In the presence of an EU representative in Beirut, a team from the Economic and Social Fund for Development (ESFD) handed over special machinery to agricultural cooperatives in West Bekaa, Baalbek-Hermel and Amchit as part of the ‘Distribution of equipment and tools to agricultural Lebanese coops’ project. According to ESFD statement, the equipment includes ice flake machines and fresh fish shield display units, as well as cold storage rooms for the preservation of agri goods at a value of 90,000 euros. To note, ESFD is currently implementing the ‘support of active cooperatives in the sectors of olives, bees and fish in all areas of Lebanon’ project in addition to a number of productive coops. The program includes assistance to 42 cooperatives with the aim to improve their production value chain through the provision of the necessary equipment at a value of 1.3 million euros, as well as, the development of their capacities in project preparation and proposal writing. (Al Hayat, June 7, 2018)