LEBANON – The Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture participated in the proceedings of the 181st session of the Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), held in Rome, Italy, from June 8 to 12, 2026.
The Lebanese delegation included the Ministry’s Director General, Engineer Louis Lahoud, Head of the Agro-Industries Department Engineer Miriam Eid, Lebanon’s Ambassador to Italy Ms. Carla Jazar, and Consul Mustafa Ghattas.
Discussion of Global Challenges
The session addressed a wide range of financial, regulatory, technical, and strategic issues related to the future of agriculture and global food security, amid increasing challenges stemming from armed conflicts, climate change, and economic crises. It also reviewed FAO interventions in emergency and humanitarian crises worldwide.
During the meetings, Director General Louis Lahoud delivered Lebanon’s statement, conveying the greetings of Minister of Agriculture Dr. Nizar Hani, and highlighting the critical situation of Lebanon’s agricultural sector and the severe challenges it is facing due to successive crises and attacks that have damaged agricultural lands and productive infrastructure.
Lahoud noted that recent assessments showed that more than 22.5% of Lebanon’s agricultural land has been affected—equivalent to approximately 51,956 hectares. He also indicated that around 78% of farmers in the south have halted their activities, while displacement from affected areas has reached 76.8%.
Warnings Over Worsening Food Security
He further stated that preliminary projections from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) for the period between April and August 2026 indicate that around 1.24 million people in Lebanon may face acute levels of food insecurity, due to the deterioration of livelihoods and limited access to food.
Lahoud stressed that the Ministry of Agriculture continues to implement a comprehensive response plan aimed at strengthening farmers’ resilience and ensuring the continuity of agricultural production, through support to affected areas, assistance to livestock breeders, protection of the beekeeping sector, and enhanced cooperation with local and international partners.
He also called on the FAO and member states to give Lebanon special attention during this critical period, and to expand agricultural relief and support programs, while securing the necessary financial resources to rehabilitate and develop the agricultural sector, ensuring sustainable production and food security.
Bilateral Meetings on the Margins
On the sidelines of the Council’s work, Lahoud held a meeting with FAO Deputy Director-General Maurizio Martina, during which they discussed the impact of ongoing crises on Lebanon’s agricultural sector and ways to strengthen cooperation in livestock, crop production, forestry, plant protection, and support for small-scale farmers.
The meeting also reviewed the outcomes of previous discussions between both sides, as well as the agreement signed with the Italian government, and explored ways to expand joint programs and enhance technical and financial support in the coming period.
Launch of Emergency Support Project for Lebanon
At the conclusion of the meeting, the FAO Deputy Director-General informed the Lebanese delegation of the approval by both the Food and Agriculture Organization and the Italian side of an emergency support project dedicated to Lebanon, aimed at strengthening the resilience of the agricultural sector and supporting its recovery amid ongoing crises.
A direct call was also held with Minister of Agriculture Dr. Nizar Hani to brief him on the outcome of the discussions and emphasize the importance of swiftly launching the project to support farmers and ensure the continuity of agricultural production across Lebanon.
The Ministry of Agriculture affirmed that this step represents a positive indicator of the continued international confidence in Lebanon’s agricultural sector, and highlights the importance of the partnership with the FAO in supporting recovery efforts and promoting food security and sustainable agricultural development.
