VEGAS F1 is a variety of Greyzini Hybrid Zucchini distributed exclusively in Algeria by DEBBANE AGRI. Its supplier is based in the United States "APOLLO".

The VEGAS F1 variety is a very strong, open plant, which facilitates its harvest. It is cylindrical in shape, with a very good quality. The fruit ripening phase takes place during periods of cold, in a proper way. It is characterized by its high production, as the yield per greenhouse in one harvest exceeded 90 kg. This result was obtained at ZERALDA Trial Station of DEBBANE AGRI.

The VEGAS F1 variety is intended for greenhouse cultivation; its planting period is in October-November in the open field; and its planting period is in March-April and May.

Information concerning the VEGAS F1 variety was posted on social media and shared by several official pages of the agricultural sector, in particular by the CNIF (The National Interprofessional Committee for Vegetable Cultures( and on the Facebook page of the Ministry of Agriculture. 

On 27/2/2021, Debbane for Modern Agriculture Ltd organized a field day on tomato varieties in Basrah, in the presence of the General Manager, Mr. Bassem Al Amin, and a number of engineers from Debbane. This field day was dedicated for the farmers and traders of Basrah who took a field tour to see the new and commercial varieties of tomatoes. They were given an explanation on the cultivated varieties by the Director of the Seeds Development Department, Eng. Ziad Nohman. The General Manager also made an intervention on the use of fertilizers and pesticides which are imported by the best suppliers, and explained the correct farming methods.

On 17/2/2021, Debbane for Modern Agriculture Ltd organized a field observation of protected eggplant and pepper at Baghdad station for eggplant farmers on the bassin of the Latifiyah river. The lecture was divided into two parts: the first addressed the fertilizers and pesticides and was presented by the Director of Technical Development at Debbane for Modern Agriculture Ltd, Dr. Hussein Abbas Mohamed. The second dealt with the cultivation and plantation methods of the crops and was presented by Eng. Ali Mohamed, Head of Baghdad station, and Eng. Wajih Khodeir, Senior Engineer in the region. 

On 6/2/2021, Debbane for Modern Agriculture Ltd organized a promotional lecture in cooperation with its agents in Aldor region and the province, namely the Farming Office of Hajj Adnan Al-Jarad and the Office of Hajj Ali Al-Faraji known for using modern technologies for the cultivation of wheat, including with regards to fertilizers, pesticides and seeds. The lecture was attended by the Director of Agriculture in Aldor and a number of agricultural engineers, farmers and seed producers. The lecture was divided into two parts: the first addressed the fertilizers and pesticides and was presented by the Director of Technical Development at Debbane for Modern Agriculture Ltd, Dr. Hussein Abbas Mohamed. The second dealt with seeds and was presented by Eng. Ziad Nohman along with Eng. Nawfal Talal, Director of the Central Region, and Eng. Amir Safian, Senior Engineer in the region.

On 27/1/2021, Debbane for Modern Agriculture Ltd organized a promotional lecture in cooperation with its agents in the El-Allouj region and the province, namely the Farming Office of Hajj Adnan Al-Jarad and the Office of Hajj Ali Al-Faraji known for using modern technologies for the cultivation of wheat, including with regards to fertilizers, pesticides and seeds. The lecture was attended by the Director of Agriculture in Tikrit and a number of farmers and seed producers. The lecture was divided into two parts: the first addressed the fertilizers and pesticides and was presented by the Director of Technical Development at Debbane for Modern Agriculture Ltd, Dr. Hussein Abbas Mohamed. The second dealt with seeds and was presented by Eng. Ziad Nohman along with Eng. Nawfal Talal, Director of the Central Region, and Eng. Amir Safian, Senior Engineer in the region.

Another lecture was held on the same day under the management of Dr. Hussein Abbas, which tackled the main problems facing the cultivation of melon and watermelon. Fertilizer mixtures and fertilization and preventive programs for both these crops were discussed.

On 23/1/2021, a lecture on the crops of wheat, melon and watermelon was held in Tikrit, Hamrin district. 

In the day-long event, Eng. Ziad Nohman, Director of the Seeds Development Department, provided an explanation of the different varieties of wheat and vegetables, their cultivation and characteristics, while Eng. Hussein covered their fertilization and protection program and their appropriate planting dates. 

On 23/1/2021, a lecture on the crops of wheat, melon and watermelon was held in Al 'Alam‎ district, in which Eng. Ziad Nohman, Director of the Seeds Development Department, provided an explanation of the different varieties of wheat and vegetables, their cultivation and characteristics. The participants were bid welcome and were joined by Eng. Nawfal and Eng. Amir who explained the fertilization program and the cultivation of crops.

On 23/1/2021, Debbane for Modern Agriculture Ltd organized a promotional lecture in cooperation with its agents in the region of Hamrin Mountains and the province, namely the Farming Office of Hajj Adnan Al-Jarad and the Office of Hajj Ali Al-Faraji known for using modern technologies for the cultivation of wheat, including with regards to fertilizers, pesticides and seeds. The lecture was attended by the Director of Agriculture in Hamrin and a number of farmers and seed producers. The lecture was divided into two parts: the first addressed the fertilizers and pesticides and was presented by the Director of Technical Development at Debbane for Modern Agriculture Ltd, Dr. Hussein Abbas Mohamed. The second dealt with seeds and was presented by Eng. Ziad Nohman along with Eng. Nawfal Talal, Director of the Central Region, and Eng. Amir Safian, Senior Engineer in the region.

On January 16 and 17, 2021, the DEAL Management convened a strategic meeting at the Sheraton hotel.

The meeting has given us the opportunity to gather under a mixed framework and, most of all, to call for the creativity of each one of us and merge our capacities, as a means to jointly develop strategic points for tackling the new year amidst the best possible conditions.

Our teamwork has enabled us to be inspired from one another and to consolidate our efforts towards the development of various projects that provide better visibility and help us establish a consensual roadmap for achieving our objectives.  

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who contributed to the success of this meeting, mainly our General Manager, to whom we owe our strength and professional motivation. His selflessness and constant quest for improvement are what make him challenge the members of his team in order to develop their capacities and enhance their skills.

On 7/1/2021, Debbane for Modern Agriculture Ltd organized a promotional lecture in cooperation with the Agriculture Department of Dhi Qar, known for using modern technologies for the cultivation of wheat, including with regards to fertilizers, pesticides and seeds. The lecture was attended by Dr. Salah Hadi, Director of Agriculture in Dhi Qar, the Head of Farming Associations, the Head of the Agricultural Committee, and a number of extension centers directors in the governorate, as well as a number of farmers and seed producers. The lecture was divided into two parts: the first addressed the fertilizers and pesticides and was presented by the Director of Technical Development at Debbane for Modern Agriculture Ltd, Dr. Hussein Abbas Mohamed. The second dealt with seeds and was presented by Eng. Ziad Nohman along with Eng. Haidar Hadi, Director of the Southern Region.

