Home Agriculture Returning to poisoned lands: A Q&A with Nadine Khoury on Agriculture and Agri-Food in Lebanon


Returning to poisoned lands: A Q&A with Nadine Khoury on Agriculture and Agri-Food in Lebanon

This article is part of ongoing Executive coverage with members of the Lebanese Private Sector Network on sectoral impacts of and responses to the 70-day September 2024 war on Lebanon.

by Sherine Najdi

Lebanon, a nation of green mountains and deep agricultural roots, now faces yet another pivotal moment. The war, which many hope is over despite the daily presence of IDF drones, the intermittent roar of fighter jets in the skies above, and the occasional airstrikes in the south—has scarred and quite literally poisoned its fields, leaving behind scorched olive trees and broken livelihoods. Lebanon’s agricultural sector, which dates back to Phoenician times specifically in wine-making and shepherding, has more recently faced challenges ranging from soil erosion and inadequate irrigation to issues such as job preservation, competitiveness and quality. The latest devastating hits to the agricultural sector from almost 11 months of cross-border conflict that escalated into open war in mid-September, have not yet been fully accounted for. Amid the destruction, the 60-day ceasefire, currently about halfway through its fragile course, offers the sense that getting back to work and rebuilding is possible. Industry leaders like Nadine Khoury, Chief Operating Officer at Quinta Group, are strategizing about how to move forward, transforming despair into opportunity, and ensuring that Lebanon’s agricultural heritage is not lost to the ashes of war.  In this critical and fragile moment for Lebanon, Khoury shares her insights on the recovery efforts, the current state of farmers and producers, and the innovative strategies being employed to ensure sustainability and growth.

Executive: During the conflict, Lebanon’s agricultural sector was significantly impacted. Could you describe what happened?

Khoury: Sure. During the war, especially in the south, 12 percent of the olive trees—about 65,000 trees—were destroyed. According to the World Bank, we lost around $58 million. And when I say this, it’s not just the trees—we couldn’t harvest the olives, we couldn’t produce the olive oil. All of these issues, together with the destruction of the trees added to the setbacks.

Executive: What about after the ceasefire? How did the farmers react?

Khoury: Right after the ceasefire, farmers started going back to their lands. They immediately began placing orders for seeds, fertilizers, and seedlings. In the Bekaa Valley, for instance, activity resumed, but not at full capacity—maybe around 60 percent. The areas affected by phosphorus are still unusable, so there’s no farming there yet.

Executive: What kind of economic toll has this taken on farmers and producers?

Khoury: It’s been severe. This isn’t just about food security; it’s about the economic impact. Farmers—this is their only livelihood. They don’t have any other income. Some are looking at renting fields in other areas or trying to make the most of what’s left, but it’s tough.

Executive: Is there any help being provided to them?

Khoury: Yes, some NGOs and donors are stepping in, like USAID. They’re providing support, but it’s still not enough to meet the scale of the needs.

 

Executive: And how about the agri-food sector? How have they been managing?

Khoury: It’s been challenging. Some producers managed to relocate their equipment and warehouses, especially in the Bekaa. But in the south, they couldn’t return. For example, this year’s olive oil production was completely missed. They’re now waiting for next year.

Executive: Are there any plans to incorporate sustainable practices?

Khoury: Yes, definitely. Farmers are increasingly using more sustainable systems. For example, in Akkar, we’ve started rainwater harvesting projects for greenhouses. These help conserve water and energy. Climate change is a real threat, so we’re also looking at more efficient irrigation methods.

Executive: What steps are being taken to stabilize agriculture?

Khoury: One of the main strategies is contract farming. This creates a direct link between farmers and agri-food producers, guaranteeing a market for specific crops. It’s already working well for poultry and potatoes, and we’re looking to expand it, especially for smaller farmers.

Executive: Has this already started?

Khoury: Yes, we have a project with the International Labour Organization (ILO). We’re helping farmers understand how contract farming can provide stability, especially in these uncertain times.

Executive: What are some of the other major challenges you’re facing?

Khoury: Labor is a big one. Many Syrians, who form the backbone of our agricultural workforce, are either leaving or demanding higher wages. Lebanese workers don’t generally take on agricultural roles because they lack the technical skills. On top of that, global supply chain disruptions are increasing the cost and delivery time for things like fertilizers and seeds.

Executive: Do you think the sector can recover?

Khoury: If we can maintain stability, yes. Lebanon has the potential to regain its position as a key agricultural and agri-food supplier. We’ve already seen positive responses at international exhibitions, like SIAL in Paris, where Lebanese products drew a lot of interest.

Executive: Any final thoughts?

Khoury: Let’s end on a positive note. If stability holds, Lebanon can rebuild its agricultural sector. We’ve always been known for our creativity and resilience, and I believe those qualities will help us overcome these challenges and thrive again.

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Sherine Najdi

Sherine Najdi, a financial analyst for the past 4-5 years, holds a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in finance and wealth management. Now writing for Executive Magazine, she uses her deep understanding of economics and financial systems to keep the Lebanese society informed on key economic and social developments. Through her work, she aims to spread awareness and contribute to a well-informed community
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