The new Minister of Agriculture stress the importance of cooperatives in developing the agricultural sector

The new Minister of Agriculture, Akram Chayeb, noted during his meeting yesterday with the National Federation of Copperative Organisations in Lebanon that cooperative work is key for developing the agricultural sector in Lebanon and for providing developmental tools for farmers in remote rural areas for Lebanon.  He added that the best way to provide equitable aid to the sector is through cooperatives.  Chayeb also reviewed the current work of cooperatives in Lebanon while noting that 70% of cooperatives are agricultural in nature.

Chayeb had received the visit of a delegation of the Federation of Municipalities in Kaytah Akkar  which asked that the Minister gives due consideration to this area given its agricultural realities. Within the same vein, he noted during his meeting with the holders of feedstock plants that farmers have a priority for support when resources are available.  He noted that all inputs needed by livestock breeders will be allowed for importation in order to combat monopoly.  The Minister also met with a delegation of potato farmers from Akkar and discussed with them the marketing of potato products in the regions as of next April.

Al Mustqbal and Al Diyar 11 March 2014