How do we ensure that high-tech solutions for food waste actually work for a small farmer in rural Lebanon? This is the core mission of Consumers Lebanon (CONL) within the FUSION project. As a civil society organization with over a decade of experience, CONL acts as the vital bridge between scientific research and real-world social impact.
While universities develop innovative machinery, CONL ensures these tools are «field-ready.» In collaboration with the Technical University of Cartagena (UPCT), CONL is testing a hybrid solar/biomass dehydration prototype.
Innovation cannot happen in a vacuum. Under Work Package 4, CONL has been deep in the field, interviewing farmers and retailers to identify the structural and behavioral causes of food loss in Lebanon. These insights have directly shaped the regional Guide of Good Practices, ensuring that FUSION’s recommendations are not just theoretically sound, but culturally and economically appropriate for Mediterranean communities.
The most visible face of CONL’s work is its leadership in outreach. A standout moment was the multi-stakeholder workshop in Zahle (November 2025), which brought together researchers, policymakers, and farmers to discuss the tomato and pepper value chains. Beyond local workshops, CONL has represented the FUSION vision at international stages, such as the EAAE Congress in Bonn, connecting grassroots Lebanese experiences with global academic dialogues.
A technology is only successful if the community adopts it. Working on the Social Life-Cycle Assessment (s-LCA), CONL analyzes how FUSION’s innovations impact employment and community structures. Their surveys show a strong local interest in low-cost solutions like drying, proving that there is a path forward for sustainable, home-based food processing in Lebanon.
In a time of economic constraints, Consumers Lebanon’s role ensures that FUSION isn’t just a technical exercise, but a lifeline for food security. By linking local engagement with international research, they are helping build a more resilient and inclusive food system across the Mediterranean.
