BEIRUT — Lebanon’s Ministry of Agriculture has begun preparations for the country’s first Agricultural Investment Conference, an initiative aimed at increasing investment in one of Lebanon’s least developed economic sectors, the ministry said.

A meeting was held at the ministry’s headquarters and headed by Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani, bringing together representatives from the public and private sectors.

The conference, scheduled for May, aims to provide a national platform for repositioning agriculture as a driver of growth, exports, and rural development.

According to the ministry, talks focused on defining the conference’s framework and key themes, with emphasis on identifying structural obstacles that have discouraged investment in agriculture.

Participants discussed measures to remove these barriers, stimulate local investment, and attract foreign capital, to increase production, boost value-added output, and improve the competitiveness of Lebanese agricultural products.

In comments to The Beiruter, Minister Hani said the conference is part of a broader long-term vision for the sector, noting that the ministry is finalizing the National Agricultural Strategy for 2026–2035.

Minister Hani added that the conference will be linked to the Beirut One investment framework through a dedicated agricultural investment window, allowing the presentation of “bankable” projects supported by technical and economic studies.

The ministry said Lebanon’s agricultural sector retains significant untapped potential, particularly in high-value production chains currently under assessment.

Investment opportunities identified through these studies are expected to be unveiled during the conference, which officials say is part of a broader effort to integrate agriculture into Lebanon’s economic recovery and long-term development.