Gerry Kelman
Gerry Kelman is a freelance journalist based in Gedera, central Israel. He previously worked for seven years as manager of vertically integrated marketing at Israel-based vegetable varietal developer Zeraim Gedera, before announcing his retirement on 8 July 2010.
ArticleStart-ups respond to Israeli food security needs
A number of Israeli start-up companies offered their solutions to sustainability and food security issues at last month’s Food Sec & Tech conference in Sderot, in southern Israel
ArticleIsraeli avocados bounce back
Following a disappointing campaign in 2023, Israeli avocado producers have welcomed a big rise in production this year, with efforts ongoing to develop new export markets
ArticleSub-tropical fruits from Israel face marginal impact from conflict
Production of exotic fruits like avocados, mangoes and lychees in Israel has largely been unaffected by the war in Gaza or wider conflict
NewsYossi Zaphrir, founder of Israel’s Top Eden Fruits, dies aged 93
Yossi Zaphrir was instrumental in the development of the Bilu pitaya range in Israel and the opening up of export markets in Europe and North America
ArticleIsraeli grape exports dry up, but country’s influence remains
Fierce competition on overseas markets and strong domestic sales have combined to reduce Israeli grape exports to zero, but the country’s role in the development of new varieties is key
ArticleDomestic demand high for Israeli stonefruit as exports drop
The war in Gaza has affected labour availability in Israel, but the fall in stonefruit exports has more to do with rising transportation costs and strong domestic demand
ArticleExotic evolution for Israeli exports
Israeli exports of pitayas and mangoes have fallen due to the impact of Covid-19 and heightened competition, but pomegranate exporters remain optimistic
ArticleBetterSeeds sees benefits of gene-editing
The Israeli start-up is using gene-editing technology to design seeds that produce higher yields and faster-maturing crops that can adapt to the changing climate
ArticleBreedx on track with innovative varieties
Breedx’s latest tomato varieties benefit from the breeder’s ability to increase soluble sugars and control sucrose, glucose and fructose levels, using classical breeding techniques
ArticleIsrael driving ag-tech revolution
Israeli companies continue to lead the way in agricultural innovation, addressing issues like labour shortages and waste with brand-new technologies
ArticleTipa eyes compostable future
The compostable packaging company says it is crucial to consider end-of-life disposal in order to protect the environment from plastic waste
ArticleThe long road to seedless peppers
From Zeraim Gedera’s initial inquiries two decades ago to today’s Breedx breeding programmes, Gerry Kelman explores the development of seedless peppers in Israel
ArticlePlantarray aids research effort
Plant Di-Tech’s Plantarray platform helps scientists, breeders and researchers to carry out swift performance analyses to identify the best plant strains
ArticleIsraeli firms focus on breeding
Israeli tomato exports have fallen sharply since the early 2000s, but the country’s role in breeding new varieties continues to grow
ArticlePrecision optimises avocado yields
Irrigation specialist Netafim sees precision and technical irrigation as key tools to increase avocado yields and boost profitability
ArticleIsrael breeding for climate resistance
Israel’s reputation as a pioneer in high-tech agriculture looks set to continue in a warming world, as companies focus on developing climate-resistant crops
ArticleLabour shortages a concern in Israel
Israel’s reliance on seasonal workers from Thailand is a worry for domestic production during the coronavirus crisis, as volunteer groups organise to help out on farms
ArticleCreating something out of the ordinary
Israeli exporters are redoubling their efforts to innovate, under intense competition from other parts of the Mediterranean
ArticleTop Eden plots pitaya progress
The Israeli breeder and producer is continuing to invest in new pitaya varieties, as it seeks to achieve steady supplies throughout the season
ArticlePicking olives in Palestine
Ordinary Israelis and non-governmental organisations provide valuable assistance to vulnerable Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest