26/09/2026
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We are reaching out with a heartfelt request for your support in giving visibility to the olive farmers of Deir Mimas, Kawkaba, and Rashaya El Foukhar in southern Lebanon: Communities whose lands and livelihoods have been deeply affected by the war.
Their olive trees are more than an agricultural resource. They are part of a unique living heritage of southern Lebanon, along the historic Path of Revelation, passed down through generations and deeply rooted in the land, culture, and identity of these villages.
At a time when unverified claims and broad generalizations can easily create fear and damage the reputation of an entire region, we believe that facts and scientific evidence deserve to be heard.
To document the quality and environmental safety of their production, olive oil extracted from olive fruits from all three villages underwent comprehensive laboratory testing at Laboratorio Juan Antonio Tello in Jaén, Spain, with the sampling and contaminant panel developed in collaboration with CIHEAM Bari, and the laboratory selected through the International Olive Council (IOC).
The results are deeply encouraging: in all three analyzed samples, the tested pesticides and herbicides, ncluding glyphosate and related compounds, PAHs, heavy metals, polar pesticides, chlorate, perchlorate, and the tested radionuclides were reported below the laboratory's detection limits.
We cannot place the entire South under one label. These three villages have been scientifically tested, and their samples showed no detectable levels of the contaminants included in the testing program.
These are not simply laboratory numbers. They are evidence of farmers who, despite war and hardship, continue to protect their land and preserve an extraordinary agricultural heritage.
We kindly ask you to help us share these facts and give these communities a voice through your social media, website, newspaper, magazine, television, radio, or any other media platform available to you.
Your coverage can help counter misinformation and unjustified generalizations, reach consumers and supporters, and help these farmers preserve their land, sustain their livelihoods, and keep this heritage alive.
Please help us tell the story of these farmers, not through rumors, but through evidence.
The three laboratory analyses are attached for your reference and verification.
Warmly,
Rose Bechara Perini
Founder, Darmmess Social Enterprise
