During the meeting, KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky presented his vision and commitment to advancing Israeli agriculture and strengthening Israel’s food security. He announced that KKL-JNF, under his leadership, will implement its role in the national water sector plan by allocating NIS 100 million annually for the construction and upgrading of water reservoirs in each of the next ten years.
The Chairman also announced that KKL-JNF will work to significantly expand its support for agricultural land development, in accordance with national needs and budgetary availability in the coming years. This commitment reflects the organization's recognition of the importance of developing agricultural land, strengthening rural communities, and securing the future of Israeli agriculture.
During the meeting, the Chairman presented KKL-JNF’s intention to examine increasing its support for regional agricultural research and development (R&D) to NIS 30 million in 2027, as part of the long-standing partnership between KKL-JNF and the Ministry of Agriculture. In addition, participants reviewed progress in developing a strategic plan to advance knowledge and innovation in the field of agrivoltaics, a sector that both KKL-JNF and the Ministry view as a key growth engine for the future of Israeli agriculture.
Photo: Courtesy of KKL-JNF
Representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security highlighted the issue of the next generation of farmers as one of the sector’s most significant strategic challenges. This includes the need to encourage young people, discharged soldiers, and residents of agricultural communities to pursue careers in agriculture. The parties agreed to explore opportunities for cooperation and the advancement of strategic initiatives in this area.
KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky emphasized that agriculture is a national asset of strategic importance to the State of Israel and that KKL-JNF remains committed to leading investments in infrastructure, research, innovation, and the development of land and water resources. These efforts are aimed at strengthening agriculture, food security, and rural settlement, with a particular focus on Israel’s northern and southern regions.
KKL-JNF and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security will continue to work together to address the challenges and opportunities facing Israeli agriculture, driven by a shared commitment to the future of Israel’s farmers and agricultural communities.