This season, my family made a painful decision: we are uprooting 80,000 m² of productive apple orchards. Here’s why, and what needs to change:

Apple production in Northern Bekaa, especially in Labweh and the surrounding villages, is estimated at over half a million cases (22 kg each). The harvest starts in the third week of July with early varieties such as Early Gold, followed by Gala. Golden Delicious and Starking are harvested from late August to mid-September, and Granny Smith at the end of September. This year, the favorable weather and rainfall gave us a better crop, yet prices collapsed. Early varieties sold for USD 7–8 per case, while Golden Delicious and Starking averaged around USD 3 per case, roughly 14 cents per kg. At that price, farmers cannot even cover their production costs.
Every year, the conversation about supporting apple farmers starts when the apple harvest in our mountain areas begins around end of September and practically all Northern Beqaa harvest is nearly concluded. We organize festivals and sales campaigns, but by then it’s too late. Market access must be prepared well before the fruit is ready to harvest, through early production forecasting, cooperation planning, and securing export quotas with neighboring countries. Allocating USD 1 million to reduce container costs does not put money in farmers’ pockets. How is a farmer supposed to survive? And why, in 2026, are we still not using a digital farm platform that connects farmers with each other and with markets? Such a platform could guide production according to GAP and sustainable practices and keep updated data from every plot. Ministries and relevant authorities could then plan each crop and decide what to export, and when. Without data and early planning, we will keep having the same conversation every September, while more orchards disappear. What would it take to make this happen in Lebanon? I’d welcome your thoughts.

#Agriculture#Lebanon#FoodSecurity#SupplyChain#AgTech#Apples#Farmers#Bekaa#SustainableAgriculture
Nadia Haidar, Rana Haidar
Nizar Hani Ph.D,
Ardi Ardak
Terre Verte
Georges N. Frem Foundation (GNFF)
Environment and Sustainable Development Unit
Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences – AUB
AGRIVI

picture from H Farmlands where apple plots are being removed

“Join us in supporting the determined & brave farmers of Lebanon. Despite airstrikes and numerous obstacles, they continue to harvest their olive trees. Your help can make a significant impact. Reach out to us at info@terreverteagri.com for more details.”

#ExtraVirginOliveOil
#SupportFarmers

From our family to all the dads struggling to support their families our heartfelt wishes for a great day!!!
#HappyFathersDay

It gives us a great honor to share that Mr. Thomas Healey will be supporting Terre Verte as senior advisor and consultant to help grow our consultancy business and reach.

Tom has served as a Senior Executive in the global protein and food ingredient sectors. He has held pivotal roles including Executive Leadership, Global Supply Chain Management, International Business Development, Global R&D and Quality Assurance, International Sales, and Commodity Insights for a variety of Fortune 100 Companies.

Tom earned a BS in Animal Science, and an MS in Genetics and Food Science from Mississippi State University providing him with a unique background that compliments his work experience spanning 33 years in the food industry.

Since April 17, harvest started in both our production Farms H. Farmlands & KAC, for further information contact us by email on info@terreverteagri.com

Apples & Stone fruits:

Grapes:

So fresh, So Lebanese!! Bayadi Apricots

As competition in the consulting industry grows fiercer, building upon your skills and knowledge is a major milestone. Dedicate time to get new certifications and training in order to diversify your business information. At Terre Verte, our managing partners tackle a wide range of activities, from general consultancy to concept development, connecting businesses in agriculture and agri-business. Constantly sharpening your skills is the only way to keep up. #Consulting #SkillsDevelopment #TerreVerte.