Lebanon is distinguished from other countries in the region by its temperate climate, the richness of its soils and the abundance of its water resources, which makes it an ideal place for agricultural activity.

The agricultural sector generates around 3.5% of Lebanon's GDP.

It employs nearly 6% of the Lebanese workforce and it is classified as the fifth largest sector generating job opportunities in the country.

The association “100% Liban” invited to two round tables for a dialogue about this sector..

The participants discussed the following topics: problems, challenges and solutions facing the sector for long-term development.

Participants :

- Head of the Lebanese Farmers Syndicate Antoine Howayek

- Agronomist Engineer Fadi Daou

- Agronomist Engineer Imad Bsat

- Doctor Mohammad Fheili economist and risk strategist

- Agronomist Engineer Nadine Khoury  from "Robinson Agri"group

- Agronomist Engineer Zaher Ballout  from the "Dabbaneh" group.

- Pamela Ibrahim El Kosseifi (general coordinator of ”100%Liban”)

-Doctor Elie Kassab (founder member of ”100%Liban”)

-Walid Akel (general secretary of”100%Liban”)

Problems:

-No of organization in the field

-Absence of agricultural cooperatives

-The farmers are not identified

-The animal production is not protected

-Absence of laboratories to test the crop

-NO Fair Trade

-Water pollution

Challenges:

-The relation between the farmer and the merchant is well established

-Establishment of an agricultural development bank

-There is no free or fair competition

-Dumping

-No quality control

-We don’t know if we have a correct use of medicines and pesticides

In response to these contemporary challenges resulting from conventional agriculture such as dysfunctions at the social, economic and ecological levels, the new concept of sustainable If we develop well this sector we can deal with the situation where a new sustainable agricultural systems may offer competitive economic returns and bring essential elements for the survival of ecosystems, the maintenance of life, the creation of jobs and livelihoods,with an increase in resilience to climate change and finally an improvement in food security.

There is a need to make a transition to sustainable agriculture:

* It is desirable to succeed in growing the market

* Increase consumer awareness

* Educate Lebanese farmers

* Coordinate and sharing of agricultural knowledge

Lebanon has the highest proportion of agricultural land in the Middle East, covering nearly 65% of Lebanese territory .

All solutions and opportunities can contribute to develop the agricultural sector, because Lebanon needs to expand its local production, to restore a sustainable economic model that will reduce regional disparities and ensure food security.

Therefore,”100%Liban”has create a space for discussion with experts in the aim of elaborating an economic vision where all the sectors will developp their activities .

Dr.Hassan Makhlouf , agricultural engineer and professor of Botany and soil, presented his study on"Biotechnology for soil rehabilitation and healthy agricultural production"during a meeting at 100 % Liban in which he refuted the Soil composition.

The Participants :

Dr. Mohammad Fheili

Dr. Charbel Afif

Mrs.Martine Abi khalil

Mr. Mustafa Al Ajami

Mr.Mohammad Ajami

Mr.Mohammad Smaily

Mr. Antoine Ariss

Mrs. Lea Homsy

Mrs. Nour Issa

Mrs. Carole Karam

The presentation tackled the points Below :

*Soil composition

*What is a healthy soil ?

* Soil is a living environment rich in biodiversity

* Soil food chain

*Leave organic matter in the soil

*No life as we know it without bacteria

In conclusion , biotechnology can serve sustainable agriculture and food security in Lebanon.

100% Liban is committed to continue the role of mediator to bring together all sectors pushing forward for a better Lebanon.