Tripoli: BIAT, in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), has unveiled the FIELD - Food Innovation for Enterprises, Livelihoods and Development Initiative at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Tripoli (CCIAT). This initiative is set to bolster innovation and sustainable growth in Lebanon's agri-food sector by supporting small farmers, cooperatives, and micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) in Akkar and North Lebanon.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the event gathered representatives from government bodies, the private sector, academia, and civil society to celebrate this collaborative effort. The initiative's goals, roles of the partners, and implementation strategies were laid out, emphasizing productivity enhancement, food quality improvement, and income generation for local producers.
Gloria Abou Zeid, Director General of Cooperatives at the Ministry of Agriculture, representing the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Nizar Hani, addressed the gathering, highlighting the ministry's strategic focus on adding value to agricultural products and empowering rural institutions. She noted that the FIELD initiative aims to foster innovation, support emerging projects, and improve the quality of food products to access new markets.
Matthew Hollingworth, WFP Lebanon Representative and Country Director, remarked on the potential within Lebanon's pressured food system. He stated that through the FIELD initiative, WFP and BIAT are investing in skills, innovation, and market linkages to empower local enterprises and build a sustainable food system.
The FIELD initiative, scheduled to run from October 2025 to April 2026, seeks to transition local producers from subsistence activities to sustainable, market-driven growth. This transition will be supported through technical training, business development assistance, market access, and tailored financial support.
Nasri Mouawad, Chairman and CEO of BIAT, emphasized that FIELD is more than a project, calling it an investment in people and a step towards positioning North Lebanon as a leader in food innovation and economic recovery. Toufic Dabboussi, president of the Chamber of Commerce Industry Agriculture of Tripoli and the north, affirmed the initiative's significance in establishing agriculture's importance and empowering farmers for a self-sufficient economy.
In collaboration with the University of Balamand, a research study will be conducted to generate insights for future agri-food programming in Lebanon. Experts at the launch highlighted innovation's role in advancing agri-food businesses, improving finance access, and expanding market reach, transforming challenges into growth opportunities through strategic support.
WFP Lebanon representatives reiterated the organization's long-term dedication to enhancing food security, supporting local enterprises, and improving livelihoods. The event concluded with networking sessions for participants to share ideas and explore synergies to promote inclusive, climate-smart practices in the agri-food sector.