Embassy Highlight

A woman farmer votes in Bsharre...

As part of the U.S. Government’s efforts in expanding economic opportunities in the agribusiness sector, BioCoop Lubnan, the first organic cooperative in Lebanon held democratic elections for its board of directors. The cooperative’s by-laws have been recently amended in close collaboration with the Directorate of Cooperatives in order to establish independent branches for the cooperative in different Lebanese areas. The five branches in the North, the Beqaa, East Sidon, Nabatiye and Bint Jbeil will be linked to the cooperative’s main office in Beirut. Decentralizing the cooperative’s operations allows each geographical region to choose its own representatives, thus ensuring the active participation of all members in the decision-making. The latest elections were held in line with the newly amended by-laws. After the count of votes, the woman pictured above was elected among the five directors of the board. In addition to the Board of Directors, three control unit members and three substitute board members were also democratically elected.

This initiative falls within the U.S. Government-funded Sustainable Agribusiness Initiative for Lebanon (S.A.B.I.L.) program, implemented by World Vision Lebanon. Funded at a level of $6.2 million over a period of two years, the program addresses all aspects of the agribusiness process, by providing assistance directly to BioCoop Lubnan. The cooperative includes 120 certified member farmers involved in the niche market of organic agriculture. The program benefits more than 1,500 agriculture professionals, farmers, as well as school and university students, with the aim of establishing a profitable and sustainable farming system for rural Lebanese communities. Organic farming currently provides secure marketing of farmers’ yields and increases farmers’ income by an average of 20%.  

For the most up-to-date information on U.S. assistance to Lebanon, please read the Lebanon Situation Reports available at http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/.