Beqaa farmers receive foreign aid awaiting government’s decision on exports

Farmers of wheat, potato and other crops in the Beqaa continue to suffer as result of their inability to market their products this year. Hence, the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization jointly decided to provide 250 small farmers with seeds and equipments so that they can recover some of their costs. By providing seeds and equipment, IOM and FAO are seeking to reduce the burden of farmers and support their livelihoods, awaiting the crucial government decision on supporting exports. It is to be recalled that the Minister of Agriculture, Akram Shehayeb, fiercely criticized the Cabinet three weeks ago, for not discussing his proposal to approve USD 21 million in financial subsidies to help farmers export by sea. He estimated last Monday that 900 tons of Lebanese produce are thrown out each day as a result of government’s hesitation. (The Daily Star, 2 July 2015)