Farmers growing fruits and berries near Israel's northern border are facing significant financial losses. The full extent of the economic damage will be known only in the coming months as the harvest progresses, according to Yaron Belhassan, CEO of the Fruit Growers Association in Israel, during an emergency conference.
Belhassan noted the ongoing dangers near the Lebanese border and Gaza Strip, where clashes continue. As a result, farmers in Upper and Western Galilee are barred by the military from accessing their lands, preventing them from tending to their plantations and harvesting.
The peak season for cherries and sour cherries is currently underway, and the harvest for early varieties of nectarines and apricots will begin soon. Following this, peaches, pears, apples, kiwis, mangoes, and other fruits will gradually ripen, with the harvest season extending until October-November.
Last year, farmers faced challenges due to an unfavourable winter, which did not provide enough chilling hours necessary for deciduous trees to bloom properly.
According to the Israel Fruit and Berry Growers Association, the industry employs approximately 3,500 producers, who cultivate around 950,000 tons of fruit annually (excluding citrus fruits). These producers supply a diverse range of high-quality fruits to both the domestic market and for export.
The combined value of the fruit industry (excluding citrus) in Israel is approximately 7.5 billion shekels (EUR 1.9 billion), making up about 23% of Israel's total agricultural production.
Source: detaly.co.il