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Lebanon
Lebanese Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani emphasized developing agriculture through knowledge economy and connecting scientific research with public policies during his visit to Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
Lebanese Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani continued his series of meetings for the fourth consecutive day with leading global academic and research institutions specializing in agricultural and food sciences. This scientific and strategic visit, a key part of his official trip to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, included a visit at the head of a high-level agricultural and administrative delegation to Wageningen University & Research. This institution is ranked among the world’s foremost centers in sustainable agriculture, food security, agricultural innovation, and natural resource management.
The Lebanese delegation comprised 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 Service Dr. Rami Al-Laqis, along with the minister’s advisors Fadi Ghanem and Mazen Halwani.
They were received by the Chairwoman of the University Executive Board, Ms. Siokia Haimovara, and the Director of Cooperation and International Relations for the Middle East and North Africa region, Engineer Wasim Ba’ina. The delegation was presented with a comprehensive overview of the university’s global role in developing scientific and technological solutions to agricultural, food, and environmental challenges, as well as the mechanisms it employs to translate knowledge and research into practical applications and public policies that support sustainable development.
The Lebanese delegation participated in a specialized scientific roundtable including experts and researchers such as Dr. Karl Safi, Ann Mensink, and Jan Bodion, with Engineer Wasim Ba’ina also present. Discussions focused on modern agricultural governance systems, the integrative relationship between governments, universities, and the private sector, and methods of transferring scientific research results to educational institutions, farmers, and markets. The dialogue also covered successful public-private cooperation models and the role of business incubators and innovation centers in promoting agricultural entrepreneurship and converting scientific knowledge into productive, sustainable economic projects.
During these meetings, Minister Hani stated that “the Dutch experience represents a globally advanced model in building an agricultural economy based on knowledge and innovation.” He pointed out that “the challenges facing the Lebanese agricultural sector, foremost among them climate change, declining natural resources, and rising production costs, require enhancing investment in scientific research, modern technology, and developing agricultural extension systems and knowledge transfer.”
He added, “What we see today in Wageningen is not merely a university or research center but an integrated system that has successfully built effective bridges between science, public policies, and the private sector. This is the model we aspire to benefit from in Lebanon, because the future of agriculture and food security will be built not only in the fields but also in laboratories, innovation centers, and universities that generate knowledge and turn it into practical solutions serving farmers and communities.”
Minister Hani further emphasized that “developing the Lebanese agricultural sector requires a genuine transition toward an agricultural knowledge economy by linking scientific research with public policies, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, and investing in national competencies capable of leading the shift toward more sustainable and resilient agriculture.”
Following the meetings, the delegation toured the Netherlands Plant Eco-Phenotyping Centre accompanied by Mr. Bram Carls. They observed the latest technologies used to study plant growth and analyze their responses to environmental and climatic factors through advanced sensing systems and artificial intelligence. These technologies contribute to developing crop varieties that are more efficient, productive, and adaptable to climate changes.
The delegation also visited the Wageningen University campus, recognized as one of the world’s leading environments fostering agricultural innovation. The campus brings together researchers, startups, academic institutions, and the private sector under one integrated system dedicated to knowledge production and the development of future agricultural solutions.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited Q-Point, an institution specializing in food safety, traceability systems, accreditation, and agricultural certifications. They reviewed the latest approved systems ensuring the quality and safety of agricultural and food products, as well as enhancing transparency and sustainability throughout various stages of production and marketing chains.
The delegation also held a meeting with HydroSat, a company specializing in using satellite data to support agricultural water management. Dr. Rola Bshour presented the company’s modern technologies for monitoring crop water needs, improving irrigation efficiency, and boosting land productivity, particularly in areas suffering from water scarcity and climate stress.
This meeting provided an opportunity to discuss potential future cooperation to utilize these advanced technologies in Lebanon, aiming to improve water use efficiency and strengthen the Lebanese agricultural sector’s capacity to adapt to climate change impacts. This is especially critical given the increasing challenges related to water resource management and the need to adopt innovative digital solutions supporting agricultural sustainability.
Minister Hani highlighted the growing role of Lebanese competencies working in international scientific and research institutions, considering them a strategic bridge for knowledge transfer and enhancing cooperation between Lebanon and leading global centers in research and innovation.
He specifically praised the efforts of Engineer Wasim Ba’ina in promoting academic and scientific cooperation between the Middle East and North Africa region and Wageningen University and Dutch research institutions. He also acknowledged Dr. Rola Bshour’s pioneering role in developing innovative solutions for agricultural water resource management using satellite technologies and advanced climate data, as well as Dr. Karl Safi’s contributions to building scientific cooperation and fostering dialogue on research and academic partnership prospects between Lebanon and the Netherlands.
Minister Hani affirmed that “these successful Lebanese models reflect the scientific standing of Lebanese professionals in prestigious international institutions and constitute a national asset that should be leveraged to support the modernization and development process underway in the Lebanese agricultural sector.”
He stated, “What is a source of pride is seeing Lebanese talents occupy leadership and influential positions in prominent global scientific and research institutions, contributing to knowledge production and solution development for agricultural and environmental challenges facing the world. Their success is not only an individual achievement but also a success for Lebanon and a message affirming that investing in humans and science is fundamental for building a more sustainable and prosperous future.”
He added, “We view these Lebanese experts spread across universities, research centers, and global technology companies as essential partners in developing Lebanese agriculture. Linking national expertise, both resident and expatriate, with the agricultural sector represents a real opportunity to accelerate technology transfer, innovation, and enhance Lebanon’s ability to confront food security challenges, climate change, and natural resource management.”
Minister Hani and the Lebanese delegation concluded their day with a series of working meetings with participating experts and scientific figures. They confirmed the importance of expanding research and academic cooperation between Lebanon and the Netherlands, enhancing the exchange of expertise and knowledge, and transferring modern agricultural technologies. These efforts support the Ministry of Agriculture’s mission to build a more sustainable, innovative agricultural sector capable of achieving food security and comprehensive rural development.
As the fourth day of activities ended, Wageningen emerged as a global example of what partnerships between science, innovation, and public policies can achieve in serving agriculture and food security. The visit conveyed clear messages about the importance of investing in knowledge, scientific research, and technology as foundational pillars for the future of the agricultural sector. The meetings held by Minister Hani and the Lebanese delegation laid promising foundations for long-term cooperation with leading Dutch institutions, opening the door for transferring expertise and modern technologies to Lebanon and strengthening efforts to modernize the agricultural sector, enhance its resilience to climate change, manage natural resources effectively, and achieve sustainable agricultural development.
