Israel's Agricultural Economy in Brief

Excerpts from the report Summary: Agriculture has been Important in Israel's economy since establishment of the State 20 years ago. Initially small-scale and underdeveloped, Israel's agriculture today is highly advanced and sophisticated. Agricultural production since 1948 has increased sixfold in value (at current prices). Agricultural exports, totaling less than $20 million in 1948, reached a value of over $140 million in 1967. Twenty percent of 1967 's exports were processed agricultural goods. One-fifth of the country's land area is in crops. Israeli farmers produce more than three-quarters (by value) of the country's food, and agricultural products comprise about one-quarter of total exports. New agricultural export products--such as flowers, avocados, and vegetables geared to the European winter market--are receiving priority, and processed exports continue to increase