AP, Daily Star Lebanon’s Agricultural Ministry is banning the import of Syrian produce in an effort to protect Lebanese farm revenues.

Agriculture Minister Akram Chehayeb says he is trying to protect
“production and farmers” in the country. He says authorities will crack
down on cross-border smuggling. Lebanon’s agricultural sector has suffered under the strain of the war in neighboring Syria,
now in its sixth year. The Jordanian-Syrian border has been closed
since 2015, freezing overland exports from Lebanon to the rich Gulf
market, and causing a glut of agricultural produce in Lebanon.

Vegetables and fruits have overwhelmed the local markets, having a
huge negative effect on the farms, which can no longer handle the
situation,” he said, adding that there has been an “unprecedented” flow
of Syrian produce over the past few days.

“The farmer is shouting and it is my duty as the agriculture minister
to listen to his cries and act for the national interest,” he added.

He said his decision will give sellers a better opportunity to sell
their produce inside Lebanon, after “the doors to several Arab and Gulf
markets were closed to them.”

Chehayeb said that if Syria decides to close its borders to Lebanese
trucks, it wouldn’t have any effect, as the majority of agricultural
products do not pass through Syria anymore, with the exception of
bananas and citrus products.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Wael Abu Faour defended Chehayeb’s move Thursday, saying it was not politically motivated.

Syria’s Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Abdul Karim told As-Safir that the
decision affects the Lebanese-Syrian relationship during this sensitive time