On February 18, 2025, Berytech hosted a crucial discussion on the impact of explosives and heavy metals on Lebanon’s crops. Titled “Agriculture in Crisis: The Post-Conflict Impact of Explosives and Heavy Metals on Lebanon’s Crops”, the webinar brought together experts in agricultural sciences and food safety to unpack the growing risks facing the country’s food supply.
The session was organized by the Agrifood Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) under the EU-funded Lebanon Innovate project. Berytech coordinated the event alongside key program partners ANIMA, EBN, IRI, IRA, and Leitat, with Berytech’s COO, Ramy Boujaoudeh, moderating the conversation.
With Lebanon’s farmlands bearing the scars of recent conflicts, the discussion shed light on contamination concerns, their impact on crop quality, and the urgent need for mitigation strategies.
The Background of the Crisis
Lebanon’s agricultural sector, particularly in the south, has been severely impacted by conflict, with explosives and heavy metals posing a serious risk of soil contamination. The webinar highlighted both the immediate and long-term consequences of this contamination, not just for farmers, but also for public health and food safety. Experts in agriculture, food safety, and environmental science came together to discuss how conflict has altered soil conditions, the risks posed by various contaminants, and potential strategies for remediation and recovery.
Key Discussion Points and Expert Insights
Dr. Roula Amil, Head of the Plant Breeding Department at LARI and a lecturer at USJ, opened the discussion with an overview of the situation in southern Lebanon. She emphasized that farmers are facing two major challenges: physical displacement and uncertainty about the future health of their land. Dr. Amil noted that contamination, particularly from heavy metals, could pose a serious threat to the long-term viability of olive cultivation, one of the region’s key agricultural products.
Dr. Rose Bechara Perini, Founder of Darmmess High-Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, shared her firsthand experience of how the conflict has impacted agriculture. “On October 8, 2023, we were in the middle of our olive harvest when war broke out. On top of that, nature had already dealt us a tough year,” she explained. The region’s olive trees, already struggling with environmental challenges, experienced drastically reduced yields, and contamination concerns have further complicated recovery efforts. She expressed deep concern:
“Our primary concerns among us and them is the potential contamination of the land…It’s an existential one because any lasting impact on our health, on our land health will not only affect the season, but the long-term sustainability of our olive cultivation in the region.”
Dr. Mohammad Abyad, a professor at AUB and Director of the Lab for Environment, Agriculture, and Food (LEAF), reinforced these concerns. While he noted that the presence of white phosphorus in the soil was not a significant issue, heavy metals and explosive residues remain major threats.
“The biggest concern in that area is the contamination with heavy metals and explosives,” Dr. Abyad explained. Barium, arsenic, lead, cadmium, as well as explosive residues like TNT and RDX have been found in soils, including in areas still affected by previous conflicts, such as the 2006 war. He further warned that leafy vegetables, due to their shallow roots and rapid growth cycles, are particularly vulnerable to absorbing these contaminants, posing a serious food safety risk.
Impact on Soil and Crop Productivity
Dr. Salem Hayar, Founder and Head of the Laboratory for Pesticide Residue Analysis, emphasized the complexity of assessing contamination levels in soil. “We have to analyze the situation first,” he stated, explaining that factors such as soil texture, pH levels, and organic matter content play a crucial role in determining how contaminants interact with plants.
Understanding these variables is essential for identifying which crops are most at risk and for developing effective remediation strategies. While leafy vegetables are highly vulnerable, legumes and root vegetables can also be affected, depending on the depth and concentration of contamination.
The discussion also addressed how heavy metals impact soil health and crop productivity. Dr. Hayar pointed out that key ecosystem parameters, such as microbial activity and organic matter content, influence how contaminants are stored or stabilized in the soil. He suggested that crop rotation, when combined with thorough soil analysis and continuous monitoring, could be a viable strategy for mitigating contamination risks.
The Role of Testing and Research in Mitigating Risks
When it comes to practical solutions, Dr. Abyad emphasized the critical role of testing in detecting and analyzing contaminants in soil and water. “For heavy metals, we use ICP inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry,” he explained, highlighting that this method can detect even trace amounts of contaminants. He also shared that his lab has collaborated with the Lebanese Army and the Organization for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to develop reliable testing methods for explosives. This collaboration is crucial for identifying residues of TNT and RDX in soil, especially in conflict-affected areas.
The discussion underscored the essential role of research in mitigating contamination risks. Dr. Abyad stressed that research institutions play a key role in raising public awareness and refining testing methodologies. Long-term monitoring and capacity building are critical, ensuring that farmers have access to the knowledge and tools needed for recovery. “We will continue working on long-term studies and creating collaboration networks with all stakeholders to address this challenge,” he noted.
A Call for Collaboration and Support
A key theme of the webinar was the need for cross-sector collaboration between researchers, producers, and government agencies. Dr. Bechara Perini emphasized the importance of supporting farmers through guidance, resources, and recovery programs to help them regain stability.
Dr. Abyad also called for greater support from international organizations, NGOs, and policymakers to help stabilize Lebanon’s agricultural sector. He stressed the need for comprehensive funding for research and recovery initiatives to ensure long-term sustainability.
In addition, Dr. Bechara Perini highlighted the urgency of stricter food safety regulations, particularly for exports from conflict-affected regions. “We should work together to educate consumers, raise awareness through marketing certifications, and partner with global organizations to attract support,” she urged.
Moving Forward
The webinar provided valuable insights into the challenges facing Lebanon’s agricultural sector in the aftermath of conflict. Expert discussions made it clear that addressing long-term contamination risks in soil and crops requires a coordinated effort between farmers, researchers, and policymakers.
By combining advanced testing, targeted research, and sustainable land management strategies, Lebanon can work toward a more resilient agricultural future, mitigating the lasting impacts of conflict on its crops and food security.
