ARADINA: Lebanon’s green leap toward sustainable agriculture

Lebanon has officially launched ARADINA, a €7 million, four-year project designed to support thousands of farmers and cooperatives in shifting toward sustainable and ecological agriculture. Backed by French funding and international partners, the initiative promises to reshape Lebanon’s farming sector for a greener, more resilient future.

In a country where agriculture has long been strained by economic collapse, climate stress, and weak market structures, ARADINA emerges as a strategic lifeline. Funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and implemented with CIHEAM Montpellier, Action Against Hunger, and Fair-Trade Lebanon, the project will provide both technical and financial support to farmers while embedding sustainability at the heart of Lebanon’s agricultural future.

A four-year, €7 million investment

ARADINA is set to run for four years, with a budget of €7 million provided by AFD. The program’s core mission is to assist 2,500 farmers and 145 cooperatives across Lebanon. By combining ecological practices with stronger market access, the project aims to build a farming sector that is not only productive but also resilient against economic and environmental shocks.

Supporting farmers on the ground

The initiative focuses on equipping farmers with practical tools and skills. This includes training in agroecology, financial support for smallholders, and tailored assistance to cooperatives. Farmers will also benefit from improved access to local and international markets, ensuring that sustainable produce can find competitive outlets.

Aligning with national strategy

Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani highlighted that ARADINA aligns with the ministry’s 2025–2026 strategic plan. The government is prioritizing support for farmers hit by successive crises, enhancing their skills, improving market access, and embedding ecological practices into the country’s food systems. According to Hani, ARADINA represents “a turning point toward a greener, more resilient agricultural future in Lebanon.”

Partners with a shared vision

International and local partners have joined forces to implement the project. CIHEAM Montpellier brings technical expertise, while Action Against Hunger and Fair-Trade Lebanon provide grassroots support and fair-trade frameworks. Jean-Bertrand Mothes, AFD’s Director in Lebanon, explained:

Through ARADINA, we aim to help Lebanese farmers adopt sustainable agriculture, improve their market presence, and strengthen their communities

Beyond training: a fairer agricultural system

The project also tackles structural challenges. By strengthening cooperatives and small enterprises, ARADINA seeks to reduce the dominance of informal, unregulated practices that undermine the sector. The emphasis is on justice and sustainability: supporting those who are already complying with rules while pushing for broader accountability across the sector.

Ultimately, ARADINA aims to contribute to Lebanon’s food security, a pressing concern in a country still reeling from financial collapse and currency devaluation. By encouraging ecological farming and building fairer market systems, the project is not only helping farmers survive but also preparing them to thrive in a changing economic and climatic landscape.

ARADINA is more than just an agricultural program; it is a bet on Lebanon’s capacity to reinvent its food systems. By linking farmers, cooperatives, and institutions with international expertise and funding, the initiative sets the stage for a sector that can withstand crises, feed the nation, and protect the environment.