Debbane for Agriculture Algeria (DEAL) has moved to its new Headquarter located in Staoueli N135 Dely Ibrahim.

DEAL has gone for a new strategic location on the edge of the South bypass and near the East-West highway, a great spot for fulfilling the company’s administrative tasks (banks, ministries, institutes, freight forwarding, etc.). It also grants employees and customers easy access to important infrastructures (hotels, restaurants, shops, etc.).

This modern building is built upon 3 levels and is equipped with all the necessary amenities that make it easier to accomplish our daily activities. It also offers a space suitable for concentration and which fosters productivity.

The Headquarter comprises a showroom for displaying all our agricultural inputs (Seeds, Pesticides, Fertilizers, etc.), as well as a spacious Hall designed for receiving and serving our customers. The remaining floors of the Headquarter are equipped with all the necessary amenities to ensure that our daily activities are smoothly conducted, in addition to a training room located on the top floor that caters our meetings and discussions.

Dear Partners,

2020 has been an exceptionally difficult year; a year that can be simply described as the “Survival Year”.  This is a time like no other in our lives.  We have faced demonstrations, streets unrest, devastating Covid-19 pandemic and of course hyper-inflation, eating our wealth away.    Yes, we faced all these catastrophic events, what if we top them up with the Beirut blast that turned our beloved city into ashes, sadly with lots of deaths and casualties. 

By no means I am trying to draw a dramatic image here; but I am rather showing how resilient we are as a team.  These challenges brought out the best in each and every one of us; and hence, we have emerged even stronger.  Our teams and head of departments have shown high level of commitment, and an exemplary perseverance that helped us stay afloat throughout the storms.  For all of these I am grateful.

Our 2020 results were not up to what we aimed for; but I can, with all confidence, say that we fought hard and we did our level best.  Our “Agility” strategy, we started adapting back in 2019 has been properly followed by everyone, and hence today Debbane Agri is geared up and better prepared, to face another challenging year 2021. 

The way we decided to face 2021 is to continue with our “Agility” strategy; however, and in-line with the Board of Directors’ directions, we will be launching several tactical development projects at some operations, and we will also start exploring new markets for expansion.  We always aim higher, and for brighter days.

Nothing of course can happen unless we continue as always working in harmony as one team: BOD, Management & Operations; while adhering to our Group values.

Finally, I would seize this opportunity to thank each and everyone of you for an amazing job and outstanding contribution.  I would also like to thanks Messrs. Etienne & Fady Debbane for being always there for me, and of course the Board of Directors for their guidance and the overwhelming faith they put in me.

Wish you all Merry Christmas & Happy New Year                                                                                                                    

With respect and gratitude,                                                                                                                                                                 

John Fawaz

On 05/12/2020, Debbane for Modern Agriculture organized a field day for the observation of desert tomato varieties at Najaf station, in the presence of a large number of desert tomato farmers and more than 100 of our agents in Najaf and Karbala. The cultivated varieties and the most important characteristics of our commercial varieties "Jida" and "Umniah" were explained in detail, in addition to the most important features required for the successful growth of these varieties in a desert environment. Debbane representatives also covered the protection and fertilization programs of tomatoes and the importance of using good fertilizers and effective pesticides to ensure a successful agricultural process and to protect plants from pests. Tomato fertilization materials and programs from our company were also discussed.

In solidarity with the families affected by the Beirut Port Explosion on August 4th, 2020, Offre Joie Association offered its support by restoring residential buildings in Mar Mikhael and Gemayzeh areas, to allow families a safe return to their homes before Christmas.

In this context, and in support of this initiative, Debbane Agri Holding company and Exotica joined efforts to decorate building balconies with poinsettia (Christmas flowers) and other plants in order to instill true Christmas spirit, hope and belief in a better tomorrow.

All our support and love go to Offre Joie Association and the affected families.

For the second year Debbane Freres supports Berytech Lebanon to launch the fourth edition of Agrytech Hackathon.

However, this year, the Hackathon is a bit different. It’s an E-Hackathon that was conducted online from 3 to 18 December 2020.

What is Agrytech E-Hackathon?

The Agrytech Hackathon is organized online by Berytech in partnership and with the full and unwavering support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in Lebanon. 

This e-hackathon is an exciting opportunity to develop innovative solutions to real-life challenges using technologies such as Internet of Things, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in the agri-food sector.

Throughout the e-hackathon, participants will receive the assistance of technical, industry and business experts, and will have access to the tools and hardware prototyping facilities at the  Berytech Fab Lab. 

The winners of the e-Hackathon will win valuable prizes and get the chance to be enrolled in Berytech’s Agrytech Accelerator Program. 

Who Can Apply?

You are encouraged to apply if you are an engineer, scientist, maker, creative, innovator, entrepreneur or a young professional who has an innovative solution or runs an early-stage agri-food startup that falls under the pre-set agri-food challenges (see below). 

Your solution – an idea or within an early-stage startup, needs to fall under the agri-food sector, solve one of the pre-set challenges and should include a tech component (Software, hardware, IOT). 

You can apply with your own idea as long as it falls under one of the pre-set challenges. Your solution should include an innovative process, product or service with the capacity to increase economical value and create job opportunities in Lebanon, solving one of the pre-set challenges below.

To participate you need to be a team of at least 3 people, preferably including one technical person. If you don’t have a team, no worries, you can still register, join the first phase of the hackathon, and find a team. The online hackathon is open for teams residing in Lebanon only.  

Anyone is encouraged to participate in next year’s challenge 2021 from today!                                                                                   

The Winners                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

The Final phase of winners’ selection was held online on Friday December 18^th 2020 with the participation of many jury members including Debbane Freres General Manager Mr. Zaher Ballout as well as members from Berytech and others…

This edition, 4 winners were announced: Agrocedrus in the first place (prize is USD 4,500 and access to the Agrytech Accelerator Program), the second place went to Beekeepers and Collarvet (prize is USD 3,500 and access to the Agrytech Accelerator Program) while Pinemed received the third place (prize is USD 1,000. Agrocedrus, Beekeepers, and Collarvet received a golden pass to join the #AgrytechAccelerator. 

Sustaining the working communities in ahriculture through the development of the greenhouses structures and cultural practicies.

Funded by ILO, planned by CB, executed by Eq dpt.

The project took off by brainstorming meetings between ILO and DF. The target of ILO is to empower Akkar greenhouse farmers thus, sustaining the working communities whom lives are dependent of these plantations. Conclusive directions were taken and consequently implemented on field.

ILO took the initiative to completely fund two projects to be executed by DF. The project is to install two locations at two farmers’ place where new developed greenhouses spanning over half a dunum would be installed. 

The new greenhouse is a developed bi-tunnel structure with a vertical wall, front doors and semi-automatic side opening while nets would be present in case of the opening, an elevated height. The main outcome would be: Better inner micro-climate / Land optimization / Simple opening and closing daily operation

While Tripoly branch serves the area of Akkar in its technico-commercial activity and its agriculture supplying, the equipment dpt along with the crop manager back in the main office have planned and put into perspective the new greenhouse structures.

