Sustainable Agriculture

Since 1901 in pre-state Israel, KKL-JNF has supported plant and soil research. Today, that support has grown into a network of research and development stations that develop cutting edge methods of farming in arid and semi-arid regions with brackish water. In addition, cheap and sustainable crop irrigation is possible thanks to the 230 water reservoirs and effluent purifying systems that KKL-JNF has built all over Israel, with the support of its friends worldwide. KKL-JNF's support of sustainable agriculture has turned Israel into a powerhouse of innovation.

This is the image gallery webpart

Date grove in the Arava, by Yoav Devir. Did you know over 50% of Israel's landmass is desert? Only 20% of the land is naturally arable, yet Israel manages to produce 95% of its food requirements
A pipe carrying recycled water to the Negev community of Naveh, enabling farmers to irrigate their crops cheaply and sustainably. The water is brought from KKL-JNF's reservoirs and water purification facilities. Photo: Yoav Devir
Water reservoirs such as these two in Tzelim in the Central Arava harvest water from flashfloods and store it for irrigation. Photo: KKL-JNF
The Aryeh pools in the Negev recycle effluents, which are then used for irrigation. Over 87% of Israeli's water is recycled, theh highest in the world. photo: Yoav Devir
Why do tomatoes in the Arava taste so sweet? Because researchers figured out a way to irrigate them with brackish water. Photo: Yoav Devir
Land in Paran in the southern Arava, which KKL-JNF is preparing for agriculture. Land preparation includes diluting the salt in the soil with water. Photo: Tania Susskind
The land of Avnei Eitan in the Golan Hights, which is being prepared by KKL-JNF for agriculture. Photo: Yoav Devir
Irises growing at the Negev R&D station greenhouse. The mild Israeli winter is ideal for growing flowers, which are then exported to a freezing cold Europe. Photo: Yoav Devir
An olive grove growing at the Ramat HaNegev R&D. Plastic sheeting keeps precious water in the ground around the roots. Photo: Dennis Zinn
The global food industry still relies heavily on fossil fuels, which raise the ecological and economic cost of agriculture. KKL-JNF therefore invests in renewable energy research, such as this solar field in Ketura in the Arava. Photo: Yoav Devir
Although brackish water is not ideal for agriculture, it has its advantages. In the Arava, it is used for raising tropical fish for export. Photo: Yoav Devir
KKL-JNF shares its knowlege with other countries. Here, international students study in the Arava International Center for Agricultural Training, supported by KKL-JNF. Photo: Yoav Devir

  • Agricultural Research and Development

    With the help of its friends throughout the world, KKL-JNF funds 50% of the budget of Israel's Research & Development (R&D) stations for agriculture.

  • Agriculture for Food Security and Renewable Energy

    The combination of renewable energy with food production has the potential to increase food security by enabling more production at lower prices..

  • Water for Life

    By developing alternative water sources through water harvesting, building reservoirs and recycling effluents, KKL-JNF has made agriculture flourish in regions that were considered impossible for farming.

  • Land Reclamation for Farming and Security Roads

    KKL-JNF prepares land for farming, giving a much needed boost to agriculture. The security roads improve safety in border communities, allowing farmers to move around freely and children to reach school safely.

  • International Agricultural Cooperation

    KKL-JNF shares its expertise in combatting desertification, water resource management and conserving land through sustainable agriculture and research with countries and international organziations around the world.