Grants for Agricultural Cooperatives to Support Agri-Food Development in Lebanon

The Grants for Cooperatives in Lebanon provide up to USD 35,000 to registered agricultural cooperatives for climate-smart investments that improve agricultural productivity, resilience, and market competitiveness. Implemented by UNDP under the Green Agri-food Transformation for Economic Recovery (GATE) Project, the programme supports sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, food processing, irrigation, storage, and value chain development across Lebanon.

Grants for Cooperatives in Lebanon Overview

The Grants for Cooperatives in Lebanon are designed to strengthen the country’s agricultural and agri-food sector by supporting registered cooperatives with financial assistance for climate-smart investments and sustainable business development.

The programme forms part of the Green Agri-food Transformation for Economic Recovery (GATE) Project, which aims to improve the resilience, productivity, and long-term sustainability of Lebanon’s agriculture sector. Through grant funding and technical assistance, cooperatives can modernize their operations, increase market access, and adopt climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Grant Objectives

The programme aims to help agricultural cooperatives:

Increase agricultural productivity.
Strengthen climate resilience.
Improve food security.
Expand market opportunities.
Promote climate-smart agriculture.
Modernize agricultural infrastructure.
Strengthen agri-food value chains.
Support sustainable economic recovery.
Improve competitiveness within local and regional markets.

Why This Grant Matters

Agricultural cooperatives play an essential role in supporting farmers, improving rural livelihoods, and strengthening local food systems.

This grant helps cooperatives invest in modern technologies and sustainable practices that enable them to:

Reduce production costs.
Increase operational efficiency.
Improve product quality.
Meet food safety standards.
Access new markets.
Build resilience against climate change.
Strengthen long-term business sustainability.

The combination of grant funding and technical assistance enables cooperatives to implement practical improvements that benefit both members and local communities.

Priority Focus Areas

The programme supports projects across several climate-smart agriculture and agri-food development priorities.

Climate-Smart Agriculture

Projects may include:

Climate-resilient farming practices.
Sustainable agricultural production.
Water-efficient farming.
Climate adaptation measures.
Resource-efficient agriculture.

Agricultural Productivity

Funding supports activities that improve:

Farm productivity.
Production efficiency.
Crop quality.
Agricultural competitiveness.
Value addition.

Climate-Smart Infrastructure

Eligible infrastructure investments may include:

Modern agricultural facilities.
Climate-resilient infrastructure.
Farm improvements.
Sustainable production systems.

Irrigation Systems

Projects may support:

Water-efficient irrigation.
Modern irrigation technologies.
Water conservation systems.
Improved agricultural water management.

Renewable Energy

Funding may be used for:

Solar energy systems.
Renewable energy technologies.
Energy-efficient agricultural operations.
Clean energy solutions.

Food Processing and Storage

The programme supports investments in:

Processing equipment.
Storage facilities.
Cold storage systems.
Post-harvest handling.
Product quality improvement.

Food Safety and Certification

Eligible activities include:

Food safety improvements.
Quality assurance systems.
Certification processes.
Compliance with food standards.

Packaging and Marketing

Funding may also support:

Product packaging improvements.
Branding initiatives.
Marketing activities.
Market development.
Business promotion.

Rehabilitation of Agricultural Assets

Projects may include:

Rehabilitation of damaged agricultural assets.
Equipment replacement.
Restoration of productive infrastructure.
Recovery of cooperative operations.

Raw Materials

Grant funding may also cover eligible raw materials necessary for project implementation and production activities.

Funding Available

Eligible agricultural cooperatives may receive:

Grants of up to USD 35,000
Technical assistance throughout project implementation

Applicants are required to provide a matching financial contribution toward the proposed investment activities.

Eligible Grant Activities

Grant funding may be used for:

Climate-smart infrastructure
Irrigation systems
Renewable energy solutions
Agricultural processing equipment
Storage facilities
Food safety improvements
Certification costs
Packaging materials
Marketing activities
Rehabilitation of damaged assets
Purchase of eligible raw materials

Projects should contribute to stronger agricultural productivity, sustainability, and resilience.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to registered agricultural cooperatives operating within Lebanon’s agri-food sector.

