When most people think of Israeli agricultural technology, drip irrigation comes to mind. Pioneered by Kibbutz Hatzerim’s Netafim in 1965, the company has produced over 150 billion “drippers” for farmers in 110 countries since its establishment.
Like much of Israeli innovation, technology was born out of necessity, as Israeli farmers sought to grow crops in the dry soil of the Negev desert.
While Israel has largely overcome its industrial and household water woes, primarily courtesy of investment in coastal desalination plants, ambitions to solve the world’s most pressing agricultural challenges have not subsided.
According to government estimates, Israel’s agricultural industry is worth approximately NIS 100 billion ($27.68b.) annually, and has potential to export produce and technology valued at NIS 4b. ($1.1b.)