From November 6 through 8, 2014, USAID, through its Lebanon Industry Value Chain Development (LIVCD) project, is supporting the participation of 11 food cooperatives at the Beirut Cooking Festival in the 'Naturally Healthy' exhibition booth. The food cooperatives come from across Lebanon to present their products during tasting sessions. This is part of LIVCD's objectives to help small businesses to generate income while creating jobs for the rural population, in particular women and youth.
During the three-day festival, Chef Chadi Zeitouni will carry out daily live cooking shows at the LIVCD booth using healthy, innovative, and natural ingredients. The rural cooperatives are also promoting the healthy benefits of their products.
The LIVCD booth also hosts the Food Heritage Foundation, an organization supported by USAID for the creation of touristic food trails in rural areas of the Chouf and Western Bekaa to introduce local producers and cuisine to visitors.
Daily cooking shows host women from these areas presenting their traditional local recipes.
"Our job is to help and support the rural population such as these wonderful and talented women, to showcase their skills and promote their products. The Beirut Cooking Festival is an excellent outlet for such an opportunity," commented Nasser Lama, LIVCD Agribusiness Technical Manager.
Products from the cooperatives will soon be available at the Rural Delights retail outlet in Saifi Thatis, expected to open by the end of November. A representative from the Kfardebiane Cooperative, explains, "We were not able to reach out to consumers in the Beirut marketplace. With the new 'Rural Delights' shop open in Saifi, customers in Beirut will be able to find all our products nearby." The LIVCD project works with these cooperatives to improve their production process, upgrade the quality of products, and facilitate their access to markets.
