Representatives of several unions related to the cattle sector gathered in Ghazzeh, in the Bekaa, on June 14, 2025. Photo shared by our correspondent Sarah Abdallah.
The Union of Cattle Breeders and Milk Producers in Lebanon declared on Saturday that the sector is in a “catastrophic situation” and called on the Minister of Agriculture, Nizar Hani, to “assume his responsibilities before it’s too late,” threatening to “step up pressure.”
A statement to this effect was issued following a meeting held in the village of Ghazzeh, in Western Bekaa, which was also attended by the Bekaa Cereal Growers Union, the Lebanese Cereal Growers Union, numerous farmers, cattle breeders and milk producers, as well as members of the municipality, according to our correspondent Sarah Abdallah.
During a press conference, the participants voiced complaints, notably about the soaring prices of fodder and the insufficient milk prices, which do not cover these costs. They also strongly rejected the importation of skimmed milk powder and the use of hydrogenated oils and fats in the production of food items competing with natural milk, done without any health controls.
Khair al-Jarrah, president of the Union of Cattle Breeders and Milk Producers, stressed that “the sector welcomed the new government team and the Minister of Agriculture, an engineer and doctor, with hope for concrete reforms,” but expressed disappointment at the ministry’s lack of interest. He confirmed that the minister had canceled two scheduled meetings with milk producers’ representatives since taking office.
“If nothing changes, next time we will take to the streets,” the participants warned.
