The Israel Agricultural Conference, held in Jerusalem on September 4-5, brought together farmers, growers’ organizations, agricultural companies, and decision-makers to discuss pressing issues in Israeli agriculture. Israeli Agriculture Minister Mr. Avi Dichter addressed the new program he is leading and the rebranding of the ministry. BARD’s Executive Director Prof. Yoram Kapulnik led the session on “Food Security in Israel.”
The developing plan of the new administration includes a goal to increase local agricultural productivity and sets an ambitious target of a 30% increase over the next decade. How can this be achieved? According to Dichter, this involves several efforts and legislative actions, among them the legislation of a national food security law. This will be accompanied by a multi-year plan addressing production means, land, water, and labor, as well as support for research and development.
Minister Dichter explained that the recent change of the ministry’s name from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is based on the core premise that food security is part of the overall security of a self-reliant nation. He also emphasized that all planning processes must promote efforts to maintain agriculture as a sector that is economically viable and can provide a decent livelihood for farmers. As comprehensive plans of this kind have never been set up and implemented in Israel, the ministry is examining what other countries are doing in terms of planning and how they approach it in segments of 10, 20 years, and beyond.
In addition, Minister Dichter emphasized the need to combine forces and build inter-ministerial collaborations in order to plan aspects related to agriculture, such as food, health, trade, and labor law – areas which fall under the responsibilities of various ministries, including Health, Environmental Protection, Economy, and others.
The panel led by Prof. Kapulnik discussed the importance of international collaborations in addressing current challenges and long-term planning to tackle the many challenges that lie ahead. The panel members emphasized how crucial this partnership is for the future of agriculture and food security.
Prof. Kapulnik: “BARD showcases this collaboration by funding research equally between both countries, resulting in impressive advancements. I truly believe accelerated R&D and international partnerships will lead the future of agriculture and promote food security. Investing in research is essential to tackle agricultural challenges. BARD is committed to leading the way for a sustainable future for both nations.”
