Drought decree signed – farmers will be compensated

The purpose of the order is to compensate agricultural growers for crops that were damaged in the past year, according to a list of settlements and agricultural crops. The compensation is for the water costs of farmers who are on lists of specified settlements and agricultural crops, and were damaged as a result of weather hazards. According to the order, many areas in the north, the Jordan Valley and the south are defined as drought areas. In addition, the order applies to the following crops that were damaged last winter, which are: wheat, barley, clover, peas, sorghum, sorrel, safflower, quinoa and oats. The order applies to the areas and crops from June 1, 2024 to June 1, 2025.

finance minister Bezalel Smotrich: “The ongoing drought is not only a challenge for farmers, it is a national challenge. Israeli agriculture is a central pillar of Zionism, and in times like these, the state continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with farmers. My signing of the drought order and the activation of the compensation mechanisms are an expression of our commitment to ensuring that the Israeli field continues to grow, even in difficult conditions. We will continue to work in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture to protect the interests of the entire Israeli economy.”