Photo Caption: Matthew Hollingworth and Nasri Mouawad with the WFP and BIAT teams
BIAT, in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), has launched the FIELD – Food Innovation for Enterprises, Livelihoods & Development Initiative at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Tripoli (CCIAT).
The event brought together representatives from government institutions, the private sector, academia, and civil society to celebrate a new joint initiative aimed at supporting innovation and sustainable growth in Lebanon’s agri-food sector.
During the launch, participants were introduced to the initiative’s objectives, partnership roles, and implementation pathways. The agenda featured presentations from WFP and BIAT teams outlining how the FIELD initiative will contribute to enhancing productivity, improving food quality, and creating income opportunities for small farmers, cooperatives, and micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) in Akkar and North Lebanon.
During her speech, Gloria Abou Zeid, Director General of Cooperatives at the Ministry of Agriculture, representing His Excellency the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Nizar Hani, stated that “one of the key pillars of the ministry’s strategic directions is to enhance the added value of agricultural products and to empower farmers and rural institutions through capacity building and the development of technical and administrative skills. The FIELD initiative aims to create a suitable environment for innovation, stimulate emerging projects, and enhance the quality of food products, enabling them to enter new markets.”
“Lebanon’s food system faces immense pressure, but it also holds enormous potential,” said Matthew Hollingworth, WFP Lebanon Representative and Country Director. “In North Lebanon, through the FIELD initiative, WFP and BIAT are helping small producers by investing in skills, innovation, and market linkages which enable local enterprises to play a bigger role in shaping a stronger, more sustainable food system.”
The FIELD initiative will run from October 2025 to April 2026. It aims to help local producers move from subsistence activities toward more sustainable, market-driven growth through a combination of technical training, business development support, access to markets, and tailored financial assistance.
“FIELD is more than a project — it is an investment in people, and in the belief that North Lebanon can and will be a leader in food innovation and economic recovery.”- Nasri Mouawad, Chairman & CEO of BIAT
“We are convinced that with trust, support, and smart investment, Lebanon’s agricultural sector can thrive. Today, we take a decisive step toward that goal, aspiring for this program to mark a true milestone that reestablishes agriculture’s importance and empowers farmers in driving a productive and self-sufficient economy.” – Toufic Dabboussi, president of the Chamber of Commerce Industry Agriculture of Tripoli and the north.
In addition to capacity-building efforts, a research study in collaboration with the University of Balamand will be conducted to generate evidence and insights that inform future agri-food programming in Lebanon.
Experts and panelists underscored the pivotal role of innovation in advancing the agri-food businesses. They highlighted the growing opportunities to improve access to finance and expand market reach, while also addressing key challenges faced by local producers. The discussion emphasized how these challenges can be transformed into drivers of growth through targeted support, strategic partnerships, and sustainable development approaches.
Speaking at the event, representatives from WFP Lebanon highlighted the organization’s long-term commitment to strengthening food systems, supporting local enterprises, and enhancing livelihoods as part of its broader mission to improve food security and resilience in Lebanon.
The launch concluded with networking sessions that allowed participants to exchange ideas and explore potential synergies to advance inclusive, climate-smart practices in the agri-food sector.