Eligible applicants include:

Agricultural cooperatives
Agri-food cooperatives
Producer cooperatives
Value chain cooperatives

Applicants must meet all programme eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for funding, applicants must:

Be registered with the General Directorate of Cooperatives.
Be registered with the Ministry of Finance.
Operate within agriculture or agri-food value chains.
Have submitted a balance sheet to the General Directorate of Cooperatives.
Demonstrate at least two cumulative years of operation since 2019, excluding conflict-related interruptions.
Provide the required matching contribution.
Submit a complete application package.

Special Requirement for Newly Established Cooperatives

Cooperatives established during the last fiscal year must submit:

Incorporation documents, and/or
A social and economic proposal demonstrating their planned activities.

Technical Assistance for Selected Cooperatives

In addition to financial support, selected cooperatives will receive technical assistance that may include:

Project implementation support.
Investment planning.
Business development guidance.
Technical advisory services.
Capacity building.
Monitoring and implementation assistance.

This support helps ensure that funded projects achieve sustainable and measurable results.

How to Apply for the Grants for Cooperatives in Lebanon

Applicants should prepare a complete proposal demonstrating how the planned investment will strengthen climate resilience, agricultural productivity, and business sustainability.

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

Before applying, confirm that your cooperative:

Is legally registered.
Operates within an eligible agri-food value chain.
Meets the operational history requirement.
Can provide the required matching contribution.

Review all programme requirements carefully before beginning the application.

Step 2: Develop Your Investment Proposal

Prepare a project proposal explaining:

The agricultural challenge being addressed.
Planned investment activities.
Expected economic and environmental benefits.
Climate-smart features of the project.
Benefits for cooperative members.
Long-term sustainability.

Clearly explain how the project contributes to improving resilience and productivity.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Gather all required documentation, including:

Cooperative registration certificates.
Ministry of Finance registration.
Financial statements or balance sheet.
Incorporation documents (if applicable).
Budget and matching contribution details.
Other required supporting documents.

Ensure all documents are complete and up to date.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Submit the completed application along with all required supporting documents before the official deadline.

Before submission, verify that:

Every required section has been completed.
All documents have been uploaded.
Budget calculations are accurate.
Matching contribution requirements are clearly demonstrated.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Submitting incomplete documentation.
Providing unrealistic project budgets.
Failing to demonstrate the required matching contribution.
Proposing activities outside eligible sectors.
Missing financial registration requirements.
Not explaining the climate-smart benefits of the project.

Carefully reviewing the application before submission can improve the likelihood of success.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

To strengthen your proposal:

Clearly explain the agricultural problem your project addresses.
Demonstrate measurable climate and economic benefits.
Prepare a realistic implementation plan.
Include a detailed and transparent budget.
Highlight how cooperative members will benefit.
Show how the investment strengthens long-term resilience.
Ensure all eligibility documents are complete.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Grants for Cooperatives in Lebanon programme?

It is a funding programme under the GATE Project that supports registered agricultural cooperatives with climate-smart investments to improve productivity, resilience, and sustainable agri-food development.

Who manages the programme?

The programme is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Green Agri-food Transformation for Economic Recovery (GATE) Project, in partnership with the Government of Lebanon and the World Bank.

How much funding is available?

Eligible cooperatives may receive grants of up to USD 35,000, together with technical assistance for project implementation.

Is a matching contribution required?

Yes. Applicants must provide a matching contribution toward the proposed project as required by the programme guidelines.

What activities can be funded?

Funding may support climate-smart infrastructure, irrigation systems, renewable energy, processing equipment, storage facilities, food safety improvements, certification, packaging, marketing, rehabilitation of damaged assets, and eligible raw materials.

Who is eligible to apply?

Registered agricultural cooperatives operating within Lebanon’s agri-food value chains that meet all registration, operational, and financial eligibility requirements are eligible to apply.

Do selected applicants receive technical assistance?

Yes. Selected cooperatives receive technical assistance alongside grant funding to help implement projects successfully and strengthen long-term sustainability.

Conclusion

The Grants for Cooperatives in Lebanon provide an important opportunity for agricultural cooperatives to modernize their operations, strengthen climate resilience, and improve competitiveness through sustainable investments.

By combining grant funding of up to USD 35,000 with technical assistance, the programme supports the long-term transformation of Lebanon’s agri-food sector while helping cooperatives build stronger, more resilient, and market-oriented agricultural businesses.