Who can Join
ALA membership is open to individuals and entities who contribute to or support the avocado sector, in accordance with the association’s bylaws.
There are five categories:
Farmer Members
Anyone wishing to join the association as a farmer member must be:
- A farmer and/or own a farm, owned or rented,
- With an area of no less than one hectare,
- Willing to combine a portion of their produce for collective marketing.
Non-Farming Members
Anyone wishing to join the association as a non-farmer member must be:
- An agricultural engineer specializing in avocado cultivation, and/or
- An expert, worker, influencer, active player, or assistant in the avocado sector, and/or
- Possess special qualifications or experience that would benefit the avocado sector in Lebanon, or
- Be an active member.
Productive Members
Anyone wishing to join the association as a productive member must be:
- An exporter
- Importer
- Packer
- Distributor
- Processor
- Service provider
- A player in the production chain
Honorary Members
Selected by the Board of Directors, with the approval of the President, in recognition of their special or exceptional service to the avocado sector. They are appointed as permanent honorary members, exempt from paying membership fees, annual subscriptions, and any in-kind contributions to the association.
Eligibility Criteria
ALA Membership Requirements – To Become a Member
To qualify for ALA membership, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a natural or legal person aged 21 or older (Lebanese or foreign, as per Decision No. 369/L.R. of December 21, 1939)
- Enjoy full civil rights and have no criminal convictions
- Accept and commit to the association’s bylaws and objectives
- Pay the membership fee upon approval
- Commit to paying annual dues on time
- Actively contribute to the association’s goals, including through cooperation with like-minded institutions
Member Benefits & Value of Membership
Joining the Avocado Lebanon Association (ALA) means becoming part of a national effort to support and strengthen the avocado sector in Lebanon. ALA membership offers practical services, technical support, and opportunities for growth across the entire value chain. It empowers the sector to accomplish collective goals that are otherwise difficult to achieve individually. At its core, ALA is driven by the principle that what benefits the industry will ultimately benefit each of its members.
Technical Support & Training
Members benefit from workshops, field visits, and training sessions on production, pest management, irrigation, post-harvest handling, and quality control. These activities are aimed at improving productivity and meeting export standards.
Support with Standards & Certification
ALA works closely with members in order to understand and comply with international standards such as Global-GAP, GRASP, BRC, and SMETA. This support facilitates export readiness and improves product reputation in key markets.
Market Access & Promotion
The association organizes and participates in local and international exhibitions to promote Lebanese avocados. Members benefit from collective marketing and access to new buyers and distributors.
Sector Representation
ALA represents its members in meetings with government institutions, donors, and international organizations. It advocates for policies and programs that support farmers, exporters, and investors in the avocado value chain.
Research & Innovation
ALA collaborates with universities and research centers to support applied research in avocado cultivation. Members may participate in trials, receive updates on findings, and benefit from access to new practices and technologies.
Networking & Collaboration
The association helps connect growers, exporters, input suppliers, and investors. This collaboration fosters business development and joint efforts that strengthen the competitiveness of the Lebanese avocado sector.
Membership Fees (Annual)
- Farmer Members
- Certified Growers: 700 USD
- Non-Certified Growers for areas less than 20 dunums: 20 USD
- Non-Certified Growers for areas 20 dunums and above: 100 USD
- Non-Farming Members: 100 USD
- Productive Members: 2,000 USD
- Bank transfer (details provided upon approval)
- In-person at the ALA office (by appointment)
How to Become a Member
If you grow avocados commercially in Lebanon, you are eligible to join the Avocado Lebanon Association (ALA).
As a member:
- Your farm will be registered in the national avocado grower database
- You’ll receive relevant updates and industry news
- You’ll gain access to member-only content on the website
- You’ll be invited to field days and other industry events
- You’ll benefit from the full range of services and support offered by ALA
Membership is formalized through an application process and the assignment of a Farm Identification Number (FIN). The FIN is used for orchard traceability, record-keeping, and participation in ALA’s voting processes at the Annual General Meeting.
