The sweet potatoes harvest in Israel is continuing with a "great yield" but shortages are coming due to growing demand from neighbouring countries. "We have great yields and good crops," says Guy David, Head of Israel's Sweet Potato Industry Association.
He says they have workers from Thailand as well as Bedouin people who help with the harvest of sweet potatoes. "This morning was the first time that we had rocket alarms in our fields here in central Israel. The Thai workers understand the war situation," explains David.
David is also in charge of marketing of their family farm David's Fruit, which was started by his late father Itay David. Their farm is based in Moshav Adanim in central Israel. His mother Michelle David is now the owner of the business with his brother, Idan David who is in charge of the field. They grow mainly sweet potatoes and other vegetables.
David's fruit added the yellow sticker on their sweet potatoes lately with the message Hakuna Matata that means, 'everything's going to be ok'.
He says despite the war, agricultural output in Israel is increasing, but there are shortages that's developing. "The civilian population will eventually feel these shortages, prices of produce will increase and they will feel it. Neighbouring countries are indirectly buying from Israel through Palestinians in the West Bank. However, our farm does not sell outside the country, not directly or indirectly, we focus on meeting local demand," emphasises David.
Harvesting is also underway in the south of Israel, that was more affected by the ongoing war. "As our harvesting continues in central Israel, it is also underway in the south. But, although they are harvesting less, it still continues," states David.
"This year we are growing different vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplants, carrots, potatoes and sweet potatoes. Everything that we can grow, we just go ahead and grow it because there's a huge demand. Agriculture in Israel is strong and supports the country when it is needed. We will continue to work together to meet the goal of maintaining food security for the benefit of the citizens," concludes David.
For more information:
Guy David
David's Fruit
Tel: +972 545833353
Email: [email protected]