Beyond the Award: Recognising the Resilience of Lebanon’s Farmers Markets

At the 4th World Farmers Markets Coalition General Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, the 2026 WorldFMC Awards included a special moment dedicated to recognising something that goes beyond individual achievements: the strength, perseverance and solidarity of a community that has continued to believe in the value of farmers markets despite extraordinary challenges.

The jury chose to give a Special Recognition to Lebanon, acknowledging the resilience demonstrated by its farmers markets and the people behind them through years of economic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, insecurity and war. The recognition followed a candidature submitted by the Lebanon Farmers Markets Coalition on behalf of Beirut.

But behind this recognition lies a much bigger story: that of farmers, women, market organisers, producers and communities who, despite uncertainty and hardship, have continued to show up, keep their markets alive and create spaces where people can connect.

Reflecting on the experience in Nairobi, the Lebanon Farmers Markets Coalition shared what this recognition meant to them and, above all, to the people behind their journey.

When collective efforts are finally seen

Receiving the Special Recognition was an emotional moment for the Lebanese delegation. More than an award, it represented an acknowledgement of years of commitment and the collective efforts of everyone who has helped sustain their markets.

As the Lebanon Farmers Markets Coalition explained:

“Receiving the Special Recognition in Nairobi brought our thoughts back to everyone who makes our markets possible: the farmers who prepare their products, the women whose work sustains so much of our market community, and the people who ensure that, week after week, the market opens and everyone finds their place.

We felt proud, moved, and grateful. Above all, we felt that our collective efforts had been seen.

One moment will stay with us: the tears that welled up on the podium, with Richard, Thiago, Raoul and Enrico, and among fellow WorldFMC members in the room. That shared emotion felt like confirmation that our choice to follow our passion, despite the uncertainty and hardship, had been understood and appreciated. It was deeply moving to feel that the meaning of our journey had reached so many people.”

It was a moment of shared emotion that went beyond the people standing on the stage. It reflected the solidarity of a global community that recognises the challenges faced by its members and understands the importance of standing together.

Keeping markets alive through difficult times

Building and maintaining farmers markets in Lebanon has never been an easy journey. The country has faced successive crises that have deeply affected everyday life, local economies and the livelihoods of farmers and small producers.

Yet, even when circumstances made it difficult to continue, the markets remained.

“Building farmers markets in Lebanon has meant working through economic collapse, the pandemic, insecurity, and war. There have been moments when simply opening the market required more determination than any expansion plan. Yet farmers came, customers returned, and together we kept something essential alive: a place where people could earn a living, buy food directly from those who produce it, and feel part of a community.”

These words capture the deeper significance of farmers markets in times of crisis. They are not simply places where food is sold. They provide opportunities for producers to maintain their livelihoods, allow consumers to access food directly from farmers and preserve relationships that strengthen the social fabric of communities.

In challenging circumstances, the simple act of opening a market every week becomes an expression of determination, continuity and hope.

A weekly act of trust

Perhaps the most powerful reflection shared by the Lebanon Farmers Markets Coalition is the way it describes the meaning of a farmers market:

“For us, that is the heart of our journey. A farmers market is a weekly act of trust. Behind every stall is a family, a skill, a piece of land, and someone who has decided to keep going. Over time, these encounters create relationships, dignity, and belonging.”

This is precisely what the Special Recognition sought to celebrate: not only the ability to overcome difficulties, but also the commitment to preserving something meaningful for people and communities.

The experience of Lebanon reminds us that the value of farmers markets cannot be measured only through the number of stalls, visitors or transactions. Their impact also lies in the relationships they nurture, the livelihoods they support and the sense of belonging they create.

A recognition that belongs to an entire community

The Special Recognition awarded to Lebanon in Nairobi was a tribute to everyone who has contributed to keeping these markets alive. It acknowledged the determination of farmers, the essential role of women, the dedication of market organisers and the trust of consumers who continue to support local producers.

For the World Farmers Markets Coalition, this recognition also reflects the importance of a global network built on solidarity, mutual support and the exchange of experiences across different territories and realities.

Because sometimes, the greatest achievement is not simply growing a market, but finding the strength to keep its doors open, week after week, whatever the circumstances.

To the Lebanon Farmers Markets Coalition and everyone behind this journey: your resilience is an inspiration to the entire WorldFMC community.