ILO and partners launch certification programme to boost Lebanese agricultural exports to the EU

© CCIAZ

© CCIAZ

ZAHLE (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Zahle and the Bekaa (CCIAZ) and Lebanon's Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), formally launched a strategic partnership aiming to support the development of a comprehensive certification programme that enables agricultural exporters, especially small and medium enterprises, to meet stringent EU export standards for selected crops. The initiative will also provide reliable market information to boost competitiveness and open new trade channels for Lebanese agri-products.

This collaboration, implemented under the ILO’s BOUZOUR project and funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), seeks to address pressing challenges faced by agricultural exporters in meeting the regulatory requirements of international markets, especially the European Union (EU) market.

The press event and signing ceremony, held at the CCIAZ headquarters in Zahle, marked the official launch of this partnership and introduced a roadmap for developing certification guidelines for selected crops, starting with cherries, and expanding to others such as prunes and citrus.

Under the BOUZOUR Project, ILO has been actively supporting cherry exporters in identifying promising export markets and meeting the necessary standards and requirements by working closely with farmers. One of the primary target markets identified was the EU market, based on clear window of opportunities for late varieties. However, exporters in Lebanon have been facing several challenges that hinder their access to international markets, particularly the EU market. One major issue is the limited awareness among exporters and stakeholders regarding new export requirements for certain crops destined for the EU. Although Memorandum No. 125111/17 outlines specific protocols for exporting certain fruits to the European market, many stakeholders still struggle to translate these guidelines into practical, actionable steps at both the production and export levels. Additionally, there is a pressing need to strengthen coordination and collaboration among farmers, exporters, and relevant institutions to ensure Lebanese crops can meet market demands and access export opportunities effectively.

To address these challenges more effectively and ensure successful exports this season, the ILO is engaging with the CCIAZ and the MoA to develop a comprehensive, stakeholder-informed certification process. This new framework will enable exporters to meet EU requirements and position Lebanon’s agriculture sector for sustainable growth and market expansion.

Opening the event, Dr. Nizar Hani, Lebanon’s Minister of Agriculture, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to facilitating market access and aligning national standards with international benchmarks.

“Agricultural guidance in Lebanon must evolve to address emerging challenges. The country should adopt modern agricultural practices by leveraging advanced technologies and tapping into the wealth of available expertise. Efforts should also focus on enhancing agricultural products to meet international standards and export requirements. By identifying the demands of global markets, Lebanon can align its crop varieties and improve product quality to seize export opportunities and strengthen its agricultural sector.” said at the event Lebanon’s Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani. The MoA plays a pivotal role in driving Lebanon’s agricultural transformation, as outlined in its strategic directions for 2025-2026. In line with its priority to expand market access and enhance agricultural governance, the MoA is partnering with the ILO and CCIAZ to develop a comprehensive certification programme for exports and market information. This initiative reflects the Ministry’s broader mission to align national agricultural practices with international standards, particularly EU requirements, and promote Lebanon’s agri-products on global markets. By supporting improved compliance frameworks and engaging key value chain actors, the ministry is facilitating export readiness, strengthening rural livelihoods, and contributing to long-term economic resilience and sector recovery​.

Following the Minister’s remarks, a representative from the Swedish Embassy reaffirmed Sweden’s support for initiatives that promote sustainable development and economic resilience in Lebanon.

“Through its strategic collaboration with the International Labour Organization, Sweden is proud to support the agriculture sector in Lebanon, a vital engine for inclusive growth and resilience. This partnership is not only strengthening livelihoods but also opening pathways to new markets, which in turn will generate decent job opportunities. By advancing initiatives focused on import substitution and export promotion, Sweden is fostering sustainable economic opportunities for both Lebanese citizens and Syrian refugees, paving the way for shared prosperity and long-term development.” said Sweden’s Head of Development Cooperation in Lebanon, Petra Smitmanis Dry, supporting the joint ILO – CCIAZ – MoA intervention through the ILO BOUZOUR project.

The ILO presented the broader vision behind the initiative, highlighting how it builds on lessons learned from the last cherry export season and aims to set a precedent for future crop-specific certification programmes.

“This collaboration marks a vital step in unlocking Lebanon’s agricultural export potential. By joining forces with the Embassy of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), and the Chamber of Commerce of Zahle and the Bekaa (CCIAZ), we are bridging compliance gaps, enhancing export readiness, and opening doors to high-value markets, especially in the EU. Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more competitive agricultural sector that benefits farmers, businesses and rural communities alike and that is more conducive to decent work” said the ILO Enterprise Specialist, Badra Alawa.

The Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Zahle (CCIAZ) closed the speeches by highlighting the vital role of regional Chambers in connecting producers to markets and supporting the implementation of certification programmes.

“Change and reform are essential pillars for progress, and the CCIAZ stands ready to fully support the Minister of Agriculture in advancing these efforts, particularly in implementing comprehensive agricultural plans that serve the needs and potential of every region in Lebanon.” said the President of the CCIAZ, Mounir Teeny.