Amid War, Volunteers Preserve $50M in Israeli Agricultural Goods

Amid the ongoing war with Hamas, a new study has revealed that volunteers in Israel have saved agricultural produce valued at $50 million, providing critical relief to the country's hard-hit farming sector. Since the war began, more than 35,000 tons of produce have been rescued by volunteers, according to Leket Israel, The National Food Bank.

This massive effort was made possible by hundreds of thousands of volunteers from both Israel and abroad, including Jewish and Christian groups who came to assist struggling farmers in frontline areas. Nearly one in two Israelis volunteered during the early months of the war, showing a remarkable outpouring of solidarity.

Despite these heroic efforts, the war's impact on Israel's agricultural sector has been severe. Fresh produce prices in the country surged by up to 18%, and fruit prices increased by as much as 12% during the first six months of the conflict. This price hike reflects both the damage to crops and the difficulty in harvesting in war zones.

The study also revealed that nearly 30% of Israel’s agricultural land lies in frontline regions, with 22% near the Gaza border and another 10% along the northern border with Lebanon. Farmers in these areas have been especially vulnerable to disruptions caused by the conflict.

Unfortunately, the war has also led to significant food waste, costing the Israeli economy an estimated $275 million. Of this, $185 million represents wasted food that could have been harvested or distributed if not for the conflict. The study found that more than 20% of the country’s produce was wasted due to the war, compared to less than 10% before hostilities erupted.

“The war has caused severe damage to Israeli agriculture, and its consequences will be felt for many years to come,” said Gidi Kroch, CEO of Leket Israel. “Strengthening local agriculture is not only an essential economic need but a necessary condition to ensure food security and strengthen national resilience for Israel’s citizens.”

While the agricultural sector faces a long road to recovery, the efforts of volunteers have provided a lifeline, offering hope in a time of crisis. Share this story to raise awareness or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on Israel’s resilience and recovery.