(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — The first Lebanese National Laboratory for the testing of olive oil was opened on Thursday in Kfarshima by the Agriculture Ministry. The project is reportedly being funded by the Italian Embassy in Beirut.
“We inaugurate the National Laboratory for testing the Lebanese olive oil, where it will be possible to conduct all kind of tests according to International requirements and standards,” said Agriculture Minister Akram Chehayeb at the launching ceremony. “The laboratory has been accomplished thanks to the Italian grant.”
The laboratory, the first of its kind in the country, will allow ministry experts to assess and control the quality of Lebanese olive oil. The laboratory was established in part due to a grant donated by the Italian government, which backed several projects aimed to improve Lebanese olives and oil.
“The achievement we are celebrating today is the result of a long-standing commitment of the Italian Cooperation in the Lebanese Agriculture sector,” said Giuseppe Morabito, the Italian Ambassador to Lebanon. “The olive tree is the symbol of peace. I wish this project will bring us hope and peace. Italy will continue to stay in Lebanon in spite all the difficulties,” he said.