Lebanese Agriculture Minister Advances Strategic Partnership with Dutch Agricultural Innovation Institutions

For the third consecutive day, Lebanese Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani is continuing his official visit to the Netherlands, heading a Lebanese agricultural delegation. This visit is part of a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening agricultural cooperation between Lebanon and the Netherlands, while benefiting from the Dutch experience, which is recognized globally for its advancements in agricultural innovation, modern technology, scientific research, and climate-smart agriculture. These efforts aim to support the development of Lebanon's agricultural sector and enhance food security, economic sustainability, and environmental sustainability.

The Lebanese delegation includes the Director General of Agriculture Engineer Louis Lahoud, the Director General of Cooperatives Engineer Gloria Abu Zeid, the Head of the Green Project Engineer Raymond Khoury, the Deputy Head of the Agricultural Scientific Research Department Dr. Rami Al-Laqis, along with Minister Hani’s advisors Fadi Ghanem and Mazen Halwani.

The delegation began its program with a visit to the Netherlands Food Partnership in the De Kwakel area, where they held a meeting with the institution’s director, Dr. Ivo Demer. During this meeting, the delegation was briefed on key Dutch experiences in building sustainable and resilient food systems, enhancing food security, developing agricultural value chains, and supporting effective partnerships among the public sector, private sector, and research institutions.

According to an official statement, the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss potential cooperation in areas such as developing sustainable agricultural policies, boosting local production, and improving the efficiency of production and marketing chains. These discussions align with the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture’s vision to rebuild a more productive, competitive, and sustainable agricultural sector.

The delegation also held an extensive meeting with the management of Greenport Aalsmeer, led by Ronald van der Brievart, Chairman of the Board. They reviewed the institution’s experience, which represents one of the world’s leading platforms specializing in the horticulture sector and the production and trade of flowers and plants. The discussion highlighted the integrated Dutch model that connects farmers, research centers, universities, private companies, and global markets within an advanced agricultural innovation system.

Discussions focused on ways to transfer Dutch expertise to Lebanon, particularly in high-value agriculture, supply chain development, adoption of modern technological solutions, improving agricultural productivity, and enhancing marketing and export opportunities. These efforts aim to open new prospects for Lebanese agricultural products in regional and international markets.

During the meetings, Minister Hani emphasized that "Lebanon possesses promising agricultural assets and significant human and scientific capacities, and the ministry is working to establish a new developmental model for the agricultural sector based on knowledge, innovation, sustainability, and effective international partnerships." He stressed "the importance of expanding cooperation with the Netherlands, which is a global leader in modern agricultural sector management."

He added, "The climatic and economic challenges facing agriculture today require investment in scientific research, modern technology, and capacity building to ensure the resilience of farmers, achieve food security, and stimulate sustainable rural development."

The Lebanese delegation concluded its program by heading to Wageningen, internationally known as the capital of agricultural knowledge and innovation. There, they will continue meetings with several specialized research and academic institutions to examine the latest agricultural technologies, exchange expertise, and explore scientific and technical cooperation opportunities between Lebanon and the Netherlands. These efforts aim to support the modernization of Lebanon’s agricultural sector and enhance its ability to keep pace with rapid global changes.