Lebanese Agriculture Minister announces austerity for 2027 budget

Lebanese Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani has announced that the 2027 budget will be characterized by austerity due to national commitments. Consequently, priority for funding has been shifted toward the health, social affairs, and infrastructure sectors.

To mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs on the industrial and agricultural sectors, the government is considering a proposal to implement a progressive tax on gasoline, with a potential cap of 300,000 Lebanese pounds. Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture is working on a roadmap to support apple producers by encouraging international imports of Lebanese apples through diplomatic efforts.

In Egypt, Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk has directed the deployment of food aid convoys and technical teams to several villages in the Aswan governorate to address living conditions and irrigation issues.