Minister of Industry calls on the new cabinet to support olive production, agriculture and industry generally

The minister of industry, Hussein Haj Hassan, drew attention to the anguish of olive growers suffering from a slump in their production as a result of increasing smuggling activity and the relinquishment by the government of the productive sectors of agriculture and industry. Haj Hassan was speaking during the olive and olive oil expo organized by Jihad al Binaa Agricultural Center in Hermel, Beqaa last Saturday. He called for the formation of a cabinet that shows genuine support to above sectors through the development of an appropriate recovery plan, which seeks to counter smuggling and foreign competition and find marketing outlets for domestic production. On the other hand, OLEA’s second annual olive oil festival was held in the town of Labaa, Jezzine, the South, on Saturday and Sunday, in support of the Lebanese olive cultivation and to promote rural tourism. The event created an opportunity for local Jezzine farmers to display their fresh produces, which also included traditional village goods, like soap, vinegar, apples, wine and organic products. 

(L’Orient Le Jour, Al Diyar, Octobre 29, 31, 2016)

 

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