Meyrouba: Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani inaugurated the Apple Festival in Meyrouba, aimed at supporting farmers, promoting the quality of Lebanese apples, and expanding domestic and foreign markets. During a meeting with farmers, traders, exporters, and cold-storage owners, Hani said this year's apple harvest is abundant, presenting an important economic opportunity but also requiring intensified efforts to secure markets and facilitate exports. He said domestic consumption stands at around 80 to 100 tons per day, while exports have reached up to 2,000 tons per day during peak periods, with efforts underway to increase exports to Arab markets, particularly the Gulf.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, Hani announced that Jordan will reopen its market to Lebanese agricultural products as of November 1, as part of efforts to expand export channels and facilitate the movement of Lebanese produce abroad. He stressed that the main challenge is no longer production alone, but marketing and selling the harvest on time, preserving its quality, and opening sustainable new markets. He also called on the media and social media users to avoid inaccurate or negative reporting that could harm Lebanese agricultural production and undermine market confidence.

A participating Egyptian trader said Egypt accounts for around 80 percent of Lebanon's apple exports, highlighting the importance of maintaining and developing this trade route. At the festival's opening, Hani announced that the Agriculture Ministry will launch a wide-ranging campaign to promote and market Lebanese apples, in cooperation with municipalities, cooperatives, producers, traders, exporters, and media outlets, while continuing efforts to open new markets and facilitate exports.