QOOT Lebanese Agri-Food Cluster is proud to announce its partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to support Lebanon’s Agri-Food SMEs in overcoming supply chain disruptions and improving market access.
This initiative is part of QOOT’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation, resilience, and sustainability within the Agri-Food sector and among Lebanese and Syrian refugee communities.
Project Overview
Under the project titled “Supporting Agri-SMEs in Addressing Supply Chain Disruptions and Enhancing Market Access in Lebanon,” QOOT Cluster, in collaboration with the ILO’s BOUZOUR and PROSPECTS projects, aims to provide essential support to farmers and Agri-Food SMEs to ensure supply chain continuity, business sustainability, and enhanced market connectivity.
With Lebanon’s Agri-Food sector facing unprecedented challenges due to economic instability, logistical disruptions, post-conflict reconstruction and fluctuating market conditions, this project serves as a critical intervention to stabilize and strengthen the industry.
Objectives and Expected Outcomes
The collaboration between QOOT Cluster and the ILO is designed to:
- Strengthen supply chains by addressing bottlenecks in sourcing, transportation, and logistics.
- Enhance market linkages through contract farming and B2B matchmaking events between Agri-Food SMEs and farmers.
- Improve product quality by providing technical support, compliance training, and capacity-building initiatives.
- Drive sustainable growth within Lebanon’s Agri-Food and Agri-Culture sector by fostering collaboration and innovation.
Strategic Approach
The project will be executed in multiple phases, including:
- SME Needs Assessment – Conducting surveys, interviews, and technical evaluations to identify key supply chain challenges and market entry barriers.
- Targeted Support and Cost-Sharing Initiatives – Selecting SMEs based on strategic criteria and co-developing transformational plans tailored to their specific needs.
- Capacity Building and Technical Assistance – Offering coaching, training, and workshops focused on enhancing competitiveness of both SMEs based on their needs and Farmers on the best agricultural practices.
- Market Integration and B2B Matchmaking – Facilitating business connections between Lebanese Agri-Food SMEs and farmers of their related crops to contribute to contract farming between Agri-Food processors and their related processed crops farmers.
QOOT’s Commitment to Agri-Food Innovation
Since its inception, QOOT Cluster has been dedicated to elevating Lebanon’s Agri-Food industry through collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing. With over 130 members spanning various sub-sectors, QOOT has successfully led numerous projects aimed at enhancing competitiveness, internationalization, and business resilience.
“By partnering with the ILO, we are taking a significant step toward securing a sustainable future for Lebanon’s Agri-Food SMEs. This initiative will empower businesses with the tools and resources needed to navigate challenges and unlock new market opportunities.” said Dr. Marc Bou Zeidan, Executive Director of QOOT Cluster.
Looking Ahead
The QOOT Cluster-ILO partnership marks a key moment for Lebanon’s Agri-Food sector. By leveraging collective expertise and resources, the project aims to create lasting impact and economic resilience for Lebanese SMEs.
