October 2, 2026
The Council of Ministers approved the exemption of vegetable seeds listed under tariff item (1209.91) from customs duties amounting to 5%, based on the efforts and diligent follow-up of the Ministry of Agriculture, in a step aimed at alleviating the financial burdens on farmers and reducing production costs.
The Ministry of Agriculture explained, in a statement, that this decision comes in response to a request it had previously submitted, noting that Lebanon does not locally produce hybrid or purebred seeds for a wide number of vegetables, especially tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelons, carrots, and beets, which makes their import an imperative necessity for the continuation of the agricultural cycle and local production.
In the same context, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Nizar Hani, confirmed that this step falls within the core of the ministry’s policy aimed at supporting farmers from the moment the agricultural cycle begins until the marketing and export stages. He explained that real support begins with providing production requirements at reduced prices that contribute to raising quality and productivity, which enhances the ability of Lebanese products to compete in local and foreign markets, and helps farmers hold on to their lands and achieve a sustainable income.
The statement concluded by emphasizing that this decision represents a practical step within a broader strategy adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture to reduce the burdens on producers, develop the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, and enhance its vital role in the food security system and support the national economy.
