Cherry producers in Lebanon prepare for EU export markets through ILO-supported training

Awareness sessions help farmers and agricultural SMEs understand compliance protocols, strengthen value chain collaboration, and build capacity for certification.

23 May 2025

a trainer giving a lesson and explaining from a chart board — Awareness raising session in Hammana. Lebanon, 29/05/2025

BEIRUT (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO), through its Sida-funded BOUZOUR project, supported two awareness-raising sessions organized by the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Zahle and the Bekaa (CCIAZ) and Lebanon’s Ministry of Agriculture (MoA). Held in the city of Zahle in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valleyand in Hammana in Lebanon’s Mount Lebanon area., the sessions brought together cherry farmers and agricultural small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from the Bekaa and Mount Lebanon areas to deepen their understanding of European Union (EU) market requirements—particularly for high-potential export crops such as cherries.

These sessions provided a platform for the MoA to present its updated guidelines for EU compliance, while farmers actively engaged in dialogue, raising the practical challenges they face in applying these standards.

Awareness raising session in Hammana. Lebanon, 29/05/2025.

“I always heard that EU standards were tough, but now I see why,” said Mr. Youssef Karam, a cherry farmer from Mount Lebanon. “It’s also about protecting our farms, our health, and the people who eat our products. This training helped me understand the full process and what needs to change on my land. Before, I didn’t realize how important every small detail was—from handling the crops to packaging. It’s a new process to get used to, yes, but it’s the right way to work if we want to reach better markets.”

A dedicated activity during the sessions also encouraged direct exchanges between farmers and exporters, laying the groundwork for stronger collaboration across the value chain. One exporter noted, “Last year, we tried to export but couldn’t because of the certification needed. This year, thanks to the ILO’s collaboration with the Chamber and the Ministry to establish this protocol, we finally have the tools and guidance we needed to move forward.”

Looking ahead, a group of at least 100 farmers will be selected to pilot the certification process in line with EU standards for plant health and pest control. With support from CCIAZ and the MoA, participating farmers will receive tailored training and practical inputs— like insect traps and natural crop protectors —to help them meet export requirements and access higher-value markets.

“European standards are the toughest,” explained Said Gedeon, a CCIAZ representative, “but if we can meet them, it means we’re ready for other markets. Other countries are also raising their standards, so by preparing now, we’re not just keeping up—we’re ensuring our products can compete globally.”

These efforts are part of a broader strategy under the BOUZOUR project, where the ILO continues to support actors across the cherry value chain in building stronger market linkages, boosting incomes, and improving working conditions throughout the sector.