Hamra Earth Market of Beirut in Lebanon

Following a 15-year long civil war (1975 to 1990) and repeated internal crises that crippled Lebanon's economy and social fabric, the city of Beirut is bouncing back but is embracing modernity and unrestrained development, leaving behind its rich historical traditions. In January 2009, Slow Food started the Hamra Earth Market in Beirut to support the local economy by creating a commercial outlet for small-scale producers of quality food that values traditional ingredients, seasonality and hospitality.

Today, the small market brings together 15 farmers, herders and artisan producers offering products ranging from fresh fruit and vegetables to mouneh (traditional Lebanese preserves), mankoushe (traditional thyme pita bread), olive oil and specialty items such as artisan natural soaps. With this opportunity to sell directly to consumers, the producers are enjoying unexpectedly good economic returns, which are benefiting the lives of entire families.

In 2010, various projects have been planned in order to strengthen and expand the market, making it a fixed part of the city's life. The aim is to raise funds to support the cost of management and new market structures, to work to add a significant number of new producers to the project and to launch a public campaign to make Beirut's residents more aware of the benefits of a short food chain and supporting small-scale, quality producers in order to attract new customers to the market.

The cost of supporting the Beirut Earth Market in 2010 is € 27.945 , according to the following breakdown:

• Rent of public space € 3,800
• Consumption of electricity and water € 900
• Rent of storage space for equipment € 4,000
• Market management staff costs € 5,000
• Purchase of 5 new awnings to renovate the market’s covering structure € 800
• Purchase of 15 new display tables € 800
• Visits to new candidate producers for market € 850
• Attendance of 4 producers at the International Salone del Gusto and Terra Madre 2010 € 4,500
• Organization of 4 promotional events € 2,000
• Communication activities to promote the market (informational material and media
• relations) € 1,650
• Project coordination € 2,430
• Operational support € 1,215

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