The government of Israel has approved the agricultural reform plan, the first comprehensive plan aimed at changing the country's agricultural structure in over two decades.

The reform was proposed by the minister of agriculture Shalom Simhon and approved by the minister of finance Sylvan Shalom, giving the green light to apply the reform plan as scheduled.

In an interview with freshinfo.com, Minister Simhon explained that the main aspect of the new agricultural reform is 'the switch from the direct subsidy given to the farmers, through very low price for water, to provide direct support to farmers who are actively cultivating crops for the local market and for export.' The reform calls for gradually equalising the price of water for the agricultural sector in the next three years, to the price set for home use.

Minister Simhon added that the support provided to farmers who work the land 'will safeguard the interests of the farmers as well ensure the future development of the country's agriculture.' In addition to the direct financial support to the farmers, the government signed a commitment to allocate nearly £15 million each year for financing R&D projects.

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