The annual olive harvest in Lebanon, a critical component of the country’s agricultural economy and cultural heritage, is currently facing unprecedented disruption due to the ongoing conflict. Farmers in southern regions report that they are unable to access their groves safely, as the constant presence of drones and the threat of airstrikes have turned a routine seasonal task into a high-risk endeavor.

Beyond the immediate danger of active combat, harvesters are increasingly concerned about the presence of unexploded munitions, including cluster bombs, which may have been deployed in agricultural areas. These hazards pose a long-term threat to both the farmers and the land itself, potentially rendering groves unusable for future seasons. The inability to harvest the olives not only results in immediate financial loss for families who rely on the crop for their livelihood but also threatens the long-term viability of the olive oil industry in the region.

While the agricultural sector is attempting to navigate these challenges, the lack of security guarantees means that many farmers are forced to choose between abandoning their crops or risking their lives to secure their harvest. The situation remains fluid, with the intensity of the conflict dictating the ability of local communities to engage in traditional agricultural practices.