At the Israel Fruit Growers Association conference, agricultural leaders urged the government to reduce imports and strengthen domestic production, citing ongoing challenges following the Iron Swords War. The meeting, held for the first time since the conflict began, addressed food security, import policy, and the future of Israel's agricultural sector.
Yaron Belhassan, CEO of the Israel Fruit Growers Organization, said the government must reconsider its import approach. He stated that imports harm agriculture and settlement, particularly in border regions, and called for stronger support for local growers. "The government must also recognize that it has a duty to protect Israeli farmers so that, in times of war, economic crisis, health emergency, or embargo, we can continue producing agricultural goods and feeding the population, without dependence on another nation's goodwill," he said.
Mor Bayda, a farmer from Netiv HaAsara near the Gaza border, said that one-third of farmers in his moshav "haven't returned and likely won't," with many greenhouses still abandoned. Bayda, who previously produced pepper and tomato seeds for export, has now shifted to raspberry cultivation following large blueberry imports into Israel. "The southern plots border the Erez Crossing, and throughout the war, we couldn't reach them at all," he said. "Farmers in Netiv HaAsara have faced many crises, military operations, and challenges, but have always risen again. However, the Iron Swords War was the final straw."
Gil Lin, head of the Megiddo Regional Council, said, "Agriculture is far more than a livelihood; it is Zionism in its deepest sense. Farmers safeguard Israel's food security, standing as a living wall along its borders. October 7 and the war dealt a painful blow to Israeli agriculture." He called for "tangible action, financial support, and recognition of their national contribution."
Belhassan noted that during the war, farmers continued working under fire, highlighting the importance of maintaining domestic production capacity. He called for greater investment in agricultural research, modern wholesale infrastructure, and support for young farmers to ensure continuity.
Amit Yifrah, secretary-general of the Moshavim Movement, said the conference took place "during the Iron Swords War, when it was once again proven that farmers are at the forefront of the national effort." He commended fruit growers for maintaining production and called for fair compensation and protection from low-priced imports.
According to the Israel Fruit Growers Organization, Israel's orchards cover about 36,000 hectares and produce around 700,000 tons of fruit each year, valued at approximately US$1.9 billion. The fruit sector accounts for about 23% of Israel's total agricultural output.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
