Agriculture Promotion Bill, 5786-2026

This bill aims to strengthen agriculture in Israel, ensure its development and preservation, and contribute to food security, the economy, and society. It seeks to increase government support for agriculture, ensure the availability of agricultural production factors under fair conditions, preserve and increase land areas designated for agriculture, develop advanced agricultural infrastructure, ensure the quality of agricultural produce, adapt agriculture to climate change, support agricultural ventures, remove regulatory barriers, and increase the production and marketing of local agricultural produce. Additionally, the bill seeks to encourage the integration of the younger generation into agriculture. The Minister, responsible for the implementation of the law, will be able to approve the rezoning of agricultural land, its reduction or allocation, as well as changes to water tariffs for agriculture. The Minister will also approve the employment of foreign workers in agriculture. The government will formulate a multi-year plan that will include targets for increasing local produce, diversifying production, increasing exports, expanding land areas for agriculture, promoting education and employment in agriculture, and promoting research and innovation. The Minister will publish the plan and update it. An environmental innovation fund will be established to provide grants and incentives to farmers who use advanced ecological technologies. Changes to customs duty rates on the import of agricultural produce will require the approval of the Knesset Finance Committee and the Minister, following a professional assessment of the impact of the change on local agriculture, the cost of living, international obligations, and other considerations. Decisions on the cancellation or reduction of customs duties will be published to the public and will include a comment period. If it is found that a reduction in customs duties significantly harms local agriculture, the government will establish a direct support program for the affected farmers. The Ministry will work to reduce concentration in the agricultural produce market, encourage the establishment of cooperatives and agricultural organizations, and promote direct-to-consumer sales mechanisms. Wholesalers and retail chains holding a significant market share will be required to report purchase and sale prices to the Ministry. The Ministry will set a policy for dealing with agricultural crises, including epidemics, extreme weather, and economic crises. Risk insurance for farmers will be regulated, including income insurance, which will cover up to 100% of expenses and not just damages. The Minister may enact regulations to promote agriculture, including in the fields of research, technology, dealing with climate change, developing urban agriculture, and promoting renewable energy in agriculture. An administration for agricultural development will be established to operate under the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture. Planning bodies will consult with the administration before making decisions regarding agricultural land. Farmers performing agricultural activity lawfully will not be held liable for nuisance claims (such as noise, odor, or dust) arising from this activity, unless the activity does not comply with the conditions of the growing season. Financial assistance to farmers will be provided as a condition for the implementation of reforms in the field of animal welfare. Amendments were made to the Planning and Building Law, the Foreign Workers Law, the Capital Investment Encouragement Law, and other laws, in order to adapt them to the goals of the proposed law, for example, defining "agricultural infrastructure" and authorizing the Minister to declare projects as such.

Source: הצעת חוק לדיון מוקדם