Biocoop Lubnan

Biocoop Lubnan
for a sustainable future
Dani an 11-year-old boy, a grade
five student is typical of the youth
in the region around the town of
Bsharreh, once internationally
renowned for its apples and still
remembered as the birthplace of
Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931), author
of The Prophet
He daily herds 100
goat to water and
pasture
“I want to be a
pilot. Then I
can fly from
country to
country - from
the United
States to
Australia. I
have thought
of becoming a
farmer. I love
both equally. “
While Dani is drawn in many directions, Toni is unequivocally
devoted to the land. He speaks of it like a love of his life,
nearly equal to his devotion of his wife and children.
Number of farmers committed
Like Toni, Out of 900 Apple
growers in Bsharreh district
57 are Organic farmers.
60
50
2001
40
2002
30
2003
2004
20
2005
10
0
1
Years
They all are members of BIOCOOP
LUBNAN, the first national organic
cooperative in Lebanon with over 200
farmers from 61 villages all over
Lebanon. The aim is to reach over 1000
farmers by 2007
Estimated Total Sales in US $
4500000
4000000
3500000
3000000
2500000
2000000
1500000
1000000
500000
0
Year of
operation
2004
2006
2008
2010
BIOCOOP LUBNAN is supported by World Vision, an
international relief and development organisation.
World Vision Lebanon is established in Lebanon since 1975.
Extension services
Extension services
production
Why focus on Organic Agriculture?
Conventional
farming is very
competitive
Organic Agriculture
is a potential niche
market.
Limited
available
resources
Organic Agriculture
is vital to preserve
them.
Lebanon has
lots of small
scale farms
Organic Agriculture
is suitable for them
Lebanon has
diversified
ecosystems
Organic Agriculture
requires ecological
diversity
Organic Agriculture Impact:
¾ Economic Impact:
-New opportunities
-Increased income
¾ Social Impact:
-Prevents rural migration
-Challenges youth
-Enhances Eco Tourism
¾ Environmental Impact:
-Respects and preserves the fauna
and the flora
• Farmers:
• According to the Ministry of Agriculture
there are around 200,000 farmers in
Lebanon.
• 92% are males.
• 22.5% are 65 years and older.
• 1.6% are less than 25 years old.
Lebanon is rebuilding a fragile
democracy. A sustainable
development will stabilize it, and
will encourage other neighboring
countries to follow the same path.
Io c’ero!!!
…Because Dany deserves a better future…
-Thank you-