Representative Strida Geagea received in Maarab, Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani, accompanied by his office director, Samer Khawand, in a meeting attended by former MP Joseph Ishak, head of the Union of Municipalities of the Bsharri District, Elie Makhlouf, and the mayors of the district. Agricultural issues and affairs of concern to the judiciary were discussed, most notably the upcoming apple season for this year. The mechanisms for distributing production and opening new foreign markets for it were discussed, especially in a number of Arab countries, including Egypt and Iraq, in light of the positive indicators that herald a promising season and abundant production expected to reach about one million boxes of apples. The vital importance of the agricultural sector for the people of the region, who, in addition to tourism, depend on agriculture as a primary source of livelihood and economic stability, was also stressed, which requires providing the necessary support. For farmers and providing the best conditions for marketing their production.” Geagea stressed "the need for the Lebanese state to keep pace with farmers, especially in mountainous areas, where agriculture constitutes a basic foundation for steadfastness and survival on the land," stressing "the importance of intensifying cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture, municipalities, and concerned parties to open new markets for Lebanese agricultural production and enhance its export opportunities." For his part, Hani stressed, "The Ministry is keen to follow up on this file and work in coordination with various concerned parties to support farmers and facilitate the production marketing process, which contributes to developing the agricultural sector and enhancing its sustainability." At the conclusion of the meeting, the attendees stressed “the necessity of continuing coordination and follow-up during the next stage, and taking practical steps to support the Lebanese farmer and strengthen his steadfastness and adherence to his land, in a way that preserves the continuity of the agricultural sector as one of the basic pillars of the local economy in the Bsharri district.”