Lebanon’s agriculture minister, Akram Chehayeb, last week announced a decision that would block Lebanese companies from importing certain produce without prior approval, in an apparent response to demands by local growers struggling to sell their products.
According to the ministry’s decree, importers of frozen apples, pears and potatoes will now be required to obtain a license from the Agriculture Ministry.
Earlier in the day, apple growers in the coastal city of Jbeil, Lebanon, held a brief demonstration to demand the government take action over what they said were barriers to selling their products. Lebanon’s agricultural sector has in part been impacted by the ongoing conflict in neighboring Syria.
Source: Potato Business