• Why Us
    • Why My Olive Tree?
    • What Makes Our Olive Groves So Unique?
    • Why Sponsor an Olive Tree in Israel?
  • Resources
    • The United States and Israel
    • How Israel Is Conserving Water and Improving the Environment
    • Blessing Israel | Why Do Many Christians Support Israel?
    • Jobs and Economic Growth in Israel
    • How to Leave a Lasting Legacy in Israel
    • Customer Login
  • Blog
  • Wall of Honor
  • (918) 615-9466
  • Why Plant in Israel?
    • Support the Golan Family
    • Support Israel. Invest in Israel. Be a Part of the Restoration of Israel.
    • Prophetic Fulfillment
    • Economic Growth
    • Remember a Loved One
    • Commemorate
    • Political Ties
    • Holocaust Survivors
  • Partner with Us
    • Partnership
    • Fundraising Opportunities
  • Contact
  • Log In
  • Log Out
logo
  • Why Us
    • Why My Olive Tree?
    • What Makes Our Olive Groves So Unique?
    • Why Sponsor an Olive Tree in Israel?
  • Resources
    • The United States and Israel
    • How Israel Is Conserving Water and Improving the Environment
    • Blessing Israel | Why Do Many Christians Support Israel?
    • Jobs and Economic Growth in Israel
    • How to Leave a Lasting Legacy in Israel
    • Customer Login
  • Blog
  • Wall of Honor
Shop
  • (918) 615-9466
  • Why Plant in Israel?
    • Support the Golan Family
    • Support Israel. Invest in Israel. Be a Part of the Restoration of Israel.
    • Prophetic Fulfillment
    • Economic Growth
    • Remember a Loved One
    • Commemorate
    • Political Ties
    • Holocaust Survivors
  • Partner with Us
    • Partnership
    • Fundraising Opportunities
  • Contact
  • Log In
  • Log Out
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Home / Blog / Jobs and Economy / Agricultural Influence on Israel’s Economy

Agricultural Influence on Israel’s Economy

By My Olive Tree | November 27, 2017

Dating back from biblical accounts up to modern day, the Jewish people have a history of working the land. The Bible speaks of the Jewish homeland as “a land flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 33:3). This paints the picture of a rich and abundant countryside. The land’s produce was understood to be a sign of blessing and provision.

Today, more than half of Israel’s land is desert climate and dry land, which seemingly would be counterproductive to farming. However, since 1948, when the Jewish state was established, agricultural production grew three times greater than the population.

This burst in agricultural production began as Jews moved back into the homeland. Agricultural communities such as kibbutz and moshavs began to take root. Both types of communities focused on community labor.

  • Kibbutz means, “gathering or clustering” in Hebrew. This agricultural community was made up of collective efforts and communal sharing. Each member or family’s production benefited everyone.
  • Moshav means, “settlement or village” in Hebrew. This agricultural community was made of individual family farms working their own land.

These two types of farming communities that were established in the early 1900s, following waves Jewish immigration, are still a vital part of their economy today. In fact, between the two farming communities, 76 percent of the country's fresh produce is output.

A.D. Gordon, an early Zionist, believed that the Jewish people needed to be reconnected to their land, and through working the land would gain both a spiritual and economic foundation and unity. This idea was presented more than 100 years ago… and we still observe this connection between the land and its people today.

A culmination of Jewish diaspora (exile, dispersion or scattering), anti-Semitic laws prohibiting land ownership, and Jews seeking higher education, began to bury the passion for working the land. However, laws and governments were not able to take this deeply rooted legacy of planting away from the Jewish nation.

During Aliyah, the Jewish people returned to a land that was dry and arid, and used their innovative technologies and skills to revive and renew the soil. The neglected soil and rocky hills were cleared, and systematic restoration began.

Today, Israel is leading the world in agricultural research and development. These agricultural innovations have led to discoveries such as vermiculite, a crop boosting soil conditioner, and drip irrigation, a more efficient way to conserve water in crop farming.

Simcha Blass’ discovery of drip irrigation in the 1930s led to water conservation utilized by farms in California and around the world today. During the drought of 2015, farmers in the United States were looking for innovative ways to conserve water, and through drip irrigation some used 35% less water compared to surface or sprinkler irrigation. One farmer reported getting “70% more tomatoes per 1,000 gallons of water,” according to an article published in the New York Times.

Agriculture has always been a long-term economic boost, but the story of its revival in Israel by the Jewish people is unique. As the land thrives, it brings hope and restoration to the people. Join with Israel today… plant hope for their future, and for yours.

Recent Posts

Sowing into God’s Harvest
What Is the Difference Between a Moshav and a Kibbutz in Israel?
Do You Want to Be a Hero This Holiday Season?

Proud to Stand in Solidarity With Israel

Israeli Olive Oil Board
Israeli Olive Oil Board
Israeli Ministry of Agriculture
Israeli Ministry of Agriculture
City of Jerusalem
City of Jerusalem
Israeli Defense Force
Israeli Defense Force

Contact Us

Phone: (918) 615-9466
Email: [email protected]
  • Blessing Israel | Why Do Many Christians Support Israel?
  • How Israel Is Conserving Water and Improving the Environment
  • How to Leave a Lasting Legacy in Israel
  • Jobs and Economic Growth in Israel
  • The United States and Israel
Sitemap
Shop
  • Privacy Policy
  • Shipping & Returns
Please Note: Sponsorships and purchases through My Olive Tree are not tax-deductible