Minister of Agriculture Dr. “Nizar Hani” received today in his office a delegation of livestock breeders in Lebanon in an expanded meeting. The meeting revolved around discussing the conditions of the agricultural sector in light of the recovery efforts from foot-and-mouth disease, in addition to the accumulated challenges facing breeders. “Hani” affirmed the “full partnership between the ministry and the breeders, as they are a fundamental pillar in the national food security system.”
The meeting was a starting point for identifying priorities and developing action plans to support the livestock sector, where agreement was reached on several measures, the most important of which are:
* Forming a “specialized sectoral committee for the livestock sector” comprising representatives of breeders, relevant parties in the ministry, and partner institutions, to continuously follow up on technical, economic, and health issues, and provide applicable solutions.
* Studying the possibility of adopting a “new guiding price for fresh milk” that takes into account the actual cost of production and ensures the continuation of breeders in their work while maintaining market balance.
* Seeking to reduce the import of “skimmed milk used in some food industries which is mixed with hydrogenated oils,” due to its negative effects on consumer health and local production, in order to protect food safety and support the national product.
* Organizing a meeting soon with “feed companies” to discuss the large increase in feed prices, and to search for mechanisms to alleviate the financial burdens on breeders.
* Securing available support in cooperation with donor agencies and international organizations, and directing it directly to the livestock sector according to clear and transparent priorities.
* Intensifying control at the borders to reduce smuggling operations and protect national production from unfair competition.
* Tightening control over “food preparation factories that violate laws and health standards,” especially those that the Ministry of Agriculture has previously warned against their practices due to their negative effects on public health.
In his speech, the Minister of Agriculture stressed that “the livestock sector constitutes one of the main pillars of food security and food safety in Lebanon,” emphasizing that “supporting breeders and protecting their production is a national choice that cannot be delayed.” He pointed out that “the ministry is working according to an integrated approach that combines health, economic and regulatory support, in commitment to the citizen’s right to safe food, and to protecting national production sectors and strengthening their resilience in the face of crises.”
“Hani” concluded his speech by confirming that “the ministry will remain alongside the breeders, through continuous dialogue and practical measures, leading to a more sustainable livestock sector capable of meeting the needs of the Lebanese market.” (National Agency)
