Established in 1986, the Yair Research and Development station at Hatseva in the central Arava forms part of the network of agricultural R&D stations developed and supported by KKL-JNF throughout the country.
The station's work focuses on encouraging the development of modern agriculture in the region as a basis for community development. Currently, and with the support of KKL-JNF, plans are underway for expanding the building that houses the R&D's laboratories. KKL-JNF was a partner in establishing the site's "A Window to Agriculture in the Arava", an interactive visitors center located at the R&D Station. Recently the "Adopt an Acacia" project, supported by Friends of KKL-JNF in Australia and Canada, received the coveted 2015 Negev Environmental Protection Award. With the help of the Yair R&D Station and local volunteers, 1,000 acacias tree were reintroduced into their natural habitat.