​Israel is a small country characterized by water scarcity, a shortage of land and a rapidly growing population. As such, Israel has become the perfect living laboratory in which solutions to the problems of modern day agriculture may be sought.

Despite its small size, Israel enjoys various climatic regions which enable the country to produce a vast variety of vegetables under controlled conditions, year-round.

Israeli agriculture is renowned for its high yield, high quality, and off-season production. It is also known for the innovative agricultural technologies that have been developed over the years in order to provide solutions for the lack of natural resources and the challenges of arid land agriculture, including sophisticated irrigation and fertigation systems, increased use of bee pollination, and the application of integrated pest management and disease control. Special attention is given to sustainable and organic style agriculture incorporating crop rotation, application of on-farm compost production and soil fertility.

A strong and continuous emphasis is applied to agricultural research and development, finding specific solutions for each crop and region: new species and varieties, utilization of brackish water for irrigation, use of solar and other renewable energy sources, new covering materials and post-harvest treatments are only some of the solutions achieved.

The training program aims to share with participants, Israel's experience and holistic approach to Intensive Vegetable Production for the development of the rural and agricultural sector.

In addition, the course aims to create a framework for discussion and analysis to evaluate possible adaptation of new strategies and technologies to the conditions of each participating country.

The course will include professional lectures and field visits. It will cover the following topics:

 -Crop production and agro-technologies for open field and protected conditions

 -Climate control

 -Irrigation and fertigation management

 -Integrated pest management

 -Postharvest handling and marketing

 -Research and extension

Application Requirements

The course is geared towards professionals from governmental and non-governmental institutions, universities, research institutes and/or private sector involved in the development of the vegetable sector on a national, regional or local level. Candidates should hold an academic degree in related disciplines and at least two years of professional work experience in related fields. A full command of English is required.

Application forms and other information may be obtained at the nearest Israeli mission or at MASHAV’s website: http://mashav.mfa.gov.il/MFA/mashav/Courses/Pages/default.aspx.

Completed application forms, including health declaration and recommendation letters, should be sent to the Israeli mission in the respective country until 8th December, 2017.

Arrival date: January 29th, 2018

Opening date: January 30th, 2018

Closing date: February 15th, 2018

Departure date: February 16th, 2018

Participants must arrive at the training center on the arrival date and leave on the departure date. Early arrivals or late departures if required, must be arranged by the participants themselves, directly with the hotel/center, and must be paid for by the participant him/herself.

The course will be held at MATC - MASHAV's International Agricultural Training Center at Kibbutz Hotel Shefayim, situated 20 km north of Tel Aviv near the coastal city of Netanya.

Participants will be accommodated at Hotel Kibbutz Shefayim in double rooms (two participants per room).

MASHAV awards a limited number of scholarships. The scholarship covers the cost of the training program including lectures and field visits, full board accommodation in double rooms, health insurance and transfers to and from the airport. Airfares and daily allowance are not included in the scholarship.

Medical insurance covers medical services and hospitalization in case of emergency. It does not cover the treatment of chronic or serious diseases, specific medications taken by the participant on a regular basis, dental care and eyeglasses. Participants will be responsible for all other expenses, which are not covered by policy conditions. Health authorities recommend that visitors to Israel make sure they have been vaccinated against tetanus in the last ten years.