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PRESS RELEASE

USAID OPENS HONEY AND MOLASSES PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PLANT IN TRIPOLI

Thursday, August 09, 2007

Beirut, Lebanon

Media Notice
For Immediate Release

USAID Mission Director Raouf Youssef opened a product development plant for agro-foods located in the Tripoli Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture on August 9, 2007.

The 300 m2 plant enables producers to develop products in compliance with international standards and aids production of distillates and essential oils from flowers and herbs from the early stages to final packaging. The plant’s main purpose will be to develop syrups, pomegranate concentrate, sauces, honey, molasses, distillates and essential oils, either for bottling for direct sale to consumers, or bulk sale to industrial customers. By helping businesses develop marketable products at reduced costs, the plant lowers the risks for entrepreneurs in the industry. An adjacent laboratory will evaluate the quality and characteristics of the products.

The Tripoli plant is the third of such plants built by USAID, in collaboration with ACDI/VOCA. The first two in Saida and Zahle focused on baked goods, and fruits and vegetables. They are part of a larger $6.9 million USAID program to help Lebanese businesses expand in two areas of the economy: niche Lebanese foods and goat and sheep dairy products. As these businesses expand, they bring income and jobs to rural areas.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has worked in Lebanon since 1951, funding development projects to benefit Lebanese citizens. In Lebanon, USAID creates jobs, invests in youth and protects the environment. With funds from the American people, USAID provides $40 million in assistance a year, working in partnership with Lebanese and U.S. organizations. USAID’s work reflects the strong friendship between the Lebanese and American people. For more information about USAID’s projects in Lebanon, visit USAID’s website www.usaidlebanon.org.lb.