A rescue plan for apple growing comprising the setting up of a disaster solidarity fund

Following the marketing difficulties resulting from the closure of the Syrian borders, local apple growers from all across Lebanon, held a solidarity meeting on July 29 called for by the municipality of Aqoora, Byblos. Participating in the gathering were representatives of the agriculture ministry and some 40 mayors of villages and towns that are facing production difficulties particularly as a result of this year’s blizzard storms that destroyed nearly 70% of their production. On the occasion, Aqoora mayor, Mansur Wehbeh pointed out that the once prosperous apple cultivation which is the main source of livelihood for around 300 thousand Lebanese farmers, has started to fall off 20 years back due to accumulating problems in export, manufacture and high cost. Similarly, the vice-chair of the Federation of Byblos Municipalities, Assad Hashem, outlined a 3-phase salvage plan which includes the following: On the medium term, the government will be responsible for the creation of new marketing outlets; on the short term, foreign aid and international organizations are asked to buy the apple production ant to distribute it to displaced Syrians in Lebanon and Jordan, and finally, on the long term, the founding of an association representing the private and public sectors as well as state institutions. This body, projected to include all the apple-producing municipalities, will assume the task of development and export and will, in cooperation with the ministries of social affairs and agriculture, as well as the Higher Relief Commission, start a solidarity fund to address natural disasters. For her part, Silvana Girjis from the agriculture ministry stated that her ministry has a similar insurance program against natural disasters but this is still awaiting endorsement of the Parliament. (Al Mustaqbal, Al Diyar, July 30, 2016)

 

 

Previous related news: 

Apple growers in Bsharri forced to sell their lands because of the depressed market

Apple growers complain and grieve a losing season