Lebanon’s agricultural sector is gradually working toward recovery following significant damage caused by years of conflict, with renewed optimism stemming from the reopening of Gulf markets, particularly Saudi Arabia. Farmers and officials emphasize that efforts to restore farmland, production capacity, and export routes face numerous obstacles, including contamination from unexploded ordnance in southern regions.

Agriculture remains a critical component of Lebanon’s economy, contributing about 9 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), while food industries account for an additional 4 percent, according to Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani. The sector as a whole represents roughly 13 percent of Lebanon’s GDP. Hani reported that approximately 22.5 percent of agricultural land—around 56,000 hectares—was damaged by what he described as attacks, with most of the affected areas located in southern Lebanon and northern parts of the Bekaa Valley, including Baalbek and Hermel.

Despite such damage, Lebanon entered its peak agricultural season with sufficient production in other regions, helping to mitigate shortages. Southern Lebanon, typically responsible for 90 percent of the country’s banana production and 70 percent of its citrus, suffered heavy losses. However, unaffected areas have continued to supply both domestic markets and neighboring countries such as Syria, Jordan, and Iraq. The ministry previously noted that 78 percent of southern farmers had ceased operations during recent conflicts, highlighting the sector’s vulnerability.

The decision by Saudi Arabia to resume imports of Lebanese agricultural products, suspended since 2020, has been a pivotal development. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have historically been major buyers of Lebanese agricultural exports, accounting for 45 percent of total exports prior to 2020. Saudi Arabia received 13 percent, Kuwait 12.5 percent, and Qatar, the UAE, Oman, and Bahrain collectively accounted for the remainder. Exports were valued at $242 million in 2020, with around 200,000 tons of fruits, vegetables, and derivatives shipped to Gulf markets.

The sector faced its most challenging year in 2024 when the suspension on Saudi imports led to a sharp reduction of exports to Gulf countries, dropping to roughly 77,000 tons. Hani noted that reopening Saudi markets has restored confidence among farmers and exporters, offering a pathway to regain lost share in Gulf markets. The Agriculture Ministry has also focused on improving quality control, traceability, and compliance with international standards to enhance competitiveness.

Economic analysts see this resumption as the start of strengthened agricultural and economic cooperation between Lebanon and the GCC. Mohammad Choucair, head of Lebanese Economic Bodies, observed that Lebanon lost five years of export activity during the suspension, while Saudi Arabia’s economy continued to grow. He added that rapid resumption of export and shipping activities has bolstered the private sector, underscoring ongoing regional support.

Challenges remain beyond direct conflict damage. Reda Al-Mays, head of the Agriculture Committee at Lebanon’s Economic, Social and Environmental Council, cited indirect impacts such as fuel and fertilizer price increases that raise production costs even in unaffected areas. Antoine Hawik, head of the Lebanese Farmers Association, noted that economic pressures from the war have suppressed domestic demand, making export markets crucial for recovery. He recalled that before the crisis, Lebanon exported substantial quantities of fruits and vegetables through land crossings, including 350,000 tons annually.

While full restoration of pre-crisis export levels will require time, guaranteed market access through reopened transit routes is expected to incentivize farmers to expand cultivation and rebuild production, offering a hopeful outlook for Lebanon’s agricultural sector moving forward.