Session #2: The crop production and access to Finance in the agri-food sector

Tuesday, January 19, 2021 from 12:30 pm till 2:00 pm · Zoom Webinar

About The Session

As the agriculture sector faces immense challenges with the devaluation of the currency, the consequences are unveiling in the increased prices of fruits, vegetables, and related products. Current production practices are not efficient, land use is not optimal, and the access to funds is very hard, limiting the growing capacity of the farmers.

We will host experts in the agricultural sector to discuss the different problems limiting the sector in Lebanon and the solutions needed to turn them around into potential opportunities.

Meet The Speakers

PANELIST

Hania Chahal

Marketing Economist

Holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, and a Master’s Degree in Food Economics and Marketing, Hania has 15+ years of professional experience in designing, leading and implementing different assessments and projects across Lebanon and the region, funded by various donors and international organizations. She currently works on private sector development in the Agri-food sector, particularly promoting exports for fresh fruits and vegetables to Europe and the Gulf.

PANELIST

Charbel Hobeika

Technical Director, Mashatel Loubnan Association

Charbel is an Agriculture Engineer with a Masters in Integrated Pest Management Of Fruit Trees. He is the Technical Director of Machatel Loubnan Association. He plays many roles in different National Committees, provides training in his expertise, and consults for several pioneer fruit tree farmers in Lebanon and abroad.

PANELIST

Kanj Hamade

Assistant professor of economics Lebanese University

Kanj Hamade is an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development at the Lebanese University, Faculty of Agriculture. Using mixed research methods, his research focuses on issues including social exclusion and vulnerable populations, rural and refugee livelihoods, market system dynamics, and sustainable local economic development.

Startup

Georgy Kassab

Cofounder LUXEED Robotics

Passion, patience, and perseverance – these values form my motto. Lucky to have found my passion as a young entrepreneur, I believe that this is what I always wanted to be. Part of what inspires me the most is finding opportunities where everything seems unattainable. I am currently handling both Public Relations and Sales & Marketing as a cofounder of LUXEED Robotics. My background as a mechanical engineer allows me to have a significant understanding of the technical aspect of LUXEED.

Moderator

Youmna Naufal

Journalist, Communications Consultant-#YCHATS, CGTN

Youmna Naufal is the Executive Director of the “Lebanese Youth Forum,” previously titled “Lebanese Student Society,” a Beirut based foundation focused on giving Lebanese youngans an opportunity to articulate their vision by preparing them for their professional endeavours and connecting them with the right stakeholders Naufal is also the Producer and Host of “Y Chats,” Lebanon’s first up close and personal discussion show in the English language where guests cover a range of political, social and cultural topics, and success stories are highlighted. Y Chats is meant to give hope and a voice to the young generation facing obstacles in the country. Previously, she was the Head of the English News division at Future Television (broadcast throughout the GCC) where she was tasked with producing and anchoring the daily news bulletin and conducting live interviews with political figures and analysts. To date, Naufal has interviewed more than 600 figures including Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange, former US Senator John McCain, Author of Science Lucy Hawking, UN Special Representative for Iraq Nikolay Mladenov and Brazilian Football Legend Ronaldinho. To date, Naufal has participated and/or moderated more than 70 high level panels, most recently in Davos where she took part in panels regarding the evolution of political Islam as well as the role of the public sector in attracting millennials. Naufal received her MA degree in International Relations/International Business from New York University in New York.

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About Agrytech Learning Series

Lebanon is suffering from an on-going economic crisis placing the agri-food sector at a pivotal point. While the sector is facing numerous challenges including the lack of technology, the low efficiency, and the lack of funds, many opportunities to innovate are emerging.

Our aim today is to create a community of entrepreneurs, innovators, engineers, creatives, and an orbit of experts and supporters, leading to the creation of startups that would serve the local, regional and international needs, pushing the agri-food sector forward.

In this context, Berytech is gathering key experts in a 3-session webinar to discuss immediate challenges in the agri-food sector that require innovative solutions.

Need more info?

If you have any questions about the Agrytech Learning Series, please contact us at agrytech@berytech.org.