Israel Needs to Safeguard Land and Water Resources to Ensure Food Security

A new report warns of widening gaps between available resources and future needs, urges coordinated near-term and long-term action to 2050.

The Samuel Neaman Institute released a comprehensive report assessing Israel’s land and water resources and their capacity to support national food security goals through 2050. Authored by Dr. Merav Tal-Maon and Prof. Eyal Shimoni, the study identifies significant gaps between current resources and Israel’s projected needs amid population growth, climate change, and shrinking agricultural land.

https://www.neaman.org.il/en/water-and-land-resources-in-israel-2050-2/

According to the report, Israel will face severe shortages of arable land and agricultural water in the coming decades. Shortfalls are especially acute for grains and legumes, which are foundational for a stable and healthy diet. Climate change is projected to reduce yields by more than 15% across most agricultural areas, amplifying these risks.

Strategic recommendations:

Short to medium term: adopt precision agriculture, implement smart water management, and optimize crop allocation by region.

Long term: invest in soil rehabilitation, expand and modernize water infrastructures, and scale advanced greenhouses and controlled-environment agriculture.

“The food security of Israel is not a distant concern. It is a strategic challenge that requires action now,” said Prof. Eyal Shimoni, Senior Researcher at SNI. “Only by combining agricultural innovation, prudent resource management, and national investment can Israel secure genuine food independence by 2050.”

Read the original article here.