Field Update: 🌟 Soil Health in Cotton Demonstration Day 🌟

Liron Israely demonstrates soil structure differences between the two plots.

Yesterday marked a significant milestone for the future of irrigated field crops in Israel!

We gathered at Kibbutz Gevaram with the key partners of the Soil Health in Cotton project, along with growers from across the country, to present the processes and initial insights from the project’s first year.

The collaboration between farmers, agricultural advisors, researchers, grower organizations, global buyers, and leading industry representatives is what makes this project groundbreaking in driving systemic change in one of Israel’s most intensive crops.

We began with a tour of the commercial trial plot, where Eran Waknin, manager of Gevaram's field crop sector, and Eyal Ben-Smachon, VP of R&D at Adama Haya, presented the work carried out from the sowing of service crops until today. We examined the biological changes in the soil, compared cotton plants, and heard Eran share field experiences—his insights, doubts, and the curiosity that drives him forward.

Later, at the Gevaram clubhouse, we received opening remarks from Yonatan Spencer, who led the project’s development at the Cotton Council, and Merav from the Soil Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture Division at the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasizing the importance of developing growers' capabilities. Lior Gutsman from KKL highlighted the strategic significance of such projects for KKL’s Climate Division—building resilient agriculture in the face of a changing climate.

Liron Israeli, CEO of Adama Haya, spoke about the need that led to this project and the challenges of managing it. We then dove into key professional insights on soil health, fertilization, machinery, and crop protection, presented by the project team: Stav Sharaf, project coordinator, Eran Gabay (Down to Earth), Eyal Kedoshim (Sheffa by Deshen Hatzafon), and Ofir Dagani from MIGAL Research Institute.

These are not final results but rather key professional takeaways that underscore the importance of biological soil transformation in agriculture.

A fascinating panel discussion followed, featuring Ilan Ledal from the Soil Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture Division, Noam Amir, an advisor from the Southern Growers Organization, Yonatan Spencer from the Cotton Council, Eran Waknin from Gevaram’s field crop sector, and Yonatan Harel from Shaalvim’s field crop sector.

Among the key discussions, Yonatan and Ilan highlighted the public (food security and resource management) and industrial needs that must be addressed to drive change in a traditionally conservative sector. Noam Amir stressed the need to shift from a focus on soil conservation and erosion prevention toward restoring soil fertility—an emerging perspective in this field.

The growers, Eran and Yonatan, shared how crucial it is for them to continue advancing professionally and how the project's systemic approach truly enables them to progress effectively.

The day concluded with Eitan Avivi, manager of Hazorea's field crop sector, sharing his journey toward certification under the regenagri standard and his vision for the future of agriculture—stating that, in his view, there is no choice; all agricultural sectors must transition toward sustainable farming.

Liron Israeli wrapped up the event by inviting more farmers to join us and be part of the change.

A huge thank you to Better Cotton, Israel Organic, and KKL's Climate Division for supporting this initiative. And a special thanks to the dedicated farms participating in the project: Hazorea, Mizra, Shaalvim, Gevaram, and our professional partners.

This was a truly inspiring day, paving the way for a healthier and more sustainable agricultural future! 🌱