Beirut: Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani on Wednesday held an expanded meeting with dairy producers and cheese manufacturers to address mounting challenges facing Lebanon’s milk sector amid economic and security pressures.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, participants in the meeting agreed on a temporary guiding price of $0.75 per kilogram for fresh milk, reduced from the previous price of $0.80, pending market stabilization. The ministry also announced measures aimed at protecting local production. These measures include reducing powdered milk imports, tightening oversight on dairy factories, and regulating cheese imports linked to local market needs and purchases of Lebanese milk.

Hani emphasized that these measures are intended to support farmers, protect food security, and preserve the sustainability of Lebanon’s dairy sector. The sector faces significant challenges, particularly as southern farmers continue to suffer from the impact of ongoing Israeli attacks and rising production costs.