The Negev Foundation

08/12/2026

In a region where annual rainfall can be measured in millimeters and summer temps soar past 40 degrees Celsius, a quiet agricultural revolution is unfolding.

The Ramat Negev Desert Agro Research & Innovation Center, a premier applied research institute, has spent decades developing practical solutions for agriculture under arid and semi-arid conditions. Its work spans water management, soil-plant interactions, crop production, and the integration of livestock systems, all designed to function where traditional farming would fail.

“We don’t just teach farming; we teach a mindset,” says Elisha Zurgil, Study Tour International Agri Advisor at the Center. The result is not just environmental sustainability, but economic viability.

The impact of Israel’s desert farming expertise extends far beyond its borders. The Ramat Negev Desert Agro Research & Innovation Center operates within a regional innovation ecosystem and hosts international training programs for agricultural professionals and students from developing nations, including many from Africa. In partnership with UNIDO and Israel’s MASHAV agency, Israeli experts are sharing their knowledge of irrigation technologies, water efficiency, andagri-technology with countries like Liberia.

The Negev Foundation is a proud supporter of the work at the Ramat Negev Desert Agro Research & Innovation Center, now known as the Yoel DeMalach Center for Desert Agriculture.

Read the full story here: https://www.negev.org/pistachio-desert-project/

07/13/2026

Did you know? In Israel, dairy cows are fed chili peppers to cool down! The pepper activates certain receptors that help cows regulate their body temperature. Want to learn more about how Israeli dairy cows are super producers? https://www.negev.org/dairy-cows-stress/ 🐮 🇮🇱

06/29/2026

The Ramat Hanegev Regional Council does great work. ❤️ 🇮🇱

מעדכנים מהשטח: בהמשך לפגישה של החוואים במועצה, קיימנו סיור עם חברת בזק כדי לקדם מהלך של שדרוג תשתיות התקשורת ברמת הנגב בכלל ובחוות הבודדים בפרט 💫

בשבוע שעבר קיימנו סיור שטח וישיבת עבודה מקצועית יחד עם מנכ"ל המועצה אמיר אלחייק, רכז התשתיות שלנו- ברני רוזנפלד, נציגי חטיבת הטכנולוגיה והחדשנות של בזק ומנהל אגף התשתיות במשרד התקשורת. במהלך הסיור ביקרנו בחוות 'מתנת מדבר' והגענו להבנה חשובה: נציגי בזק בישרו כי החברה תפתח מתווה לחיבור בסיבים אופטיים מהירים לכל חווה שתרצה בכך! התנאי: העמדת התשתית הנדרשת מקו התקשורת הראשי של בזק ועד לגבול החווה 🏡

בין אם מדובר בחקלאות מדויקת, מיזמי תיירות, לימודים או עבודה מרחוק - תקשורת מהירה ויציבה היא כבר מזמן לא מותרות, היא כלי קריטי לאיכות החיים. אנחנו ממשיכים לעבוד קשה, להסיר חסמים ולהבטיח שאף יישוב, בית או חוה ברמת הנגב לא יישארו מאחור 🤝

06/22/2026

Most people think of dragon fruit as a tropical delicacy from Southeast Asia or Central America. But for more than 20 years, Israeli farmers have been successfully growing this vibrant fruit, turning an unlikely crop into a unique agricultural success story.

What makes it remarkable?

🌸 Every flower must be hand-pollinated before sunrise
💧 Advanced water management supports cultivation in arid regions
🔬 Israeli researchers pioneered varieties adapted to local conditions
🌵 Farmers invest years of dedication before seeing returns

Dragon fruit may be a niche crop, but it demonstrates how innovation, research, and determination can transform agriculture in challenging environments.

As global agriculture faces increasing climate pressures, Israel continues to serve as a living laboratory for growing more with less. https://www.negev.org/dragon-fruit-israel/

06/17/2026

Ten years ago, Sharon Cherry and his wife left Tel Aviv for a sun-scorched stretch of sandy land in a place called Be’er Milka. With no farming experience and plenty of skepticism from others, they leaped into the unknown.

That land is now home to one of Israel’s most unique and successful farms. Cherry introduced new crops to Israel: specialty vegetables from India, including turmeric, spinach, mushrooms, and okra. He is the only grower in the world cultivating okra in greenhouses, where he can accelerate growth from flower to harvest in just days.

Where others see challenges such as salty water and poor soil, Cherry sees possibilities. He has even integrated solar energy into his farm, moving toward a more sustainable, potentially net-zero future. Read his story here: https://www.negev.org/beer-milka-sharon-cherry/

06/02/2026

The Negev Desert is home to over 60 winemakers and received a terroir appellation this year after showing that Negev wines have an identifiable profile.

They now join the ranks of globally recognized wine regions such as Champagne, Chianti, Bordeaux, and Napa Valley. 🍷 🇮🇱
Read the story here: https://www.negev.org/negev-unique-wine-region/

06/01/2026

Wonderful news! Excellent wines are being grown and produced here.

Israel's Negev Desert was officially recognized as an international wine region on May 11, listing it as a protected geographical indication labeled "Negev," according to a press release.

06/01/2026

It's gratifying to see international cooperation, not only in fields of agriculture, but also in sports fields. Loving how everyone is enjoying the friendly competition.

05/27/2026

In the 1960s, Simcha Blass, an Israeli hydraulic engineer, made a simple but powerful observation: plants thrive not from how much water they receive, but how consistently it reaches their roots. That insight led to the invention of drip irrigation, a breakthrough that would change agriculture around the world.

Instead of flooding entire fields, drip irrigation delivers water drop by drop, directly where it’s needed most. The result? Up to 70% less water use, healthier crops, and the ability to grow food in some of the harshest environments on earth.

What began in the Negev is now used in more than 100 countries—and on over 90% of Israel’s farmland. It’s a powerful reminder that even in places defined by scarcity, innovation can create abundance. Learn more and sign up for our newsletter at www.negev.org