The Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI) was established in 1957 as a public institution under the purview of the minister of agriculture. LARI, however, has financial and administrative independence and is run by a board of members and a general manager. LARI's main mission is to conduct theoretical and applied research related to plants, animals and agro-industries in the aim of promoting agricultural and also rural development.
The Institute has eight branches located in the different Lebanese regions, including Tel Amara, Turbol, Kafardan, Fanar, Libaa, Tyre, Kfashkhna and El-Abdeh.
Furthermore, LARI assists farmers in all agriculture-related matters, such as soil and water analysis, pest and disease management, and technical advice on new agricultural practices.
Within the context of the Agricultural Development Program (ADP), LARI is responsible for the establishment of an early pest and disease forecast system aiming at alerting farmers on dangers and risks of eminent pests and diseases and at, accordingly, advising them on the pest management methods to be adopted..

This forecast system entails:

• The establishment of climatic stations in different regions in Lebanon
• The establishment of a pest and disease forecast system
• The preparation of technical packages (tech-packs)

LARI's team of experts responsible for these activities is as such: