On rebuilding agricultural capacity
How do you assess the agricultural sector and its outlook for the coming seasons?
FARID KHOURI: Agriculture in Syria remains fundamentally dependent on water availability. Last year was extremely challenging due to drought, which significantly reduced yields and affected the entire value chain. This year, the outlook is more positive, provided rainfall patterns remain favourable. Syria has always been an agricultural country. While industrial activity is limited compared with larger economies, farming remains deeply rooted in our economic structure and social fabric. The revival of agriculture is therefore closely linked to economic stabilisation and even to the return of displaced populations. If farmers can resume cultivation in their villages with adequate water infrastructure, this creates both employment and food security. The introduction of advanced agricultural technologies over the years has helped raise sector standards and maintaining these standards will be critical if Syria is to rebuild its export credibility.
What are the main operational challenges facing agricultural input suppliers?
KHOURI: One of the most significant challenges remains the payments environment. Although sanctions have formally been lifted, international payment settlements are not yet fully normalised. Domestic procedural requirements remain, and some international suppliers continue to express caution regarding Syrian transactions. This affects timing, liquidity management and planning. Another challenge comes from open-border competition, particularly the inflow of low-cost agricultural inputs via neighbouring markets. Large volumes of inexpensive Chinese materials enter Syria without the same tax, compliance or technical oversight burdens faced by established distributors. For companies such as ours – which maintain professional teams, engineers and logistics networks across the country – this creates a substantial price gap. However, quality ultimately determines sustainability. Export markets – particularly in the Gulf and parts of Europe – demand strict traceability and the use of well-researched, supervised agricultural inputs. Products treated with unverified or unsupervised materials are often rejected. Therefore, while price competition is intense domestically, long-term competitiveness depends on maintaining internationally accepted standards.
In what ways do export dynamics influence the development of the agricultural sector?
KHOURI: Export capacity is central to the sector’s future. Traditionally, Syrian agricultural products have found markets in Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq, while Europe has also been an important destination. During the conflict years, many of these channels were disrupted by political and reputational factors. Rebuilding trust is therefore essential. In recent years Syria’s image suffered significantly, including concerns related to illicit activities under the previous regime. Restoring credibility in international trade requires time, transparency and consistent quality control. Importing countries need assurance that Syrian produce complies with technical specifications and safety standards. If confidence improves and trade frameworks become more predictable, exports can expand again. This would support farmers while stimulating related sectors such as logistics, packaging and distribution. Agriculture has the potential to act as a foundation for broader economic recovery, provided it is supported by infrastructure, regulatory clarity and stable regional relationships.
Where are the sector’s strategic priorities for the next three to five years?
KHOURI: One important development is renewed access to northern territories, which were previously beyond operational reach. These regions are strategically significant, particularly for wheat and cotton production. Wheat is fundamental to food security, and expanding coverage in these areas aligns with both commercial and national priorities. Companies have begun strengthening their presence by recruiting additional staff to support remote agricultural communities. Expanding geographic coverage while maintaining technical support for farmers is a key objective. More broadly, agriculture is likely to remain Syria’s principal driver of economic revitalisation. Regional cooperation, including agreements to improve water infrastructure such as desalination projects, can help create the conditions needed for rural communities to stabilise and grow. If farmers are empowered with reliable inputs, modern technology and access to markets, the sector can play a decisive role in rebuilding livelihoods and restoring economic momentum.
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