OpinionAgritech as the key to economic recovery in northern Israel
Opinion
Agritech as the key to economic recovery in northern Israel
"Effectively seizing this opportunity could not only rehabilitate the region but also establish it as an agricultural powerhouse," writes Dana Keidar, Director at GrowingIL.
The damage to agriculture in Northern Israel following the war is estimated at approximately 1.5 billion shekels, presenting the region with a significant challenge alongside a genuine opportunity for recovery. The ceasefire offers not only a ray of hope for residents but also a chance to revitalize the agricultural economy. Northern Israel, with its fertile fields and unique orchards, stands today at a critical juncture. Over the past year, marked by security tensions, agricultural infrastructure, economic growth, and farmers' daily operations have suffered considerable setbacks. Yet now, as relative calm appears on the horizon, an opportunity arises to advance agriculture with a modern approach focusing on technology, innovation, and increased economic yield.
Recovery should go beyond basic governmental support. Instead, this is the moment to integrate economic solutions rooted in collaboration between local farmers, international corporations, private investors, and Israeli tech companies leading the global smart agriculture sector. Investments in technologies such as soil diagnostics sensors, robotics to streamline harvesting amidst post-war labor shortages, and pest and disease protection solutions to address climate crises can transform the face of agriculture in the north. Concurrently, the region could position itself as a hub for regenerative agriculture—promoting eco-friendly farming methods, enhancing soil fertility, and bolstering the resilience of farming communities.
Modern agriculture offers technologies that provide farmers with significant on-ground advantages. For instance, artificial intelligence for crop management facilitates precise data collection and analysis, helping predict crop yields and optimize irrigation and fertilization practices. Agricultural drones, another innovation, can detect diseases and pests in crops and take targeted actions. These solutions not only improve yields but also reduce costs in the long term, making them appealing to farmers aiming to maximize profitability. Moreover, these technologies contribute to food security for Israel, a critical foundation for the country’s future and resilience.
The global economy today demands rapid adaptation to changes and new market demands in food and agriculture. Israel, recognized as a global leader in water solutions and desert agriculture technologies, can translate this expertise into a significant economic engine for the north. The question is how to leverage the current period to create sustainable economic plans, including fostering agricultural entrepreneurship, funding innovative ventures, and establishing advanced infrastructures to support local farmers.
One example is the "RegenAg Forward" program, developed by GrowingIL (a joint initiative of the Israel Innovation Institute, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Agriculture, and Israel Innovation Authority) in collaboration with the MIGAL Research Institute. This program aims to promote regenerative agriculture as a regional and national growth engine, offering a holistic solution for all players in the chain—the "consumer" (the farmer), the "seller" (the corporation), and the "solution provider" (the startup). As part of the program, challenges stemming from the war, as well as climate-related issues, were identified. Selected projects will benefit from funded pilots in northern Israel alongside agronomic support from MIGAL experts.
Such initiatives can yield not only economic returns for farmers but also contribute to regional job recovery, strengthen the local economy, and support Israel’s food security. Additionally, enhancing the region’s competitiveness in the global market could enable Northern Israel not only to regain its footing but to become a growth engine for the entire country.
At the same time, environmental considerations must be taken into account. Adopting green technologies, such as eco-friendly pesticides, can reduce environmental impact. Dual land use—combining agriculture with solar energy generation above fields—can help address climate change challenges and meet renewable energy production targets. Furthermore, implementing systems and sensors to measure soil health could position the north as a model for environmental sustainability. Green initiatives like these would allow the region to maintain its rural and local character while creating new economic opportunities.
The coming period will be critical in shaping the future of agriculture in Northern Israel. Effectively seizing this opportunity could not only rehabilitate the region but also establish it as an agricultural powerhouse, combining economic yield, innovation, and environmental sustainability. The government, entrepreneurs, and farmers must work together to drive this effort, transforming the north into a global inspiration in agriculture and technology.
Dana Keidar, Director at GrowingIL community at the Israel Innovation Institute, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Agriculture, and Israel Innovation Authority
