Towards the creation of a quality label for the cherries from the Bekaa Valley

Title Towards the creation of a quality label for the cherries from the Bekaa Valley

Location Lebanon, Bekaa Valley

Framework The work was carried out within the project “International network for the sustainable development and the management and production innovation of the small-scale producers in the cherry agribusiness supply chain in Lebanon”.

Funding The project was funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS)/Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Client Fondazione Giovanni Paolo II (John Paul II Foundation)

Context

 The Bekaa Valley with an average altitude of 1000m above sea level, is particularly suitable for a variety of grapes, vegetables and cherries. In this Valley 90% of the libanese wine is produced. The origins of the wine-making traditions can be traced back to the ancient Greeks. In the Bekaa Valley there are many cooperatives and rural enterprises devoted to the cultivation of cherry trees. The exports are mainly to the Arab countries.

Objective

Supporting small-scale cherry producers for:

  • ♦ Management and control of agri-food supply chains
  • ♦ Quality enhacement: sustainable and certified productions
  • ♦ Distribution: access to new markets

Our contribution

ARCO contributed to the enhancement of the management capacities of the cherry producers in 4 clusters of the Bekaa Valley in order to increase the sustainablity of their organisational and strategic management, with special reference to a quality-oriented production. Through a field mission ARCO carried out semi-structured interviews to farmers and strategic stakeholders (the Chamber of Commerce of Zahle and the Laboratory for Quality Control LARI) to carry out a quality assessment.

The final goal of the project is the creation of a quality label specific for the cherries from the Bekaa Valley.

 

Read more on our Circular Innovation & Sustainable Commodities Unit