Israeli agriculture is in one of the biggest crises we have known since the establishment of the State. The war of the "Iron Swords" continues to give its signals, damaging the current behavior of Israeli agriculture. For example, approximately 6,000 hectares of wheat within a radius of 0 to 4 kilometers from the border with the Gaza Strip, intended for the production of animal fodder, cannot be planted due to the war. To prevent grain shortages and restore Israel's agriculture, the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will allocate approximately 9 million shekels (approximately €2.2 million) for the planting and harvesting of wheat for silage and hay throughout the country. country.

As part of the support, farmers who convert existing areas throughout the country to grow wheat will receive up to 150 shekels (approximately 36.94 euros) for each dunam (1,000 m2), which will be planted now and harvested between the months of March and May. In addition, farmers whose growing areas are under military blockade, but who receive permission to plant and harvest from the relevant authorities, will also be eligible to receive aid.

According to ministry data, wheat cultivation areas near the fence normally amount to about 6,000 hectares. In recent days, under the direction of the Ministry of Agriculture, farmers began planting wheat and barley in alternative areas in the heart of the Negev in an amount similar to what they cultivate in the surrounding area, about 6,000 hectares, all to plant hay and silage.

This support comes in addition to other measures taken by the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture Assistance: in early November, the Ministry allocated 20 million shekels (approximately 5 million euros) to convert and use agricultural buildings to grow Israeli salad vegetables in the whole country; The ministry began a campaign to recruit new Israeli workers for agriculture and will provide an increase of up to 8,000 shekels (approximately 2,000 euros) per month to each new Israeli worker. Additionally, the ministry connects those interested in volunteering in agriculture with volunteer organizations and supports civil society organizations that help recruit volunteers into agriculture with millions of shekels.