AGRI PLUS pushes up agricultural exports by 14% during the first half of 2013

Agricultural exports increased by 14% during the first half of 2013 with fruits and vegetable export reaching around 177 thousand tons, whilst citrus exports ranked at the top with 50 thousand tons, (i.e. 28% of the total export), vegetables came at the bottom with 38 thousand tons, (i.e. less than 6%). For their part, apple exports fell second with 40 thousand tons followed by banana (30 thousand tons), grapes (3 thousand tons) and potatoes export (33 thousand tons). Olive oil exports have also increased, since the start of the programme, reaching 1000 tons during the reviewed period, 55% of which were exported to North America (including Canada).
This information was released by the director general of Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL), Nabil Itani, during a field visit to the Beqaa, where he also reiterated that the aim of the institution was not only to improve quality but also to open new markets, an objective achieved since the start up of the new Agri Plus project some two years ago.  
Source: Al-Safir, Al-Diyar 20 September 2013