Lebanon has secured a $7.3 million agreement with France to advance its green agriculture development, the National News Agency (NNA) reported. The agreement, signed between the French Development Agency and CIHEAM Montpellier, was formalized during a seminar on promoting green agriculture held in Cairo, Egypt. Lebanese Agriculture Minister Abbas Hajj Hassan was present at the signing, underscoring the initiative's importance for Lebanon’s agricultural transformation.

The project is designed to support approximately 2,500 Lebanese farmers in transitioning to eco-friendly agricultural practices, thereby boosting sustainability in the sector. Additionally, it will benefit more than 150 cooperatives and private traders by helping them improve the quality and competitiveness of their agricultural products. Beyond direct support, the initiative aims to increase awareness of eco-friendly agriculture's significance and promote public policies that align with sustainable practices. According to the minister’s office, the project will be implemented over four years under the supervision of Lebanon’s Agriculture Ministry.

The collaboration with CIHEAM Montpellier is particularly notable, as it is one of the four institutes of the International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM). Based in France, CIHEAM is a Mediterranean intergovernmental organization with 13 member states, including Lebanon, France, Greece, Italy, and Egypt. The organization is dedicated to promoting cooperation and sustainable agricultural practices across the Mediterranean region. Its expertise and regional network are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the green agriculture initiative.

France’s role in this agreement reflects its longstanding partnership with Lebanon. Over the years, France has consistently supported Lebanon's stability, unity, independence, and sovereignty. It has actively championed Lebanon's interests on international platforms, including the United Nations, and has placed particular emphasis on strengthening the institutions of the Lebanese state to reinforce its authority and promote national stability. The density of bilateral political relations between the two nations highlights the depth of their cooperation.

This project is part of France's broader commitment to aiding Lebanon's development, particularly in light of the country's economic and social challenges. By focusing on sustainability in agriculture, the initiative aligns with global efforts to address climate change and food security while fostering economic growth. The program also reflects a shared vision of creating a resilient and eco-friendly agricultural sector capable of supporting Lebanon's long-term development goals.

Through this collaboration, Lebanon and France aim to set a benchmark for sustainable agricultural practices, demonstrating the potential of international partnerships in addressing pressing environmental and economic issues. This initiative signifies not only a step forward for Lebanon’s agricultural sector but also a deepened relationship between the two nations, built on mutual trust and shared objectives.