Organic farmers in Israel produced NIS 1 billion in crops in 2007, according to figures from the Israel Bio-Organic Agriculture Association (IBOAA). This reflects a 30% rise in sales to the local market and a 60% increase in fresh organic exports compared to 2006.
Organic farming now makes up almost 5% of all Israeli agricultural production, for both animal and food crops.
Israel exported 60 tons of organic vegetables in 2007, half of which was potatoes. Other exports included 8,000 tons each of organic carrots and peppers, 8,500 tons of various fruits, including citrus, avocado and grapefruits.
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Ninety-three percent of organic agricultural exports go to European markets, and the rest to Asia and the U.S.
Oranit Raz, the head of the IBOAA, said the organization's forecasts show increasing demand for Israeli organic products, and there is a huge potential for the market. In order to meet such demand, Moshav Hatzeva in the northern Arava is now opening a new organic packing house, at a cost of NIS 3 million.
The profile of the organic consumer is also changing, says Raz: "They are no longer just 'fanatics' but a broad population with an increasing awareness for healthy food."
She predicts a small slowdown in organic production this year, due to the additional cut in water quotas for farmers as well as the severe winter frost. In addition, global financial issues will have an effect: the drop in the dollar and the world-wide price increases for animal feed, which will affect the prices of eggs and dairy products.
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