Fair Trade Lebanon currently offers a viable economic model to farmers in rural regions of Lebanon. It provides around 50 cooperatives with adequate equipment, training sessions on hygiene, quality control, and best practices according to Fair Trade regulations and principles.
More than 1500 attendees enjoyed Lebanese rural specialties and celebrated World Fair Trade Day in an event organized by Fair Trade Lebanon on Sunday at St. Georges’ Convent, Roumiyeh- Qleyaat.
With the support of Minister of Economy and Trade, Mansour Bteich, the event brought together Fair Trade supporters, food influencers and Lebanese lifestyle bloggers around fresh Lebanese products under the slogan “Meet the Producers.”
“In Lebanon, there’s a lack of trust in local products, yet, there are a lot of certifications that prove the high quality of coops’ rural goods. Today is an opportunity for people to meet the trustworthy producers of these products,” said Christy Massabni, marketing and communication executive at Fair Trade Lebanon.
She added: “I encourage people to buy from local products because it’s not only about the money, it’s a whole mission and a commitment to our home country.”
Mr. Bteich gave the closing speech in which he highlighted Fair Trade Lebanon’s many achievements and wished them a future full of success.
“Thanks to Fair Trade Lebanon, the event today celebrates teamwork and promotes the relationship between people and their country. It is a source of hope for all the producers and especially women who make up half of the society,” he said.
Mohammad Al Saleh, member of Majdala-based cooperative, said: “Fair Trade Lebanon is our number one motivator to produce more; we consider it as our backbone. The event today is a wonderful chance to unite consumers with producers.”
Lebanese farmers are now exporting more than 70 Lebanese products through Fair Trade Lebanon’s network to Europe, UK, Australia, the Gulf countries, and the United States.
“The Lebanese culinary heritage is a trend, and is demanded everywhere. I encourage people to start their own businesses in rural areas because we have a lack of such initiatives. We promise the coops a whole journey of support with our sustainable model because we both believe in this mission,” Massabni told Annahar.
For more information:
Fair Trade Lebanon
Tel: +961 5 952153
Email: contact@fairtradelebanon.org
www.fairtradelebanon.org/en