In Akoura, Lebanon, Paul Akl is the descendant of generations of apple farmers. He owns Ain El Akl, a family business that produces natural apple products like juice, vinegars, and jams. As a small business, it was sometimes difficult to implement the ins-and-outs of international food safety standards and expand marketing – particularly during the economic crisis in Lebanon. With the support of the USAID Farmer-to-Farmer Food Safety and Quality (F2F FSQ) program, implemented by Venture37, Paul explains how he was able to spruce up the packaging and enhance the safety of his products, in spite of these challenges. "We are encouraging our children to be more and more rooted in this land and to stay in this country," he says.

Venture37 is implementing the Farmer-to-Farmer Food Safety and Quality (F2F FSQ) Program to increase the profitability and market access in the agriculture sectors in Lebanon, Egypt, and Bangladesh — three countries that face considerable food safety and quality challenges. With the expertise of Land O’Lakes, Inc., a large Fortune 500 cooperative, Venture37 leverages the technical expertise of our food safety employees, cooperative members, and their networks for up-to-date and cutting-edge industry knowledge in FSQ.

Venture37 and expert volunteers work toward improving food safety and quality by supporting small and medium enterprises in the sector, improving the food safety enabling environment, and helping stakeholders achieve compliance with international standards. Venture37 supports host organizations in disseminating knowledge and adaptive learning across the agricultural and value-added agriculture landscape. Returning volunteers are encouraged to share their experiences with their personal and professional networks to expand the reach of the project’s interventions, increase the awareness of the Farmer-to-Farmer program, and build deeper connections to those in the countries we are supporting. 

New labels for Ain El Akl, created by branding expert volunteers. The three roots in the tree of the new logo symbolize three generations.

View the Farmer-to-Farmer FSQ Facebook page.