Lebanon bans potato imports

Agriculture Minister Akram Chehayeb has announced a decision that would block companies from importing certain produce without prior approval, in an apparent response to demands by local farmers struggling to sell their products. According to the ministry’s decree, importers of frozen apples, pears and potatoes will now be required to obtain a license from the Agriculture Ministry. Earlier in the day, apple farmers in the coastal city of Jbeil held a brief demonstration to demand the government take action over what they said were barriers to selling their products, according to dailystar.com.lb. Lebanon’s agricultural sector has in part been impacted by the ongoing conflict in neighboring Syria. (Source: Potatobusiness.com)