Strawberry growers in Akkar complain from failure to control illegal imports from Syria

In its issue of yesterday, As Safir daily newspaper shed light on the difficulties faced by strawberry growers in the plains of Akkar, who have resorted to this type of production in compensation for the losses incurred from other agricultural seasons. The newspaper echoed the disappointment of these farmers with the present situation; while throwing the blame on the ministry of agriculture. The latter, farmers lamented, has not intervened to control the smuggling activities along the borders or to stop the import of this fruit, at least during the local harvest peak. As Safir pointed out that the strawberries are being sold at very competitive prices by street stall vendors in the various towns and villages and along the coastal road of Akkar. This, the newspaper maintained, reflects the pressing need by farmers to dispose of their produce at the lowest price. As a result of dumping the domestic markets with the imported kind, especially from neighboring Syria, the price of one kilogram of the good quality strawberries does not exceed LBP2000.  “What is regrettable is that the same story happens with the start-up of every season. This raises serious questions on the capacity of the agriculture ministry to protect local production and to abide by the set agricultural calendar and therefore assume some of its key responsibilities. Furthermore, the newspaper quoted the farmers saying: “meanwhile the ministry is also totally failing in providing farmers with the proper marketing outlets for their production. (As Safir, April 7, 2016)