To moment, the greenhouses were successfully installed. They have been planted the same crop in comparison to their neighboring single tunnels and continuous readings are being done throughout the season.

On 28/11/2020, Debbane for Modern Agriculture organized a field observation of the varieties of yellow corn, cabbage, cauliflower and eggplant at Baghdad station. A tour was made of the station in the presence of Director Mr. Abu-Mohamad Al-Muzareh and engineers from Al Muzareh Company, the owner of Abu Maytham al-Obaidi nursery in the Yusufiya area, the Director of the Seed Development Department at Debbane, Eng. Ziad Nohman and engineers of the central region. More details were given regarding the company's most important varieties, the strength of the cultivated varieties and the varieties on which new experiments were conducted.

Debbane Freres was established in 1952, and since then the company has adopted a clear vision: 

“To be a leading innovative and trusted provider of quality agriculture products and solutions in growing Middle Eastern and African markets”. 

Driven by its belief and in line with its values ​​in supporting all environmental, agricultural and forestry activities in Lebanon and neighboring countries, especially after the multiple wildfires that hit Lebanon’s forests in the past months and in this context Debbane Freres is honored to collaborate with Jouzour Loubnan Organization and provide Agricultural Technical assistance through its Agri Engineers in order to support Jouzour Loubnan mission’s in in the restoration of Lebanese woodland and the promotion of a  sustainable reforestation

We look forward to a fruitful cooperation and to many more successes. 

In accordance with the company’s slogan, “Together for a better Agriculture”, today we say “Together for a Sustainable Reforestation” 

What is Jouzour Loubnan? 

Jouzour Loubnan is a non-profit organization, its mission is to participate in the restoration of Lebanese woodland and promote sustainable reforestation.

What are Jouzour Loubnan Organization’s goals?                                                                                                                                         

Plant towards sustainable forests                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Restore degraded forest ecosystems. 

Contribute to the development of the Green Corridor. 

Foster urban forests and agroforestry. 

Create and share new and good forestry practices through research & development. 

Engage the Lebanese in Reforestation                                                                                                                             

• Raise awareness on the importance of forests and biodiversity.
• Involve local communities in the protection and management of our planted forests.
• Encourage Lebanese residents and diaspora to support reforestation.

On 26/11/2020, Debbane for Modern Agriculture organized a field day at Baghdad station with the help of the Technical Development Department and the Seed Development Department. The event aimed at examining early- maturing new varieties of cabbage and cauliflower in the presence of a group of farmers, agents and engineers of the central region.

On 26/11/2020, Debbane for Modern Agriculture organized a field observation of cauliflower and cabbage varieties in a farm in the south of Baghdad and at Baghdad station in the presence of Eng. Nawfal, Eng. Wajih, Eng. Mustafa and Engineer Tahseen, together with farmers from Diyala region as well as from southern Baghdad regions. During the visit, Eng. Ziad Nohman gave an explanation of the most important characteristics of cabbage and cauliflower varieties.

on 19/11/2020, the National Committee Research Team for the registration of American Genetic yellow corn varieties visited the experimentation site in Imam district in Babel governorate, accompanied by Eng. Ziad Nohman. The team proceeded to record its readings on the varieties observed.

On 18/11/2020, Debbane for Modern Agriculture organized a lecture on the wheat crop. The seminar included two parts: the first addressed the varieties and was presented by Eng. Ziad Nohman, who explained their characteristics and the appropriate planting dates. The second dealt with fertilization methods and was presented by Dr. Hussein, who gave a detailed explanation of wheat fertilization programs, weed control and the most important pesticides used.

On 17/11/2020, Debbane for Modern Agriculture organized a field observation at Baghdad station to examine the varieties of yellow corn and present the experiments conducted on cabbage, lettuce and pesticides. The observation was conducted in the presence of professors from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Baghdad – Department of Combating Desertification, Dr. Hussein, Development Manager at Baghdad Station, Eng. Ziad Nohman, Director of Seed Development at Debbane, in addition to the Manager of Baghdad Station, Eng. Ali Mohamad Ali, and a group of officials from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Baghdad. A welcoming speech was delivered by Dr. Hussein and a lecture offered on fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation. 

The seminar included the new products launched by Debbane and was followed by a field tour at the station, where the special corn varieties were presented.

Leili Marine Bioindustry held an online seminar to present the SoftGuard Product.

The seminar was attended by Dr. Wael Al-Matni and Dr. Hussein Muhammad from Iraq, Mr. Akl Al-Sayegh from Lebanon and Mr. Rani Bassil, Director of Fertilizers at Debbane Agri – Lebanon.  

SoftGuard is a stimulating organic fertilizer containing 2% of Chitosan. The product is used for watering and spraying at a rate of 3L/1000L of water with the following characteristics:

• The seminar proved the importance of SoftGuard in controlling nematodes, as it contains Chitosan, which kills nematode eggs. Thus, the product reduces the number of nematodes and prevents their development beyond any damage. SoftGuard is an excellent product for light to moderate soil infestation. It is completely free of any residual effect of pesticides and is healthy and safe as well.

• SoftGuard also strengthens the roots and stimulates living organisms that are present in the soil, thus strengthening vegetation as a whole.

• SoftGuard plays an important role in combating fungal, bacterial and viral plant diseases such as apple fire blight and tomato plant virus A.

• SoftGuard increases fruit setting in seedless grapes as an alternative to synthetic hormones.

• SoftGuard increases plant resistance to tough weather factors such as frost and heat.

• SoftGuard is completely safe and healthy.

On 08/11/2020, Debbane for Modern Agriculture organized a field day at Baghdad Station to examine yellow corn varieties in the presence of the most important corn farmers in the region, in addition to agents and engineers at Debbane.

After welcoming of the guests, Eng. Ziad Nohman gave an explanation of the corn varieties grown at the station and their characteristics, before which Dr. Hussein explained about fertilization and corn protection.

On 3/11/2020, the National Committee team visited the American Genetic experimentation site in Erbil, accompanied by Eng. Ziad Nohman. Readings and observations on the experiment were recorded and it is noteworthy that the committee praised this experiment and its success.

On 02/11/2020, Debbane for Modern Agriculture organized a workshop on American Genetic varieties at Erbil station, in the presence of the General Manager of the company, the Director of the Greek company “American Genetic”, Mr. Paolo, corn farmers from Hawija, Erbil and Kirkuk, and engineers from Debbane. During the workshop, Mr. Paolo gave an explanation on the specifications of the American Genetic varieties, while Eng. Ziad Nohman delivered a brief presentation on the importance of corn crops and the characteristics of other corn varieties by Syngenta.

Similar to the human kind, plants also fight for their lives against pandemics and global diseases.

