Key Takeaways:
- Launch of ReGrow Israel: Volcani International Partners and Western Negev Farmers have launched the ReGrow Israel Emergency Fund following the October 7th terrorist attacks.
- Significant Losses: The attack resulted in over $500 million in income loss, damage to over 100,000 acres of agricultural land, loss of crucial farming equipment, and destruction of infrastructure and irrigation systems.
- Critical Restoration: The initiative seeks to raise $50 million for immediate distribution to farmers, aiming to restore the region in 6-12 months, which is crucial for Israel’s food and economic security.
- Global Support and Expertise: The restoration will be led by the 45 Kibbutzim and Moshavim communities in Western Negev, with international support from scientists, R&D experts, agronomists, and technology leaders.
- Long-term Impact and Innovations: The project highlights Israel’s long-term contributions to global agriculture, including pioneering techniques like drip irrigation and precision agriculture.
In a significant response to the devastating terrorist attacks on October 7th, Israel’s leading Agricultural NGO, Volcani International Partners, along with Western Negev Farmers, also known as “Mishkey HaNegev,” has launched the ReGrow Israel Emergency Fund. This critical initiative aims to rebuild and restore the farming communities in the Western Negev region, which have been the most brutal hit.
The October 7th attacks caused unprecedented damage to Israel’s agricultural sector. The region suffered over $500 million in lost income, extensive damage to over 100,000 acres of vital agricultural land, and the destruction of essential farming equipment, including tractors, plows, and irrigation systems. The urgency to rebuild and restore this area is palpable, as the Western Negev plays a pivotal role in providing essential food items like potatoes, tomatoes, produce, and dairy to the Israeli population.
The ReGrow Israel initiative has set an ambitious target to raise $50 million. This fund is essential for the immediate restoration of the damaged areas and the country’s long-term food and economic security. The rehabilitation of the Western Negev is seen as a critical step in maintaining Israel’s position as a key player in global agriculture.
The 45 Kibbutzim and Moshavim communities are leading the efforts in the Western Negev region. These communities, renowned for their resilient and innovative approaches to farming in challenging conditions, will oversee the assessment of needs and the allocation of funds. They will be supported by a global network of scientists, R&D experts, agronomists, and technology leaders.
Danielle Abraham, CEO of Volcani Partners International, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Investing in the rebuild of the Western Negev is critical to ensuring the immediate safety and security of all Israeli people as well as the world’s food and Agriculture system.”
The initiative has gained international support, highlighted by the involvement of former US Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman as an advisor. Glickman underscores the importance of stabilizing Israel’s food supply and its vital contributions to a more sustainable global food system. He noted, “The Kibbutzim and moshavim farmers pioneered innovations including drip irrigation, wastewater recycling, biofertilizers, and precision agriculture; and export nearly $2.5 billion in crops annually.”
ReGrow Israel is more than just a response to a tragic event; it is a testament to the resilience and innovation inherent in Israeli agriculture. It serves as a reminder of the critical role that agriculture plays not only in food security but also in economic stability and technological advancement. As the world faces increasing food production and sustainability challenges, initiatives like ReGrow Israel are essential in paving the way for a more resilient and efficient agricultural future.
Image provided by Volcani International Partners
