$50 million emergency fund launched to restore Israeli farming communities
Israel's leading agricultural NGO and Western Negev Farmers will distribute proceeds to farmers whose land has been destroyed in the war
Israel’s leading NGO, Volcani International Partners and Western Negev Farmers have launched a $50 million emergency fund to restore and rebuild farming communities hardest hit by the 7 October terror attacks.
ReGrow Israel is raising money that will immediately be given to farmers and used to help them recoup revenue losses and provide equipment such as tractors, plows and fertiliser spreaders, in addition to rebuilding infrastructure and irrigation systems.
The 45 kibbutzim and moshavim communities that live and farm in the Western Negev region will lead the assessment of needs and allocation of dollars with support from scientists, applied R&D experts and agronomists and technology leaders from around the world.
Danielle Abraham, chief executive of Volcani Partners International, said: “These pioneering, passionate farmers are already getting creative in finding solutions to use what’s left of their land and resources to feed the Israeli population.
“Investing in the rebuild of the Negev is critical to ensuring the immediate safety and security of all Israeli people as well as the world’s food and agriculture system.”
Arbel Levin, Chief Business Development Officer at Mishkey HaNegev, said: “The Western Negev farming communities are sought by governments, corporates and non profits around the globe for their ability to turn minimal arable land bordering desert terrains into a world-renowned agricultural powerhouse region,” said “Israel has been making significant contributions to the world’s agriculture system for 70 years, and the ReGrow Israel fund will invest in building this region back even better for the future.”
ReGrow Israel has generated support from leaders around the world including the US Secretary of Agriculture, Dan Glickman, who is an advisor to the fund. He said: “The Kibbutzim and moshavim farmers pioneered innovations including drip irrigation, wastewater recycling, biofertilisers and precision agriculture; and export nearly $2.5 billion in crops annually.
“This conflict has revealed the fragility of farming and importance of ensuring this region can build back better for the future as unpredictability and uncertainty become more common in Israel and around the world.”
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