The Banana Fusarium Wilt disease, described as Tropical Race 4 (TR4) and commonly known as the “Panama Diseases”, was first discovered in 1970 in Cavendish banana plantations in Taiwan. In Lebanon, it was first detected in 2015, and since then, it had been spreading and causing huge economic damages to Banana farmers across the South of Lebanon. 

For the past 2 years, the Technical and Crop Protection department in Debbane Freres, has been working alongside with the Banana experts in the team, to try and provide the best solution for Banana farmers in order to reduce the damages of this disease and increase their profits. 

In December 2020, the final results for a complete program used to control Soil Born Diseases came to be highly efficient in reducing the damages of the Panama disease.

The program is an alternation between the products available in Debbane’s pipeline: Velum Prime, Novo Treat and Trainer. 

Added to being efficient, this program is providing a healthy and environmental solution for the farmers, complying with company’s vision to spread and raise awareness towards ICM systems, for a higher quality and sustainable production, by including 2 biologically certified products and an innovative – low toxicity active ingredient from Bayer Crop Science.

The program is planned to be launched in February 2021 just before the start of the first application season.

On 23/10/2020, Debbane for Modern Agriculture organized a field day on corn varieties at Erbil Station, in the presence of the General Manager, Mr. Bassem Al-Amin, the Syngenta team and engineers from Debbane. Mr. Bassem Al-Amin gave a welcome speech, followed by the director of the Seed Department, Eng. Ziad Nohman, who gave an explanation of the most important varieties planted in the field. Finally, the Syngenta team conducted a survey to better examine the participants’ choices.

The minister of Economy and Trade, Mr. Raoul Nehme, honored Debbane Agri with a visit to the Hosh Sneid table grapes vineyards, as Deputy Chief of the Association “Jouzour Loubnan”.

Welcomed by Zaher Ballout (GM), Christopher Bsaibes (Crop manager), and Nohad Mourad (Production operations manager), Mr. Nehme undertook a complete and thorough visit of the vineyards to showcase the newest table grapes varieties, plastic tents infrastructure, and cultivation practices.

An independent joint project will be implemented between Debbane Agri and Jouzour Loubnan on the lands of the Roman Catholic Church at Jdeidet El Fakiha. 

The project is a state-of-the-art table grapes orchard. It aims to render the lands productive whilst leading an economically profitable and pioneering project. No doubt, the labor will be from the youngsters of the village, thus creating more job opportunities to enroot their presence more in their rural life.

We wish Jouzour Loubnan the best of luck in their endeavor, and Debbane Agri with all its team members will surely have a steady stance behind this initiative.

This year and despite the tough conditions that our country is passing through, Debbane Freres have decided to organize open day events in Ammiq Trial Station on the 20^th and 21^st  of August 2020.

With the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in Lebanon and all over the world, the decision was not easy, but Debbane team supported by the management was dedicated to make sure the event took place with two main objectives in mind: Staying in contact with main customers and insisting on providing new varieties to the market for the upcoming years.

All this while respecting safety guidelines to avoid contamination, and thankfully, none were present. 

The commercial team lead by Area managers, made sure to select target guests concerned with the successful varieties in Ammiq, chosen ahead of time by the Seeds Department in coordination with the technical department. The total number of invitees was 31, including 8 nursery owners, 2 dealers, 20 key farmers in addition to one supplier.

Upon arrival, all attendees were provided with a gift bag containing needed material in addition to a face mask and hand sanitizer in order to be used during the day.

Farmers were taken directly to the gathering area which had the display that contained all the interesting varieties to be viewed, Debbane team were briefed with all the information needed to describe the selected varieties and each engineer have taken the responsibility to lead his guests.

The farm or field tour was focused on bringing the farmers to the varieties selected and which have showed good results, in each plot blue attention signs were installed to grab the attention of the guests, engineers responsible took care of this and farmers were taken directly to the varieties of interest in order to have a look on them, take photos, pick some fruits and even taste them 

The total number of varieties tested from all crops was 347 and 31 varieties were selected, below is the selection from each crop including the commercial varieties:

• OF-Tomato: New selection: 4 varieties / Commercial: 777, Meyameya, Prince, Waadia
• GH-Cucumber: Commercial: Rani
• Melon: New selection: 3 varieties / Commercial:  Samar, Maestro
• Watermelon: New selection: 5 varieties / Commercial: Bolt, Rosalina
• Onion: New selection: 5 varieties 
• Sweetcorn: Commercial: Nour, Chase, Messenger
• Squash: Commercial: Primo, Mared

As a conclusion, we have seen a lot of interest from farmers on the commercial and on the new varieties that were selected and it was clear that farmers are searching and are in need for having new varieties from almost all crops despite the hard situation that they are facing, for them agriculture is a passion. 

This event during this hard period of time have proved that Debbane Freres will always do its best to meet farmers’ needs and will always stand beside them during hard times. 

On June 29, DF client, Mr. Issam Habre and his brothers, welcomed the Minister of Agriculture, the General Manager at the Ministry of Agriculture, and MP Cezar Abi Khalil for a field visit to some of DF’s Turnkey projects in Bhamdoun, Mount Lebanon.

The farm is divided into 3 projects: Plastic-covered table grapes, strawberry mountain hydroponic greenhouse, and net-covered cherries.

The projects were planned by the Crops Department, implemented by the Equipment Department, and followed up on by the Crops Department and Zouk branch. 

All 3 projects have thus far shown good success, as the grapes are in full seedless production while the strawberries have yielded high profit, during the execution year and in the ones that followed. 

The cherries are expected to go into full production next year (Year 3).

The Minister stated: “We stand today in the middle of the vineyards, in the middle of a bankrupt country, watching the private sector and the youth rise through the ashes of a collapsed economy and create opportunities. Today, we are witnessing the results of a success story”.

For his part, MP Abi Khalil said: “As the MP elected to represent this area, I encourage farmers and the youth to go ahead and replicate this success story. We also call on the government to grant low interest loans and subsidize such projects.”

DF continues to strive in providing its farmers with the agricultural solutions they need for their own welfare. The projects are meticulously executed, with a great deal of tailoring and customization, to meet the specific needs of every area and location.

On the 26^th June, the Crops Department held a field day and a seminar on table grape projects in Lebanon.

Hosh Sneid is a 3-year-old state-of-the-art vineyard, covered in plastic tents, to plan the production for the next few years and delay the yearly seasons. The tents aim to protect the grapes against weather hazards such as hail-frost and sun burns. 

The solid structures, executed by the Irrigation & Equipment Department, were able to withstand days of winds, snow and hail. As a result, the outcome of grape varieties has turned out to be very satisfactory, and even exceeded expectations in some cases.

The management expressed its conviction that “with the current economic conditions, the need for export has dramatically increased. Out of all fruits, Lebanese grapes remain the highest in demand”.

The Management’s strategic plan consists of promoting, investing in, and developing export-geared businesses, and grapes seem to be topping the list of strategic export crops.

