"Food Insecurity Poses a Serious Existential Threat To Israel That The Public Doesn't Even Know About"
Since the organization's founding, HaShomer HaChadash has recognized that a strong agricultural sector is crucial for national security. Farmers in Israel are vital for maintaining the country's land; however, when they face labor shortages, agricultural crime, and inadequate support from state institutions, they are at risk of abandoning their lands. This leads to reduced food production and the neglect of state-owned lands.

HaShomer HaChadash is dedicated to enhancing, securing and reinforcing National Food Security.

Last week, HaShomer HaChadash collaborated with Calcalist, Israel's leading financial newspaper and media platform, and Tnuva, Israel’s largest and oldest dairy company, to host Israel’s first-ever Food Independence Conference. The event was attended by prominent industry figures, including representatives from food and Ag-tech companies, as well as Minister of Agriculture Avi Dichter.

“In the United States, agriculture is at the heart of the country; in Israel, agriculture is vital to national security.”
Yoel Zilberman, CEO of HaShomer HaChadash, speaking at the conference

Food Security Policy Paper And Study
HaShomer and Dr. Liron Amador, an economics, agricultural development, and food systems expert, conducted a study that revealed Israel has no strategic plan to increase food security. On the Global Food Security Index (GFSI), the state was given a zero in the “commitment to food security policy and food accessibility” indicator, compared to the average global score of 47.1.

Since the beginning of the war, agricultural production has significantly declined. Almost 90% of Israeli farmers reported damages to their farms due to the conflict. 35% of the farms in the Gaza envelope have completely halted operations.

The National Food Independence Forum
HaShomer is working to raise public awareness about this issue and influence public policy. By establishing the National Food Independence Forum, HaShomer aims to address Israel's critical food security challenges with strategic solutions. Last week, HaShomer brought together leading experts from Israel's Agtech and food industries to identify key challenges and develop innovative strategies to transform the sector.

We are attaching some media coverage on HaShomer’s effort to promote Israel’s Food   Independence: