WFP and BIAT initiative to boost
Agri-Food innovation in the North

Improved access to markets and finance,

technical training, business development guidance

To strengthen the strained food system and stimulate rural economic growth, the Business Incubation Association in Tripoli (BIAT) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) have jointly launched FIELD – Food Innovation for Enterprises, Livelihoods and Development Initiative. The program was unveiled at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Tripoli (CCIAT), an effort to support innovation, productivity, and market access within the country’s agri-food sector.

The initiative targets small farmers, cooperatives, and micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) across Akkar and North Lebanon which are regions with high agricultural potential but limited resources. By improving food quality, strengthening production capacity, and opening new income opportunities, FIELD will help local producers transition from subsistence-level activity to sustainable, market-driven growth.

Gloria Abou Zeid, Director General of Cooperatives at the Ministry of Agriculture, said: “One of the key pillars of the ministry’s strategy is to enhance the added value of agricultural products and to empower farmers and rural institutions through capacity building and the development of technical and administrative skills,” she said. FIELD, she added, will foster innovation, nurture emerging projects, and enhance product quality so that Lebanese producers can reach new markets.

WFP Lebanon Representative and Country Director Matthew Hollingworth recognized both the challenges and the untapped potential of the sector. “The food system faces immense pressure, but it also holds enormous potential,” he said. “In the North, through the FIELD initiative, WFP and BIAT are helping small producers by investing in skills, innovation, and market linkages which enable local enterprises to play a bigger role in shaping a stronger, more sustainable food system.”

Running from October 2025 to April 2026, FIELD offers a comprehensive support package that includes technical training, business development guidance, improved access to markets, and tailored financial assistance. The objective is to build the long-term competitiveness of small-scale producers by equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to scale their operations.

Beyond immediate capacity building, the initiative will also support evidence-based policymaking and program design. A research study, conducted in collaboration with the University of Balamand, will generate data and insights to guide future agri-food development efforts in Lebanon.