Lebanon’s Ministry of Agriculture and the United Nations Development Programme have launched a new project to produce and distribute 1.5 million vegetable seedlings to support vulnerable farmers and strengthen local food security.
The initiative is being implemented under the “Together for Food Security” campaign with funding from the German Government through KfW Development Bank. It comes at a critical time for Lebanon’s agricultural sector, which continues to face pressure from Israeli attacks and the wider impacts of successive economic and social crises.
The project aims to help farmers maintain production, expand cultivated areas, and secure essential agricultural inputs. By providing vegetable seedlings of different varieties, the initiative supports farming families across Lebanon and contributes to the stability of rural communities.
The project is one of the key components of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Agricultural Response and Recovery Plan. It is designed to revitalize the agricultural production cycle by ensuring that affected farmers have access to high-quality seedlings and practical support needed to continue cultivation.
The first phase of the project includes the production and distribution of 500,000 vegetable seedlings. These seedlings will be provided to farmers in areas located more than 500 meters above sea level across various Lebanese governorates where climatic conditions are suitable for cultivation during the current season.
The seedlings have been produced at the Ministry of Agriculture’s nursery in Abdeh, Akkar. The nursery serves as an important example of the Ministry’s role in promoting local production and providing quality agricultural inputs to farmers. This approach supports Lebanon’s efforts to improve food self-sufficiency and build more sustainable agricultural systems.
Distribution is being carried out through the Ministry’s agricultural centers for farmers registered in the National Farmers Registry. The process is coordinated with municipal unions and municipalities to ensure that support reaches eligible beneficiaries through clear and transparent mechanisms.
Germany is supporting the project as part of its wider partnership with Lebanon on food security and agricultural resilience. As the top bilateral donor to Lebanon, Germany is investing significantly in humanitarian and development assistance, including support for people affected by war, displacement, and economic hardship.
In 2026, Germany made available a total of 153.3 million euros in humanitarian and development assistance to Lebanon. Through this project, German support is helping strengthen local agricultural production and protect the livelihoods of farming communities at a time of growing need.
The partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture, UNDP, and Germany reflects a shared commitment to rebuilding the capacities of Lebanon’s agricultural sector. The project focuses on practical support for farmers, investment in local production, and the strengthening of agricultural value chains.
By helping farmers continue their work, the initiative contributes directly to national food security. Agriculture remains one of Lebanon’s most important sectors for rural livelihoods, local food supply, and economic resilience. Supporting farmers is therefore not only an agricultural priority but also a social and economic necessity.
The project also highlights the importance of international cooperation in helping Lebanon respond to ongoing crises. Donor-funded agricultural support can help reduce pressure on vulnerable communities, improve access to food, and strengthen the ability of rural areas to recover from shocks.
For farming families, access to seedlings can make a direct difference in their ability to cultivate land, generate income, and provide food for local markets. For communities, expanded agricultural production can help improve food availability and reduce dependence on external supply chains.
The Ministry of Agriculture has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding cooperation with international partners, donor agencies, and local institutions. This reflects the Ministry’s belief that supporting Lebanese farmers is a direct investment in the country’s resilience, stability, and sustainable development.
The “Together for Food Security” campaign places agriculture at the center of Lebanon’s recovery efforts. By producing and distributing vegetable seedlings today, the project supports a more secure and productive future for farmers, rural communities, and the country’s food system.
Every seedling distributed through this initiative represents a step toward stronger local production, improved livelihoods, and greater food security. At a time of uncertainty, the project shows how targeted agricultural support can help Lebanon protect its rural communities and build a more stable and resilient future.
