Agridev, a Lebanese company, is revolutionizing the agricultural industry through its innovative approach to food processing. The company’s core business revolves around farmers, and they seek to develop high-quality products that increase farmers’ profits while also involving women housewives in the manufacturing process. Agridev’s innovation is driven by a passion for sustainable rural development and the inclusion of local women actors.

Agridev’s innovation comes in several forms, including a community collaboration approach to job creation at the household level, where families and neighbors collaborate together in food processing. To extend the shelf-life of their products, Agridev introduced a double-package design that preserves the color, texture, and visual appeal of their products. They also installed a new vacuum machine with a gas inlet for a modified atmosphere and a vacuum jar for long-term, safely packed products.

The need for Agridev’s innovation is clear, as agriculture harvests in the Rass-Baalbeck catchment area are neither processed nor marketed. Farmers sell their raw products to wholesalers with a small profit margin, which has a significant impact on their livelihoods. Agridev’s innovation aims to improve farmers’ plantation methods, the quality of raw products, and the quality of end products. Additionally, their introduction of a new product on the national market, the sun-dried tomato, is an import substitute, further boosting the local economy.

Farmers, women households, and workforces living in the catchment area of Rass-Baalbeck are all benefitting from Agridev’s innovation. The company’s community collaboration approach fosters positive relationships while generating revenue at the household level. By improving the quality of raw products and the quality of end products, Agridev is making a significant impact on the agricultural industry in Lebanon.