The Tekoma Directorate and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security launched an innovative avocado packing house in the Tekoma region, which is considered the most advanced of its kind in Israel in the field of avocado sorting and packaging.
The project, which was established with an investment of over NIS 4 million from the Reconstruction Administration, and in cooperation with the Investment Authority in the Ministry of Economy and Industry, is part of a broad effort to strengthen and restore agriculture and the economy in the Reconstruction Region after the events of October 7.
The new packing house operates as a partnership between four agricultural corporations - Kibbutz Nirim, Kibbutz Gvaram, Matei Shikma (a partnership of Erez and Or Haner) and Goli Gesher (a partnership of Dorot, Ruhama and Tzerim) - uniting seven kibbutzim, four of which are in the HaTekuma region, around a common goal of strengthening local agriculture and building a stable, long-term economic infrastructure for the avocado industry in the region.
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At the heart of the facility is advanced optical sorting technology, one of the most innovative in the industry, based on artificial intelligence capabilities. Unlike the sorting methods that were used until a few years ago, the new system is able to identify with great precision the internal and external characteristics of the fruit, and enable sorting with an extremely high level of accuracy. The result is a more efficient and precise process, along with a significant improvement in the quality of the produce and its economic value.
The support of the Tekoma management enabled the establishment of the facility and the implementation of advanced technological systems, some of the most innovative in the industry, in a way that positions the packing house at the forefront of the avocado sorting and packaging field in Israel. The technological innovation is combined with strict protocols for maintaining the quality of the fruit - from precise temperature control, through advanced packaging methods to the controlled use of disinfectants - with each stage of the process designed to ensure that the avocado reaches the consumer in optimal condition, both in the Israeli market and in the European markets, for which approximately 60% of the crop is destined.
In the upcoming season, the packing house is expected to handle approximately 8,000 to 10,000 tons of avocados - a figure that illustrates the scope of the activity and the significant economic potential of the venture. Beyond the agricultural aspect, this is a move that expresses a broad concept of regional development, which seeks to establish long-term growth engines, strengthen settlement, and create a stable and sustainable economic future for the communities of the Resurgence Region.
Oren Lavi, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security: ""Israeli agriculture is the anchor of settlement and our national resilience. The true rehabilitation of the region passes through the fields and orchards, with the residents and their well-being always before our eyes. The establishment of the packing house is the result of strategic and close cooperation between the ministries of agriculture and economy and the Reconstruction Administration, which proves that joining forces in government is the key to regional rehabilitation. As part of our commitment to food security, the government has allocated significant budgets to accelerate agricultural activity. We will continue to act resolutely, shoulder to shoulder with all government bodies, to strengthen local agriculture, which is the beating heart of the community and an engine for renewed growth.".
Aviad Friedman, Head of the Rebirth Directorate"The investment in the packing house goes far beyond specific economic support. This is a strategic move designed to strengthen the resurgent region as an advanced, stable and growing agricultural hub. This project combines a long-standing agricultural tradition with cutting-edge technological innovation in the industry, and expresses the concept that leads us - creating long-term growth engines that will strengthen the local economy, settlement and the entire regional resilience.".
Shlomo Atias, Director of the Investment Authority"The implementation of advanced technologies is a long-term investment that an industrial or agricultural enterprise that does not implement will be left behind. The Investment Authority has made it its motto to demand advanced technology and advanced production in all of its assistance tracks, out of a deep understanding of industry in Israel and concern for the future of industry in Israel. The Investment Authority is happy to be part of the rehabilitation and growth of the Reconstruction Area and will continue to cooperate with the Reconstruction Administration in various and diverse tracks to strengthen industry and the economy.".
