Under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Nizar Hani, Minister of Agriculture, the Ministry of Agriculture in Lebanon, QOOT Lebanese Agrifood Innovation Cluster, and Quinta Group came together to honor Eng. Nadine Khoury in recognition of her visionary leadership, professional journey, and significant contributions to the development of Lebanon’s agrifood sector.
The recognition ceremony, held on Thursday, 27 August 2026, at Quinta Grafted Nursery in Koubba, Batroun, brought together Metropolitan of Tripoli and North Lebanon of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, Archbishop Edward Daher; Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Lebanon, H.E. Frank Mollen; Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Eng. Louis Lahoud; a delegation of directors and heads of departments from the Ministry of Agriculture; Batroun District Governor Roger Toubia; the Lebanese Dutch Businessmen Association, represented by its Vice President Mr. Antoine Seif; QOOT Cluster President Mr. Nabil Schumann and members of the Board; as well as mayors, representatives of the security and military forces, government institutions and authorities, supporting organizations and institutions, Quinta partners and members, family members, international organizations, experts, academics, farmers, and social figures.
As the Founding and First President of QOOT Lebanese Agrifood Innovation Cluster and Chief Strategy Officer of Quinta Group, Eng. Khoury has played a significant role in fostering connections between businesses, institutions, experts, and partners, while promoting a culture of collaboration and innovation across Lebanon’s agrifood ecosystem.
Following the Lebanese National Anthem, the ceremony was moderated by Dr. Therese Maalouf. Reflecting on her contribution to QOOT and the wider sector, Mr. Nabil Schumann, President of QOOT Cluster, highlighted Nadine Khoury’s pivotal role in advancing Lebanon’s agriculture and agrifood sector and her embodiment of women’s leadership. He commended her ability to foster collaboration and innovation and to build strong partnerships with international institutions and organizations. He noted that he took over the leadership of the Cluster on a solid foundation and with a capable team, emphasizing that her passion and lasting impact continue to shape QOOT’s work.
Director General Eng. Louis Lahoud praised the efforts of the Lebanese agrifood ministry in supporting agricultural initiatives and recognizing innovation in the sector. He highlighted the importance of the ongoing cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture, Batroun Municipality, and the Union of Batroun Municipalities. He also praised the active role of sectoral committees in developing regulations that serve farmers and safeguard the quality of agricultural production.
“We are honoring Eng. Nadine Khoury as the first woman to be recognized in the agricultural sector,” praising her dynamism and perseverance since 2003, as well as her initiatives in agricultural processing, advocacy for farmers’ rights, and rural development.” He stated.
He highlighted several milestones in her career, including her role on the Fertilizers Committee, her support for Lebanon’s olive oil sector, and her support for Lebanon’s olive oil sector, commending her efforts in advancing the initiative to showcase Lebanese olive oil at the Duty Free at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, in addition to her leadership of QOOT Cluster, which has contributed to supporting and promoting Lebanese products at international exhibitions.
He concluded by congratulating Eng. Nadine Khoury and all those working in the agricultural sector and the Ministry, expressing his hope that this recognition would serve as an incentive for further dedication and innovation in support of agriculture and Lebanon.
The recognition also reflected a broader vision for the future of Lebanon’s agricultural and agrifood sectors. Addressing the gathering, H.E. Dr. Nizar Hani, Minister of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of partnerships, networks, and clusters in addressing the economic, environmental, and security challenges facing Lebanon’s agricultural sector. He highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors and farmers, including the establishment of 24 specialized sectoral committees tasked with developing roadmaps for different agricultural crops.
“Agricultural initiatives in Lebanon have witnessed significant momentum toward developing the sector and strengthening transparency and cooperation among the various stakeholders, through the establishment of partnerships and the creation of integrated networks of collaboration.”
The Minister also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to reducing administrative procedures, facilitating private-sector engagement, promoting modern agricultural technologies, and empowering women in agriculture. He noted that women represent 21% of registered farmers in Lebanon’s Farmers’ Registry, which includes more than 85,000 farmers, underscoring their essential role in the sector.
Nadine Khoury Appointed Representative of Lebanon’s Olive Sector
In a significant announcement during the ceremony, Minister Nizar Hani appointed Eng. Nadine Khoury as the ‘Face of Lebanese Olive,’ making her the spokesperson for the olive oil sector and a representative of Lebanese olive heritage across the country, contributing to the promotion and development of the sector and paving the way for the celebration of World Olive Day.
Following the screening of a film highlighting her professional journey and achievements, Eng. Khoury received commemorative shields in recognition of her contributions and addressed the gathering.
Expressing her gratitude, she reflected on the meaning of having a “voice” and the role she has sought to play in supporting Lebanon’s agriculture and agrifood sector.
“I have often wondered what it means for a person to have a ‘voice,’ and today I realize that a voice is the ability to express what we love and believe in. Throughout the years, my voice has always been dedicated to the agriculture and agrifood sector. While I am deeply honored by this recognition, I would first like to dedicate it to everyone who has remained in Lebanon and invested in it despite the many burdens and challenges.”
Eng. Khoury dedicated the recognition to her parents, who invested in agriculture more than 55 years ago and introduced technologies including greenhouse cultivation, drip irrigation, hybrid seeds, and grafting techniques.
She also expressed her appreciation to the Quinta team, the farmers and producers across Lebanon, QOOT Cluster, and the Ministry of Agriculture for their continued efforts to sustain and develop the sector.
Highlighting the challenges facing Lebanese agriculture, she noted that difficult security conditions, climate change, and rising input costs have resulted in damage to more than 56,000 hectares and sector losses exceeding USD 570 million.
She also highlighted Quinta Nursery’s nearly 20-year journey in vegetable grafting. The nursery serves more than 5,000 farmers across Lebanon, contributing to increased production while reducing pesticide use and supporting the protection of water and soil.
“Lebanon, despite its small size, possesses tremendous environmental diversity and promising young talent. I call on His Excellency the Minister and all stakeholders to always remain a supportive voice for Lebanese farmers, so that together we can contribute to building a better future for our country.”
The ceremony concluded with a networking reception featuring a selection of innovative products from QOOT member companies, offering guests an opportunity to connect and experience the diversity and creativity of Lebanon’s agrifood sector.
The recognition ceremony celebrated Eng. Nadine Khoury’s longstanding contribution to Lebanon’s agricultural and agrifood sectors, while reaffirming a shared commitment to supporting farmers, advancing innovation, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of Lebanon’s agrifood ecosystem and the presence of Lebanese products in local and international markets.
