The impact within Israel remains unclear, but rocket fire has affected the stonefruit harvest in the north, while issues of labour availability persist
Less than two weeks into the war, sparked by a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran, it is too early to judge the effect within Israel on agriculture in general and on the movement of fresh produce in particular.
On the one hand, the ballistic missiles being sent by Iran are aimed primarily at Israeli cities and military facilities and will have little effect on agricultural production.
However, Hezbollah rocket fire from Lebanon has had an immediate effect on the closing stages of the stonefruit harvest in villages in northern Israel, with reports of damage to infrastructure including roads and packhouses.
The ministry of agriculture and food security has issued a call for agricultural production to be continued, supply chains to be kept open and continuity of imports.
However, agricultural workers, mainly from India and Thailand, are increasingly reluctant to be caught in the orchards with such a short warning time, while the government’s recent reservist call-up concerns many agricultural personnel.
The ministry has laid out detailed terms on how to proceed in cases of loss of produce and income.
Although no information is readily available on exports, they are expected to be curtailed. Nevertheless, Ashdod Port has declared that it is “business as usual”, both at the old and new port sections.
