Food security is the ultimate solution amidst the circumstances that Lebanon is going through.

Since the beginning of the war on Lebanon, I have pledged to myself not to talk about politics or to analyze what is happening, although I have a lot to say, but I have always been an economist and my patriotism requires me to provide economic advice and solutions in light of the difficult circumstances that the country's economy is going through and in light of the war that has begun to impose restrictions and a blockade on ships and other matters that we may face in these dangerous and difficult circumstances that our country Lebanon is going through. We must develop an economic emergency plan and work on it as a private sector to preserve our people in Lebanon. When wars prolong, crises appear, so it is very necessary to develop short-term and long-term strategies to deal with the economic impacts and preserve the country's food and economic security.

Here are some necessary steps to preserve the country's economy:
1- Agriculture and food security: Wars affect food supply chains, which makes the agricultural sector essential, especially in these circumstances that have begun to impose a kind of blockade on us. It has become necessary to invest in local agriculture, whether on a large or small scale, as local food production becomes a necessity in times of crisis. Focusing on sustainable agriculture, such as using technologies such as smart farming and water-saving irrigation, can boost productivity.

Developing processing industries such as food industries that transform agricultural raw materials into long-term storable products.

Processing refers to the processes by which raw materials are transformed into value-added products that can be sold or stored for longer periods.

Food canning: Fruits and vegetables are processed and preserved in airtight containers, such as canning tomatoes, beans, corn, etc. This method allows food to be preserved for long periods without the need for refrigeration.

Freezing: Freezing agricultural products such as vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish contributes to extending their shelf life. This can also include the production of ready-made frozen foods such as pizza, ready-made dishes, etc.

Drying: Such as drying fruits (dates, raisins, dried apricots) or vegetables, and even meat (dried meat). This method reduces the water content of the products, which extends their shelf life.

Milling and grain conversion: Converting grains such as wheat into products such as flour, or corn into starch and corn sugar. These products form the basis of many foods and retain their value for long periods. Dairy and dairy products production: Converting milk into products such as cheese, butter, dried milk, labneh, and others. These products are made to last longer than raw milk.

Jam and juice production: Processing fruits and turning them into jams or sweetened juices and preserving them in tightly sealed cans or bottles. This process preserves the fruit for longer periods and makes them edible throughout the year.

Vegetable oil production: Extracting oils from plants such as olives, sesame, or soybeans. These oils can be stored and used for long periods.

The benefits of food processing industries are essential, especially since many agricultural crops are seasonal and may spoil if not consumed quickly, and converting them into storable products conserves resources.

Increasing economic value - Converting raw materials into finished products increases their value, providing economic opportunities for farmers and manufacturers.

Meeting market needs - These products allow for meeting the continuous demand for food throughout the year, even when crops are not available.

Diversifying sources of income - Processing industries open the door to new opportunities for work and investment, as farmers and food manufacturers can make additional profits from selling processed products.

During times of war and crisis, food processing industries become particularly important as they provide long-term storage solutions and maintain a continuous food supply for the country.
Dr. Ali El-Masry
President of the International Economic Lobby
To be continued…