Detained New Brunswick farmer had been developing market in Lebanon

There is still no word on why Henk Tepper of New Brunswick is in custody in Lebanon.

The New Brunswick potato farmer who remains detained in Lebanon travelled to the Middle Eastern nation in a mission to expand the province's export markets, according to Potatoes Canada.

Potatoes Canada board of directors member Brenda Simmons said Wednesday the organization had planned a logistical mission in Lebanon and it also has plans to return later this year to complete potato variety trials.

Grand Falls-area farmer Henk Tepper of Tobique Farms was detained upon arriving in the capital city of Beirut on March 23.

Tepper has been held by Lebanese officials since.

Potatoes Canada aims to develop new markets for Canadian potatoes through trade missions.

Another mission is underway in Central America this week. Several exporters are visiting Honduras, Costa Rica and Panama.