Member since 2025
Credit EUR 150'000
In Lebanon, Philea supports Fair Trade Lebanon (FTL), a pioneering organization in fair trade and agroecology. In a particularly unstable economic and geopolitical context, this financing aims to strengthen FTL’s liquidity in order to secure its operations, support agricultural producers, and consolidate rural value chains.
Project description
Founded in 2006, FTL is a development organization working to strengthen Lebanon’s rural economy under the principle of “trade, not aid.” For nearly twenty years, FTL has supported producers, cooperatives, and small agricultural enterprises by promoting agroecology, gender equality, and access to local and international markets. FTL enhances the value of Lebanese terroir products through the Terroirs du Liban brand and gastronomic tourism initiatives.
The financing provided by Philea will allow FTL to consolidate its liquidity, which is currently highly dependent on the timing of donor disbursements. By strengthening its short- and medium-term financial capacity, FTL will be better able to plan its activities, stabilize its operations, and facilitate cash payments for agricultural production, thereby reinforcing the loyalty and economic resilience of its members.
Challenges & perspectives
FTL operates in an environment marked by prolonged political and economic instability, a weakened banking system, and a strong dependence on grants. These constraints limit the organization’s financial autonomy and complicate long-term planning, despite its strong local presence and recognized expertise in agroecology and fair trade.
Nevertheless, the outlook remains positive. Philea’s support will help secure FTL’s operations and strengthen its financial resilience. By continuing to structure its activities, diversify its partnerships, and promote Lebanese agricultural products, FTL will be able to generate lasting economic, social, and environmental impact for rural communities.
Key figures
Total assets: EUR 2’145’000
Equity: EUR 542’000
Turnover: EUR 2’330’000
Net result: EUR 6’400
Number of beneficiaries: 19'500, including 2'544 women and 842 youth
Philea’s Intervention
Purpose of funding: Liquidity strengthening
Disbursement: December 2025
First Loan: EUR 150’000
Outstanding: EUR 50’000
Usefull data
Country: Lebanon
Head office: Beirut
Philea member since: 2025
Web site : https://fairtradelebanon.org
Impacts
- Promotion of agroecological practices reducing the use of chemical inputs.
- Protection of biodiversity and promotion of sustainable agricultural systems.
- Support to agricultural producers and rural cooperatives.
- Improved income stability through cash payment for agricultural production.
- Inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups in value chains.