AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENTS

The geographical aspect and the climate of Lebanon both constitute an important incentive factor for agricultural investment in Lebnon. Furthermore, there is an abundance of water reserves all over the Lebanese territory. Finally, there are fiscal incentives that encourage such investment in this sector which is not yet as developed as it could be.

Q- Q- HOW IS THE CLIMATE IN LEBANON ?

A- The Lebanese climate is relatively quite moderate. Of course, such moderation varies between the coastal areas and the mountains, this results in a variety of fruits and vegetables that can be grown in Lebanon.

Q- Q- HOW DOES THE GEOGRAPHY AFFECT AGRICULTURE ?

A- Lands suitable for agriculture are available on the mountainous areas as well as on the central and coastal ones. Thus, fruits

that resist snow and cold, such as apples are grown on the higher lands while other crops are grown on the central lands and tropical fruits on the coast.

Q- IS ENOUGH WATER AVAILABLE FOR AGRICULTURE ?

A- Lebanon has an abundant supply of water both from its sources and underground reserves.

Q- HOW DOES THE LEBANESE LEGISLATION ENCOURAGE AGRICULTURE ?

A- The Lebanese legislator has endeavoured to encourage agriculture in Lebanon by various means of Protection and Incentives :

a- Agricultural Co-operatives, who do not have a commercial purpose, are exempt from taxes.

b- A landowner who exploits his land for Agriculture, is subject to real estate tax only.

c- Special facilities are granted to people involved with the following Agricultural professions :

1- Import and Wholesale of Agricultural medicaments.

2- Retail selling of Agricultural medicaments in their original packings.

3- Packaging of Agricultural medicaments.

4- Mixing Agricultural medicaments.

5- Producing Agricultural medicaments.

d- Lebanon joined the agreement founding the International Fund for Agricultural Developmenmt.

e- Agreement with the American Government to sell Agricultural products according to the General American Law.

Q- ARE THERE ANY FINANCING INCENTIVES FOR AGRICULTURAL PROJECTS ?

A- Yes, Financial aid to the Agricultural sector comes from:

a- International Organizations such as, FAO, IFAD, OPEC.

b- Foreign banks such as : The Islamic Bank, Arab Organization for Agricultural Development, the Arab Fund for Economic and social Development.

c- The bilateral aid agreements with America, France, Germany and Austria.

d- The Lebanese National bank for Agricultural Development.