It is worth noting that the anticipated tonnage and quality are closely linked to the DF teams’ efforts. To this end, Production Manager, Eng. Nohad, has put in place an Intergrated Pest Management (IPM) system, as well as good cultural practices.

The field visit was followed by a seminar & QA session at the Chtaura Branch.

In its continuous effort to provide solutions for farmers, Debbane Team took it upon itself to ensure that those solutions are “green” and do not leave any residue that might cause danger on the environment and on human health. 

Starting there, the first challenge was to enrich the company’s portfolio with products that are, at the same time, efficient, eco-friendly, and profitable. 

Fortunately, after several years of trials and development, and with the efforts of many who believed in this approach, Debbane was able to secure a decent range of biologically certified products that not only can compete on an organic farming level, but also with conventional products that are used nowadays by farmers. 

So far, the main products cover the following categories: Biostimulants, Insecticides, Soil Fumigants, Organic Soil Amendments, Fungicides, and Nematicides. However, this is only the beginning, as the next step will be to merge all of these products with other available solutions, such as bait traps and bumble bees’ pollinators, as well as the technical expertise of the team on the ground, into an Integrated Crop Management (ICM) program, which will ensure a holistic approach for farms and help farmers optimize their input and produce high quality fruits and vegetables. 

Debbane Agri resumed the sterilization initiative to fight the coronavirus pandemic and conducted again during the month of June 2020, sterilization procedure in more than seven Lebanese prison facilities: 

Beirut prison for women, Baabda prison for women, Aley prison, Zahle prison, Beirut Justice Palace prison, Baabda Justice Palace prison, Adlieh prison.

The operation was run by experts specialized in public health and the fight against pests and viruses. 

Debbane Agri would like to thank all those who contributed to the success of this initiative. “Together for better health”.

Debbane Agri organized field observations on June 17 and 18, 2020, at the company’s testing station in Erbil, targeting several farmers and agents.

The company also organized observations of new and commercial varieties, in presence of the North regional engineers Pervez, Serpest and Bilal, along with Erbil Station Manager M. Shady and agents from the region. It is worth noting that all precautions were taken to ensure protection against the spread of COVID-19, by dividing participants into groups at different timings, in order to guarantee everyone’s safety.

The year 2020 has been an eventful year, but not in a good sense. So, how did we make it to June?

1- Box? What box?

During exceptional times, thinking outside the box becomes an essential adaptation mechanism in problem solving. This is definitely not the time to resort to the usual solutions; we must see opportunity at every twist and transform obstacles into opportunities.

2- We’re in this together

In times of social distancing, let us not forget that we are social beings. We can still ask others for help and, most importantly, we can respond to others in need of help. Following strict guidelines in times of crisis can often render us robotic; taking a minute to connect with fellow colleagues, farmers or the laborers we deal with on a daily basis is also part of the job.

3- Follow my lead

Taking the lead is not only just about being proactive and leading a team. It is also about what happens in the shadows. It calls on us to remain level-headed while delivering professionally.

4- No, time did not stop

It might seem like the world has stopped in its tracks and everything is frozen. It is in these exact moments that one should double down on time management, making use of the tools at hand, be it technology, creativity, or multitasking, in order to ensure work efficiency, productivity, and quality.

5- The path of least resistance

It is what it is; we are here right now. There is no point in dwelling on the past, where things were done in a more familiar way. The faster you adapt to the new reality, the faster you will be able to assess the obstacles and put a plan in place and execute it while focusing on the future and embracing uncertainty.

With that mindset, and by following the guidelines above, we were successful in meeting the deadlines of crop cycles, field days, and variety launches with as little disruption as possible.

Transporting seedlings across roadblocks during the revolution, social distancing, working from home, and managing even-odd circulation measures, nothing stood in our way.

On the bright side, we created a new type of field day: human-centered, socially distant and personalized to the specific needs of each visitor group. And against all odds, we were able to launch new varieties.

This is how we made it to June.

On Sunday June 14th, DEAL techno-commercial team underwent a 1.5 Hour webinar on Google Meet focusing on the main aspects of SQM fertilizer range.

The webinar was delivered by DEAL Fertilizer Product Manager, Eng. Mohamed Amine Benteftifa, in presence of Central Product Manager, Rani Bassil. The webinar was attended by most DEAL team members from different regions, in the aim of discussing the different crop cycles and fertilizer needs.

It focused on the strength of SQM, as the lead producer of potassium nitrate and highest-standard water-soluble products.

Used in Algeria, the Ultrasol Fertilizer Range is specific to Alkaline and Calcareous soils. It has an acidic range with low pH, which helps reduce the soil pH, thus making phosphorous and micro elements readily available for plants. This range also solves the issue of dripper clogging by removing any calcareous formations.

The presentation focused on the high standards that SQM meets in producing its water soluble fertilizers, and which include the following:

•100% water soluble fertilizers

•Low percentage of Chloride

•Based on high quality, acidic raw material such as NOP and UP

•NPKs include high percentages of chelated trace elements from Nouryon

On Wednesday June 10th, CIFO conducted a webinar on Google Meet with the DEAL Product Manager.

The webinar was delivered by CIFO technical support manager, Eng. Vittorio Volpicelli, from Italy. It was attended by almost all CIFO distributors around the world, in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and America.

It focused on the role of Calcium in plants and soils and CIFO solutions/products in this regard. One of the products discussed, called “Calcisan”, represents an efficient means to provide Calcium to plants, and is a registered product in DEAL.

CALCISAN is a formula that is capable of effectively solving issues of physiopathies related to calcium and magnesium. These two meso-elements are “complexed” by specific polysaccharides (alginates), which are, by nature, present in extracts of Macrocystis integrofolia seaweed.

The main benefits of using this product are the following:

•Prevents serious physiopathies (leaf withering or tip burn in vegetables, apex rot in tomato, rachis withering in vine, bitter pit in apple, browning of leaf margins in poinsettia, etc.)

•Gives fruit skin a greater resistance to “cracking”; increases “crispness” in leaf vegetables.

•Improves shelf life and resistance to post-harvest handling.

Switching any type of seeds into commercial grade requires testing under several agricultural and climate conditions.

The protected tomato species SVTH4040 was tested for two consecutive years in several areas. It yielded very positive results in terms of vegetation cover and high productivity, in addition to the firmness of the fruits and their homogeneity.

Based on these results, Debbane Agri has organized an open field day on June 9, at the Kfarmelki/Akkar station for prominent merchants and farmers (from different regions), in order to shed light on the strengths of this tomato variety and commercially launch it.

The attendees have all agreed on this species’ added value, particularly in terms of its high productivity in comparison to the controls: This characteristic is of great importance in order to increase the yield and therefore fight the increased production cost.

After years of trial, the big moment has finally arrived: All required characteristics are combined in this new tomato species SVTH4040, by the international Seminis/Bayer company.

