Lebanon's Agriculture Ministry Launches Comprehensive Crackdown on Dairy Smuggling and Fraud
The ministry emphasized that this initiative will be conducted "in close coordination with the army command and technical teams from the Baalbek-Hermel Agriculture Department," according to an official statement. The survey will focus on critical areas including al-Qaa, al-Mashari, Hosh al-Sayyed Ali, al-Qasr, and will extend to the city of Hermel.
This strategic campaign aims to "safeguard livestock, protect Lebanese farmers and breeders, and ensure the safety of food and public health for all Lebanese citizens," the statement continued.
In addition to its focus on the dairy industry, the ministry reiterated its commitment to curbing the smuggling of fruits and vegetables, which poses a significant threat to domestic agricultural production. The ministry urged farmers, producers, and factory owners in the affected regions to cooperate fully with the inspection teams.
Earlier, on July 25, the ministry issued a stern warning about the increasing danger posed by large-scale smuggling operations, particularly those bringing agricultural products and fresh milk into Lebanon. While the ministry did not specify the origins of these products, it is widely understood that the smuggling predominantly originates from neighboring Syria, the only country sharing open borders with Lebanon.
These borders, known for their porous nature, have been a conduit for smuggling for many years, a problem exacerbated by Lebanon’s economic crisis since 2019. According to a 2020 study by the Issam Fares Institute at the American University of Beirut, the agricultural sector in Lebanon relies heavily on informal employment, particularly among Syrian refugees. The sector has operated in a "legally informal" state, with no dedicated policies since the era of President Fouad Chehab, contributing to the ongoing challenges faced by the industry.
The Agriculture Ministry’s recent measures underscore a renewed focus on formalizing and protecting the sector, which is vital to Lebanon’s economy and public health.
