By Tom Brennan
The rebirth of Israel’s agriculture and lots of other things in places only an Israeli would work.
The Negev is one of earth’s most desolate places. It is not a place for much of anything. However, Israelis don’t like to take “no” for an answer and a combination of hard work, determination and technology are making the desert pay its way. The farms in the Negev are also on their way to doubling the settled space in Israel. These are agricultural and research and development centers. David Ben-Gurion said that Israel’s future lies in the Negev, the products and ideas being developed there are putting Israel’s name on more things than anyone can number or name.
The Negev has always been one of the last outposts for the IDF, it’s a critical area that protects the south from any intrusions from hostile neighbors and has been a desert since the time when Paul fled to Arabia to preserve his life after his declaration of belief in the Messiah and survived numerous attempts on his life. The Negev is also almost half of Israel’s current land mass in square miles. The hardy kibbutz settlers of the early 20th century were determined to demonstrate what a collective spirit and hard work could do. Their descendants are there today and their numbers are increasing. Many of the settlements are working from ideals such as ecology, desert living, education and intellectual projects. A desert environment has the advantages of a sense of isolation and contemplative atmosphere. Music and writing can flourish here. So can technology development and innovative agriculture.
Surface water here is sparse, but there is abundant water beneath. The water is brackish and unsuitable for growing. Negev-based scientists have developed methods for treating this brackish water and using it for crop cultivation and consumption by animals and people. Not only being used for crops but the process will be used to treat water and increase supplies wherever it is needed most. Arid areas, especially in the Near East will benefit and use this process to supply water for their populations and food production.
Negev agriculture stations have developed crops that actually thrive on less water and arid soil. A special type of tomato has been grown that has a higher crop yield and more nutrients than its usual type. These tomatoes also taste better! Other crops like grapes and hardy flowers are making the deserts bloom and edible.
Negev-based think tanks and development centers like the Ramat Negev Desert AgroResearch and Business Center are training students from other nations in things such as sustainable agriculture and developing techniques and practices to develop areas for growing which can feed and give homes to people who would otherwise be clustered in overpopulated cities. What better a training ground than in an area which few would even consider habitable for anyone?
One of the modern marketing practices that have a base in the Negev the community supported agriculture. In the United States these CSA farms sell the locally grown, usually hormone free or certified organic by yearly subscription. The selected products are delivered and customer satisfaction is at the highest, as is the quality. In some places desired products, such as quality olive oil, are not locally available due to climate or soil. Enter Israel! A Negev-based company Negev Nectars exports quality olive oil and other products in a CSA program and satisfies their US customers’ tastes for the best. Modern day transportation and delivery methods and shipping capability make this almost overnight delivery a reality. Olive oil is a product that Israel exports on a regular basis. Expanding its production and distribution is creating a demand for Israeli made products. Online ordering and CSA marketing techniques are increasing a worldwide customer-base for many Israeli exports to individual customers.
Isaiah said “The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus” (Isaiah 35:1). Not only will this happen with grasses and trees, but with food, usable water and intellectual products and ideas. Israeli foundations in the Negev and throughout the development areas are getting support from grants and organizations. These support groups see their investment returned many times over in technology, ideas, research and development and other products that have multiple uses for other nations and making a better life for millions.
Israel faced a challenge to exist from the start. Attempts by its neighboring states, international terrorism, anti-Semitism and boycotts, threats and bullying: none have deterred these hard working people. The dry lands, sparse surface water and difficult soil brought out the best of an ingenious people who see opportunity where lesser ones see defeat. Something about the Negev says “try me”; the Israelis say “we will”.
Those who live in a desert learn how to adjust and then use the environment to their advantage. Here you learn first, toughen yourself and then use that strength to overcome and prevail. Israel has overcome and is prevailing in the Negev. It’s worth a tour of its kibbutzes, development centers and other unique features. Its splendid desolation will inspire and amaze you with the dramatic environment and equally inspiring and amazing settlers.
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