On 06/06/2020, Debbane Agri harvested a number of new wheat varieties introduced by Italy’s Apsov, at Agha Khorshid’s Farm in Shamamer, Erbil, in cooperation with local engineers. The latter oversaw the harvesting process, in presence of major farmers and agents. The landowner also took part in the measuring and weighing process, in order to further develop the said varieties and provide what is best for farmers, under the difficult circumstances incurred by the agricultural and food sectors across the world.

In cooperation with US-based JDA, Debbane Agri installed and cultivated 11 greenhouses, along with all their accessories. It also held seminars and training courses for 340 farmers in the outskirts of Mosul city, which was affected by previous attacks carried out by ISIS. The seminars were facilitated by Debbane Agri Technical Director for the North region, Mr. BadraKhan Mohamad Amin, and included field visits for trainees, along with the distribution of agricultural development kits. The seminars were suspended as part of the preventive measures taken to counter the spread of the Coronavirus, and to ensure the safety of trainees and the community. The trainings will resume as soon as our future activities are deemed safe.

Despite the importance of food and sustainable development, several people experience great difficulty finding fresh vegetables at a low cost, in an attempt to fight the dwindling purchasing power.

In this regard, Debbane Agri has provided 5000 cucumber and tomato plants for LFB and Beit El-Barakah associations, providing support to families in need in different regions.

The project tackles, in its importance, several aspects: Introducing people to producing their own food in their gardens, making healthy and safe foods available.

The plants were planted at the Debbane Agri Research Center in Ammiq. The company regularly offers, through its social media pages, guidance on the best agricultural practices, in addition to general advice and technical support.

1- A seminar was held on grape crops in Birmanah Region, which falls under the Hallah region, on 01/02/2020, in presence of major grape farmers in the region, as well as Babel’s Directorate of Agriculture and agent Ahmad Al-Saffar, along with the Debbane Agri team represented by Engineer Haidar, Engineer Saleh, Dr. Hussein, and Engineer Amir (Regional Director). The seminar tackled several topics, including the adoption of a good fertilization system to boost productivity, by using the Yara Complex fertilizer and Orgevit, as well as adopting a system for preventing fungal disease risks. A renown farmer was selected to carry out our company’s fertilization program, in order to compare this with his traditional fertilization process.

2- On 07/03/2020, the Debbane Agri fertilization program was rolled out on grape crops in the Birmana region. The Debbaneh team helped the farmer determine the fertilizer quantity, mix it, and pour it around grape trees. Likewise, the program also included ground and leaf fertilization, along with fungus and inspect control, as documented in the reports.

3- Agent Ahmad Al-Saffar was taken on a field visit to Birmana region, which is renowned for its grape crops. The visit took place on 23/04/2020 and was aimed at following up on the outcomes of Debbane Agri’s fertilization program on grape crops, in terms of productivity, vegetative growth, improving grape trees, and comparing between Debbane Agri’s fertilizer and other traditional fertilizers used by the farmer (i.e. DAP and Urea).

4- Agent Riad Ghani was given a private field visit to protected cucumber crops on 15/03/2020, to follow up on the outcomes of using Terrasol Magnum, Neutral Terrasol, along with Yara Complex fertilizers. The visit sought to compare with other competing fertilizers, in terms of quality and productivity increase.

5- Regular follow-ups were conducted on Italian Bora wheat crops, planted in the Babel region, from the moment they are cultivated until they are harvested. In addition, our team supervised the farmer’s fertilization process, and followed up on combatting the spread of bushed surrounding wheat plants.

6- Regular follow-ups were conducted on the new Arab and Byzantine wheat varieties, from the moment they are cultivated until they are harvested. In addition, our team supervised the fertilization process. Major wheat farmers and agent were also taken on field visits to observe these varieties.

7- On 20/05/2020, several agents and farmers were taken on a field visit to observe the Italian Bora wheat crops in several areas in Babel province, in order to compare them to other competing varieties, in terms of productivity, quantitative weight and resistance.

8- On 18/05/2020, during Ramadan, agent Riad Ghani was taken on a visit to the Debbane Agri Baghdad station, to observe the new planted varieties of Chili and sweet pepper, watermelon, melon, cabbage and tomatoes. The characteristics of these varieties were explained, along with the best timing for cultivation, the specific fertilization program for each crop, in order to guarantee increased productivity and an improved quality.

9- On 19/05/2020, a special visit was organized to the Babel Directorate of Agriculture, which included a meeting with Agriculture Director Mr. Khaled Al-Qarra Ghouli, to follow up on the handover process of the Bora wheat, before it is marketed by farmers. In an attempt to facilitate the marketing of this wheat variety to farmers, the Al-Halla Silo was visited, and a discussion was held with the silo director and seed examination lab director, whereby they were handed the official books related to the registration  of the Bora wheat, thus rendering the market process easier for farmers, without any obstructions in delivery.

10- On 20/05/2020, agent Riad Ghani was taken on a visit to view Debbane Agri’s original cucumber varieties in Nahiya region, and to compare it to other competing varieties in terms of quality and productivity.

11- Our team followed up on the Bora wheat harvesting process in several regions in Babel, calculated the amount of wheat produced per dunum and compared it to other competing varieties harvested nearby. Debbane Agri also took part in the harvesting processes carried out by several farmers and dealers.

Debbane Agri organized a field observation in Baghdad on 18/05/2020 to test the different varieties, in presence of Seed Manager Ziad Naaman and South Regional Director, Engineer Saleh, along with Engineer Amir and the South regional company agent Abou Rouqaya. The visit yielded positive results, whereby several important varieties were observed at the station.

In the framework of the development of its projects and activities implemented in Algeria, DEAL has set up a new warehouse, which will be a major asset for the growth and improvement of its activities.

This location shall act as a key driver of development for society. It boasts a storage area of 1,606 square meters, two stores- the first of which shall be intended for wholesale and the other for retail sale, covering an area of 430 square meters and 100 square meters respectively- in addition to two administrative offices. 

Located close to the Port of Mostaganem and several dry ports, the new premises shall facilitate the receipt of goods. Furthermore, their proximity to the main roads is another asset that shall ease the movement of goods and help DEAL become more effective and closer to its clients than ever before.

We would like to thank all our collaborators for their assistance in moving all goods to the new location, while ensuring the smooth conduct of the mission in order to make this warehouse operational as soon as possible.

We are delighted to share this great news with you.

On Thursday May 7^th, Beijing Leili Marine Bioindustry conducted a Zoom video webinar for DEMA team. The webinar was delivered by Eng. Fakhri Bou Safara from Tunisia, who was joined by Leili team members from Egypt, Eng. Islam and Eng. Waheed, in addition to team members from China, Jacky and Ji Rong. The webinar lasted for two hours and was attended by all DEMA team members, including the technical team, the sales department and area managers.

The focus of the session was on Alga 600 and its benefits to the Iraqi environment and conditions. The session also focused on the benefits of Alginic Acid & Kelmost, which include:

1. Buffering the soil solution in calcareous soils
2. Reducing the impact of high temperatures during the summer
3. Improving the quality of bud distribution, especially on grapes when used after the breaking of dormancy
4. Reducing the impact of soil salinity on plant growth

On Thursday April 30, Peter de Vries, Fertigation Manager at Yara, delivered an online seminar to DF technical team, which is specialized in hydroponics. Mr. de Vries has a vast experience in hydroponics systems, given the fact that he is in charge of the development of the fertigation range program and the trial station at Yara Vlaardingen, in Vlaardingen B.V.- the Netherlands. 

The focus of the session was on MyYara software, created by Yara under the slogan of: “Boosting your crop yields with our most advanced Nutrient Planning Tool”.

The program shall help the team in implementing fertigation recipes based on water & solution analyses, while taking into consideration the crop growth stage. In addition, this precise tool shall help the team prepare recipes at the touch of a button while yielding accurate results. Consequently, the team shall be able, thanks to this tool, to provide the needed nutrient at the right time, without any surplus that may harm the environment.

My Dear Colleagues,

There is no better way to start my word, but to build on, our Chairman, Mr. Etienne’s message of last week.  A message that further strengthened our trust & our loyalty into our group. A message that made us feel safer and protected by our big family, the Debbane family.

I can’t express enough how delightful and happy I am, and I thank god that you all & your families are safe from this dreadful virus, COVID-19, that turned into pandemic, hit the world and turned the lives of billions of people upside down.  For this end, I would like to seize this opportunity to thank all the leaders in our group, across all our operations and HQ, for putting in place the right protocols; and, of course, I thank you all for adhering to them, so you protected yourselves, your families and hence the group. Thank you!

We at Debbane Agri would like to extend our appreciation to our teams that have been at the front lines making sure that our business is sustained in these difficult times. The products and the services we offer are necessities to feed the world, and accordingly we have a huge responsibility towards the society. It is as important as saving people’s life.

In this uncertain time, the situation can feel scary, stressful and overwhelming to some of us.  This demands from all of us at Debbane Agri, to get more rooted to our core values driving our business since 1952:

Excellence, Integrity, Generosity, Respect, Team Unity and Perseverance.

Since that time, we have faced and seen many challenges, and have overcome them all.  TOGETHER, we will beat this one as well.

Now more than EVER, we need to be more perseverant and to work harder with positive energy, compassion, agility, and caring hearts. 

We are in this TOGETHER, Rest assured that we are and will be with you in every step of the way.

Coming Together is a beginning, keeping together is a progress, working together is success.

You are just doing GREAT

Keep on doing this GREAT job

Stay Positive

Stay Optimistic, for a bright tomorrow

Stay Safe

Debbane Agri organized field activities on 21/04/2020 in Central Euphrates, including field tours at the “Kilo 7” region, with engineer Ali Al-Kanani, to follow up on the Nickerson onion varieties.

Characteristics of the Variety:

• Strong plant with organized growth
• High productivity with consistent sizes
• Short-day species
• Durable fruit capable of withstanding long storage

A number of field visits were conducted in the “Maydan” region with farmer Akil, in order to follow up on the Jida variety produced by Monsanto Company. It is indeed one of the excellent varieties, with a successful planting rate in desert and non-desert areas (in muddy or sandy soil).

Characteristics of the Variety:

• Excellent vegetative density
• High and stable production across the season
• Resistant to viruses, nematodes, and Fusarium
• Rigid fruit

A number of field visits were conducted to follow up on the testing of Celtic on onions, in order to combat thrips, whereby 25 ml of pesticide were used for every 200 ml of water. As a result, 30 minutes later, the pesticide was 100% successful and effective.

Pesticide Characteristics:

• Composed of Silicone as an aiding agent which helps combat agricultural pests.
• Used to fight thrips, spiders, aphids, and whiteflies
• Celtic functions on a Physics level, by creating a thin polymer coating
• It is not harmful to the environment.

As part of its initiative to fight the coronavirus and driven by its belief in its crucial role in the fight against this pandemic, Debbane Agri conducted, under the slogan of “when humanity crosses all borders”, a sterilization procedure in all of the Roumieh prison facilities and the women’s prison in Dahr El Wahesh. The operation was run with the collaboration of practitioners and experts specialized in public health and the fight against pests and viruses. Debbane Agri would like to thank all those who contributed to the success of this initiative, in accordance with its slogan “Together for a better agriculture”, which, in this case, becomes “Together for better health”.

Whether to find a cure for an ongoing pandemic or to control a pest outbreak in the desert, the world had found itself again in the hands of scientists and research teams in continuous effort to provide the best solutions and technologies for our daily lives and agriculture practices.

Since the establishment of Debbane Freres, the company made sure that one of its main pillars would be the technical expertise of the team, backed with a technical department working on daily basis to provide customers with novel technologies and products to cope with the ongoing changes in the markets. This strategy proved itself efficient once again by providing the Public Health line, in a significantly short period, with a sanitizing product to be used do disinfect indoor and outdoor spaces against the ongoing CoV19- crisis: ATO QUAT.

ATO QUAT is a product based on quaternary ammonium (alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride 10 %) provided by ATOMES – Canada. Initially used to disinfect fruits and vegetables from all kings of bacteria, fungi and viruses, ATO QUAT is also used to cold sterilize medical equipment and kitchens. This is only possible due to the registration of the product under an official DIN ( Drug Identification Number) and the CFIA ( Canadian Food Inspection Agency ) food contact approval. Thus, ATO QUAT is safe to use in households and does not cause any allergies for people or damages to any type of fabric, unlike commonly used chlorine-based products.

Soon, Debbane Freres will be also providing the market with ATO QUAT 2 that has in it, added to quaternary ammonium, hydrogen peroxide which will increase the efficiency of the product and the protection period that it provides.

With its restless effort to develop its Seeds Portfolio, DF seeds team is cooperating with the TCEs & customers to test new products.

Seeds department is committed to select added-value vegetable seeds varieties in term of productivity, better resistance to disease, longer shelf life, and high fruit quality.

In this framework, DF Seeds product manager organized a Seminar for the South Branch Engineers covering two main topics:

1 - Vegetable seeds market study / Lebanon

2 - Segments, characteristics and types of main crops (Tomato, Cucumber, Pepper, Eggplant, Brassiceae, Leafy crops, Sweet corn, Radish, Carrot …).

This seminar was an opportunity to answer all queries and highlight the new brand DP Elite; in addition to the launching of new released varieties from multinational suppliers:

- Indeterminate Tomato: Alesandra (Cluster), Tomato Clarita, Tomato Sacha.

-Determinate Tomato: 777, Prince (Saladette)

-Cucumber: Rani (Spring), C2 (Winter)

-Lettuce: Lola

-Cauliflower: Bride

Furthermore, the discussions also covered market trends, competition’s varieties performance and how to improve market share.

Teamwork in addition to sharing best practices & knowledge remain the corner stone behind coming up with solutions that meet market needs. This translating the company slogan “together for a better agriculture”.

