The Federation of Farmers’ Unions issued a statement regarding “the President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun’s condemnation of Israeli planes spraying toxic pesticides on agricultural lands and orchards in a number of southern villages,” stressing that “denunciation and denouncing is a necessary national duty, but these positions remain insufficient unless they are translated into practical steps that protect farmers and the land, in light of the brutal and ongoing attacks on the agricultural sector that affect shepherds, fishermen, fields, trees, and sources of livelihood.”
The Union also expressed “a tribute of appreciation and loyalty to our patient and steadfast people and farmers throughout southern Lebanon, from Shebaa and Arqoub to Khiam and all the way to Naqoura, who daily face attacks and cling to their land despite the grave dangers.”
The statement pointed to “the seriousness of the recent crime of spraying toxic pesticides,” warning of its “catastrophic effects on land, soil, groundwater, environmental and agricultural life, which are long-term damage that is difficult to treat or contain.”
The Union relied on what was stated in the Chemists Syndicate’s report, “which confirms the danger of the materials used and their health, environmental, and agricultural repercussions,” stressing that “these violations are occurring in full view of the world and under shameless American cover, without any serious action to stop them or hold those responsible accountable.”
At the conclusion of its statement, the Union sent an urgent appeal to international bodies and UN and environmental organizations “to take immediate action and assume their responsibilities in protecting civilians and farmers, and to stop the environmental and agricultural crimes committed against Lebanon,” and asked: “How can the Lebanese, especially farmers, repel the aggression, repel harm, and protect the country and its people in light of this continuing inability?”
