Agriculture Promotion Bill, 5786-2026

This bill aims to strengthen agriculture in Israel, ensure food security, and support farmers. The law defines numerous objectives for agriculture, including: maintaining food security, ensuring the availability of production factors for farmers, preserving and increasing agricultural land, developing innovative agricultural infrastructure, growing high-quality agricultural produce, adapting agriculture to climate change, supporting agricultural ventures, removing regulatory barriers, increasing the production and marketing of agricultural produce, and increasing the integration of the younger generation into agriculture. The law proposes changes and expansions in the following areas: Ministerial powers: The Minister of Agriculture will receive additional powers. Changes to the designation of agricultural land, its reduction or allocation, as well as changes to water tariffs for agriculture, will require the Minister's approval. Decisions regarding the employment of foreign workers in agriculture will also require the Minister's approval. Government plan: Within six months of the law's commencement, the government will formulate a multi-year plan to promote agriculture, which will include targets for increasing local produce, diversifying production, increasing agricultural land areas, promoting agricultural education, research and innovation, as well as export targets. The Minister will publish the plan and update it at least once every two years. The Minister will also establish a database of agricultural land. Innovation fund: An environmental innovation fund will be established to provide grants and incentives to farmers who use advanced ecological technologies. Tariff changes: Changes or cancellations of tariffs on the import of agricultural produce will require the approval of the Knesset Finance Committee and the Minister. Before a decision is made, a professional assessment of the impact of the change on agriculture, consumers, and the ability to produce local food will be conducted. Decisions on tariff changes will be published to the public, and a 30-day comment period will be provided. If it is found that a tariff reduction significantly harms local agriculture, the government will establish a direct support program for the affected farmers. Reducing market concentration: The Ministry will act to reduce concentration in retail chains and the retail sector, and will encourage the establishment of agricultural cooperatives, regional markets, and direct-to-consumer sales mechanisms. Marketing companies and wholesalers holding a significant market share will be required to report to the Ministry on purchase prices from farmers and sale prices to consumers. Crisis management: The Ministry will establish a policy for managing agricultural crises, including dealing with extreme weather, epidemics, and economic and geopolitical crises. Risk insurance: The Minister will establish regulations for risk insurance for farmers, including income insurance, which will cover up to 100% of production costs and not just damages. Rules for fast and efficient compensation will be established. Agricultural infrastructure: The Minister will be able to enact regulations for the development of agricultural infrastructure, including research and development of innovative technologies, adapting crops to a changing climate, establishing an agricultural research authority, integrating renewable energy projects in agriculture, and developing systems to reduce food loss. An administration for agricultural development will be established to operate under the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture. Government decisions: When making government decisions regarding the allocation of land or water, considerations of preserving agriculture and food security will be taken into account.

Source: הצעת חוק לדיון מוקדם