On January 30th 2020, the Honorable Austrian Consul in Lebanon, Sir Gerhard Staflinger, accompanied by Debbane Agri CEO Mr. John Fawaz conducted a Field visit to Debbane Freres Advanced Trial Station in the South Area of Lebanon.

The visit started with a stopover at Debbane Zahrani branch (offices and warehouses). Sir Staflinger was briefed on Debbane Agri’s main strategies in developing the Agri sector business in Lebanon.

The next stop was at Debbane Freres advanced Production & Trial Station in Adloun. The tour was an opportunity to elaborate to the honorable guest the various activities conducted at the site including production with Hydroponic technology, the Protected Bananas, the Mango and Grapes advanced projects, and other innovative initiatives that the company is testing for the Lebanese Market and the Region as well.

Sir Stafinger was pleased to have met Debbane Freres Management and Operations teams, who gave him the opportunity to be more acquainted to the Lebanese Agricultural community. Moreover, Sir Stafinger wished Debbane Agriculture all the best to keep its leading role in Agri sector.

At the end of the tour, Debbane Freres offered the Embassy’s garden a lemon tree as symbol of friendship and appreciation.

Within its effort to enrich the customer engagement and uplift the shopping experience, Debbane Freres has renovated its Zouk Branch. The new design is up to European standards, where it offers customers a unique shopping experience in an open space and fixtures made of ecofriendly and recyclable materials.

The new design allows better product merchandizing by business category i.e fertilizers, Pesticides, seeds and equipment; Displayed products are more visible and easier to reach. Moreover; clients are also privileged to benefit from the professional advice and assistance of Debbane Freres skilled engineers.

With Zouk Branch new look, Debbane Freres will be raising the Bar towards and new standards in the Agri Sector.

The exponential increase of the world population through time is heaping more pressure on the agricultural sector to produce food amounts enough to feed the world. There is a significant need for better water management and irrigation practices to increase agricultural production using the same amount of water, and even less. On the other hand, land resources are of equal importance and their use in a sustainable manner is a key factor moving forward.

How can the agribusiness sector contribute towards a sustainable future? More importantly, what kind of steps is Debbane Saikali Group taking in the right direction?

ACHIEVEMENTS

Hydroponics is defined as not using soil as substrate for crop production (FAO, 2020). The major advantage with such a system is the absence of weeds and other soil- borne pests, no toxic pesticide residues, better use of water, better control over nutrients and oxygen, and increased crop quality and yields.

Exotica

Exotica has been using the hydroponics system in its nurseries since 1998. Back then, Exotica engineers learned the advanced technologies of the new growing systems in Europe, imported them to Lebanon, and through continuous support from European experts till this day, they have been successful in maintaining and optimizing these systems.

Roses are grown in perlite, which allows growers to plant double the roses per square meter, providing a better economic return. Irrigation and fertilizers are supplied through automated systems, and water demand is determined through soil sensors in the growing media. This automated fertigation process, along with the controlled environment of the greenhouse, enables the growers to produce high quality roses that are uniform across the greenhouse.

Debbane Freres

Other than ornamentals, Debbane Freres has adopted hydroponics in the agricultural industry since the early 2000’s. Our trial station in Aadloun encompasses 12,000 square meters of hydroponically grown tomatoes, cucumbers and eggplants. The greenhouses have a controlled environment with respect to temperature, humidity, and irrigation. The main advantages of this system include, but are not limited to the following:

• Up to 70% less water use
• Significant reduction in pesticide use
• More yield than conventional agriculture

Another advanced form of hydroponics, the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), has been adopted in the

Bouar trial station where we are growing lettuce. Similarly, advantages of NFT include, but are not limited to the following

• Growing up to 4 times more lettuce per square meter
• Delivery up to 10 seasons per year compared to a maximum of 5 season in traditional agriculture

Bouar station also hosts strawberries planted hydroponically in Rockwool, another inert mineral substrate. Achieving high yields and high quality fruits.

Other than hydroponics, Debbane is adopting new planting and cultivation methods in the grapes sector. With the idea originating from Italy, vineyards are grown under plastic film covers, in an effort to protect the vines during critical periods of adverse weather conditions, mainly hail storms, spring frost and hot wind storms in summer. Furthermore, the plastic film cover provides a better microclimate for the vineyard, allowing harvest time to be achieved earlier for early varieties, and later for late varieties.  In order for this cultivation method to be fully effective, Debbane secured the exclusivity of the best protected grape varieties from California to fit every segment of the market. We can now produce grapes from early June till end December.

Debbane Freres has already adopted the new vineyard structure in Bekaa, North, and most recently in the South of Lebanon where a 15 hectares vineyard has been installed at Wazzani. The project at Wazzani is finalized, with all the structures installed and covered, and all the grapes planted. Production is expected to start in 2021.

CHALLENGES

The idea of hydroponics has surely disrupted the traditional ornamental and agricultural markets, being able to provide higher quality produce, with greater amounts, at faster rates and most importantly while using less land and resources. So, why hasn’t Debbane been able to properly commercialize it on the national and regional scale?

Financing

Hydroponics projects have a significantly higher initial investment due to the multi-span structure, climate control, automated irrigation system, cost of substrate that needs to be changed yearly and others. Many farmers/investors refrain from venturing into an investment of such magnitude, especially that the Lebanese produce markets’ prices are continuously fluctuating. Moreover, the government does not subsidize such sustainable solutions to help and encourage the Lebanese farmer to invest.

The same applies for the grape’s projects, whereby the initial cost of investment is almost 5 times more than that of a traditional vineyard. With the current financial crisis and the uncertainty of the Lebanese economy going forward, the likelihood of selling such projects continues to be limited.

Mentality and Support

Like any innovation, the main challenge is the mentality of the target customer, which in our case is the farmer; very tough. Without solid facts and studies proving the efficiency and feasibility of our projects, it is very hard to market and sell projects.

 On the other hand, we have not been successful enough on our demonstration sites to present clear-cut data, proving that Hydroponically grown vegetables and strawberries yield consistently a better and more abundant crop than soil-planted ones. More focus and intensified work will be provided from our side, as we believe this is certainly going to be a technique to spread in the near future. We also need to build and train the teams who will be in charge of supporting the customers who will follow these techniques.

Steps moving forward

In order to tackle these challenges, we are taking several steps moving forward. Firstly, through trials, we are optimizing our structures in an effort to lower cost per square meter, therefore lowering the amount of initial investment required. Secondly, we are forming a committee that will be dedicated to sharing ideas and expertise in the aforementioned innovative solutions, which also serves the purpose of lowering and optimizing the operational expenses of these projects. Finally, we continue to expose ourselves to innovations and developments through seminars, fairs and exhibitions, whereby we can learn from outside knowledge, adapt what we learned to our resources and capabilities, and provide the market with tailor made solutions.

Through innovation and technologies, Debbane continues to strive in the face of the agricultural challenges in the region, while aiming to optimize land and water use and provide farmers with holistic agricultural solutions towards a sustainable future.