MP Geagea, PM discuss ways to help boost apple exports

MP Strida Geagea and Prime Minister Najib Mikati discussed ways to help Lebanese apple farmers export their surplus of the fruit, a Lebanese Forces statement said Monday. “The prime minister and MP Geagea agreed on the need to assist farmers to export their product and [Mikati] promised he would look into the subject and make the necessary contacts with relevant Arab states on this matter,” the statement said. It said the Bsharri MP spoke to Mikati in a telephone conversation to discuss recent calls by LF leader Samir Geagea over the need for the Cabinet to take the necessary steps to help farmers export their apples “given that it is the state’s responsibility to assist farmers in Mount Lebanon and the north, which both produce the highest levels of apples in Lebanon.” The two discussed ways to locate export markets for the apples, “particularly given that the farmers live off the sale of the apples they export ... therefore, assistance in exporting this produce will help support [the farmers] and allow them to remain on their land and in their villages and areas.” From DailyStar