The René Moawad Foundation donated advanced equipment for pesticide residue testing to the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture, a move hailed as a key step toward improving food safety standards and boosting Lebanon’s agricultural exports.
The new equipment was officially delivered during a ceremony marking the reopening of the ministry’s Phyto-Pharmacy Laboratory in Kfarshima on Thursday. The event was attended by Minister of Agriculture Dr. Nizar Hani, Dutch Ambassador Frank Mollen and René Moawad Foundation Executive Director and Member of Parliament Michel Moawad.
“This step enhances the export of Lebanese fruits and vegetables to European and regional markets,” the Rene Moawad Foundation said in a statement, highlighting support from the SADDER program (Sustainable Agricultural Development to Diversify and Export Regionally), funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Minister Hani emphasized the importance of science and laboratory infrastructure in building a modern agricultural sector. “Lebanon is distinguished by its agricultural crops, and agriculture remains at the core of our identity,” he said. “As a Mediterranean country, Lebanon represents refined taste in this sector. Laboratories are fundamental, and science is the cornerstone.”
He added that the ministry, guided by four strategic pillars, is working to build sectoral capacity and called for greater collaboration among stakeholders to support farmers, whom he described as “the most vulnerable link in the chain.”
For his side, MP Michel Moawad detailed the contributions made by the foundation, which included the installation of new testing equipment, specialized training for laboratory staff to work toward ISO accreditation and a renewable solar energy system to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.
“By equipping this laboratory, the farmer can now conduct tests easily, saving time and cost,” Moawad said. “This project is part of the René Moawad Foundation’s broader strategy to develop Lebanon’s agricultural sector.”
Moreover, Dutch Ambassador Frank Mollen underscored the importance of robust testing systems in maintaining consumer trust and ensuring safe food production. “In the EU, we analyze pesticide residues in our food every year. It’s not just a formality, it’s how we ensure food safety and prevent small issues from becoming large-scale public health concerns,” he said.
“Reliable testing benefits the entire production chain, from farm to table,” he concluded.
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