The organizing team included Yaakov Gottlieb, Haim Tajer, Tova Deutch-Traubman, Tal Nirel, Maor Matzrafi, Moran Hacohen-Yavin, Nir Froyman, Anat Zisovich-Harit, Gideon Toporov, Roi Ben-David, and Tzafrir Greenhut.
Climate change presents a significant challenge to agriculture, and we are introducing innovative solutions such as advanced irrigation management, biological pest control, and water quality improvement. Additionally, we are developing more resilient crop varieties and utilizing cutting-edge technologies to enhance yields. Our research explores how to leverage plants’ natural adaptability to changing environmental conditions—particularly in avocado and strawberries—to maintain high yields even under extreme climate conditions.
Among the studies presented at the conference:
- Innovative cultivation methods, including optimized irrigation regimes, dynamic netting for crop protection, and deep sowing for water conservation.
- Development of resilient crop varieties capable of withstanding extreme drought, heat and cold.
- Hormonal applications to improve plant resistance to environmental stress, with a focus on novel treatments for avocado and strawberries.
- New approaches to biological pest control, designed for changing climate conditions while preserving ecological balance.
- Precision agriculture technologies, such as remote sensing systems, smart dashboards, and data-driven decision-making tools for improved agricultural monitoring.
The studies at the conference highlight how Israeli agriculture is actively addressing climate challenges by developing innovative solutions that will ensure future food security.
Speakers at the conference included:
Prof. Benny Chefetz, Director of the Volcani Institute; Dr. Roi Ben-David; Dr. Itai Gonda; Dr. Roee Kaspi; Dr. Maor Mazrafi; Dr. Yehoshua Ben-Meir; Dr. Giora Ben-Ari; Dr. Dana Charuvi; Dr. Vered Yerachmowitz; Tova Deutsch-Traubman; and Nissim Tal.
Additional presenters:
Dr. Zvi Peleg (Hebrew University), Dr. Avner Gross (Ben-Gurion University), Dr. Omer Karayin (Northern R&D), Dr. Yitzhak Yosef (Israel Meteorological Service), Dr. Adi Sarid (Sarid Institute), Hagai Shnir (Head of Extension Service – Shaham), and Daniel Bikel (Shaham).
