MS. Nina Lehmann
The State of Israel has closed the gap from being a developing country in the 1950s to becoming an OECD member country. Israel has done so despite difficult climatic conditions, scarce land, shortage of water and other national challenges.We attribute the achievements mainly to the close collaboration and interaction between agricultural research, extension service and growers, which resulted in the promotion of advanced technologies in all agricultural sectors.
Israeli agricultural extension is a governmental at the service of farmers. It constitutes a link between research and the growers, aiming to improve farmers’ agricultural practices.
The organizations cooperating to promote Israel agriculture.
“SHAHAM”
The Israeli Agricultural Extension Service, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
The Agricultural Extension Service is a government advisory unit; it provides high-quality advisory services with focus on applicable know-how to the farmers. Shaham’s objectives are to serve:
- National policy: Land settlement, population dispersal, food supply and protection of the environment.
- Farmer welfare: Standard of living, efficient production and profitability.
- Consumer welfare: Safe & nutritious food, year round supply at reasonable prices.
The extension service pursues an active working collaboration with farmers associations, commodity production, marketing boards and research institutions.
ARO
The Israeli Agricultural Research Organization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
ARO is the research arm of the Israel Ministry of Agriculture. It is responsible for planning and conducting Israel’s agricultural research efforts. Together with the Hebrew University’s Faculty of Agriculture, ARO deals with: Solving current problems in agricultural production as well as introduction of new products, processes and technology.
Regional Research & Development Stations
Ten R&D stations were established in Israel in order to serve the development needs of the agricultural regions. Partners to the research activities are ARO, Extension Service, universities in Israel and other research entities. Their management board includes representatives from research organization, the extension service, farmers and other stakeholders. R & D is one of the important means available for Israeli agriculture to fulfill its goals and help coping with its challenges. Research, field trials, model farms and other means are set up for R & D in Israel.
Growers
Growers are part of the management of each agricultural branch Management also includes researchers and extension service experts who outline the objectives and development priorities of each branch.
Extension services constitute a bridge to facilitate the transfer of agricultural research and innovative techniques to the farmer. In so doing, the productivity and efficiency of the farmers is increased, thereby further contributing to the attainment of food security, sustainable development and poverty eradication
The participatory approach in development is defined as a process of equitable and active involvement of all stakeholders in the formulation of development policies and strategies and in the analysis, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development activities.