebanon are small-scale, family-owned operations.

These farms often struggle to access modern farming techniques, technology, and financial resources, limiting their productivity while inefficiencies in the supply chain and post-harvest losses are common in Lebanon's agribusiness sector, leading to significant economic losses. Lebanon has faced severe economic and political crises, including hyperinflation and currency devaluation. These crises have had a detrimental impact on the agribusiness sector, affecting the ability of farmers to access inputs and resources. Sometimes Mother Nature is not so kind towards our farmers due to changing weather patterns, increased temperatures, and more frequent extreme weather events can impact crop yields, water availability, and the overall predictability of agricultural seasons. Adding to that, the emergence of new pests and diseases or the resurgence of existing ones can devastate crops and livestock, leading to significant economic losses. In recent years, Lebanon's agribusiness sector has faced significant challenges due to the country's economic and political instability. Reforms and investments in infrastructure, technology, and sustainable farming practices are needed to revitalize the sector and ensure its long-term viability. Additionally, efforts to improve access to markets and reduce post-harvest losses could help increase the competitiveness of Lebanese agricultural products in both domestic and international markets.

A durable food security

Enhancing food security in Lebanon is a critical priority, especially in light of the country's economic and political challenges. Food security refers to the availability, accessibility, and affordability of safe and nutritious food for all people at all times. “Promote crop diversification to reduce reliance on a few key crops and increase food production. Encourage the cultivation of nutritious and climate-resilient crops”, assures Marwan Kheireddine. He also believes in supporting small-scale farmers who play a crucial role in food production.

“Provide them with access to credit, training, modern agricultural practices, and technology to increase their productivity”, adds the former minister. To secure and better Lebanon’s food security the government should pair up with local and international NGOs to engage with the farmers and figure out their needs. At the top of the list, they should work towards improving Irrigation by investing in efficient irrigation systems to optimize water use and reduce crop losses due to water scarcity as well as address land tenure issues by resolving land tenure and property rights issues to encourage investment in land improvements and reduce land disputes. Additionally, the government should implement targeted subsidies or price controls on essential food items to make them more affordable for low-income households. However, such measures should be carefully designed to avoid market distortions and budgetary strain. Food storage and distribution should be addressed by developing and maintaining adequate food storage and distribution infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure food reaches consumers efficiently.

By encouraging sustainable farming practices, including organic farming, conservation agriculture, and agroforestry, the farmers will be able to protect soil health and minimize environmental degradation. There should be an establishment of strategic food reserves to ensure a stable supply of essential food items during emergencies or crises and to avoid any obstacles towards the distribution of products, the government should improve rural infrastructure and transportation networks to help farmers access markets more easily and at lower costs.

In conclusion, enhancing food security in Lebanon is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires a coordinated effort from the government, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and international partners. It also involves addressing underlying issues related to the country's economic stability, political situation, and social inequalities. Seeking assistance from international organizations and donor countries to address food security challenges through humanitarian aid, technical assistance, and capacity-building programs will greatly benefit the local farmers . “Supporting agricultural research and innovation to develop new crop varieties and farming techniques that are better suited to local conditions and more resilient to climate change”, concludes Marwan Kheireddine.