Newsletter
Newsletter Support JNS

Israel seeks new generation of farmers through reserve soldier initiative

The plan aims to address a shortage of farmers as the average age of Israeli farmers approaches 65.

A farmer harvests wheat with a machine in Hula Valley, northern Israel, on June 2, 2026. Photo by Ayal Margolin/Flash90.
A farmer harvests wheat with a machine in Hula Valley, northern Israel, on June 2, 2026. Photo by Ayal Margolin/Flash90.

Israel approved a national program on Tuesday to encourage discharged soldiers and reserve servicemen to enter the Jewish state’s agricultural sector, with priority given to reservists in the allocation of long-term agricultural land.

The “Fighters for Agriculture” initiative will identify and prepare around 50,000 dunams (12,400 acres) of farmland in northern and southern Israel for new farmers between 2027 and 2032, alongside professional training, water infrastructure and support programs.

The plan aims to address a shortage of farmers as the average age of Israeli farmers approaches 65.

“Gratitude is one of Judaism’s foundational values, and very much belongs on Rosh Hashanah,” Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz, of Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, told JNS. “We will never forget the nearly 3,000 victims of this terror attack, many of whom were members of the Jewish community.”
The cohort includes 392 new immigrants—246 men and 146 women.
The announcement comes as Israeli banks are expected to end correspondent banking services to Palestinian counterparts.
Eyal Zamir toured the Strip with Southern Command brass, vowing to hunt down every Nukhba terrorist involved in the Oct. 7 massacre “sooner or later.”