The Flower Growing Industry in Israel

Israel has established itself as a global leader in floriculture, combining advanced agricultural technology with favorable climate conditions to create a thriving flower export industry. Despite limited water resources and arable land, the country has become one of the world’s top flower exporters, particularly known for innovation in breeding, cultivation techniques, and post-harvest handling.

Historical Development

The Israeli flower industry began developing seriously in the 1950s and 1960s, initially focused on domestic markets. By the 1970s and 1980s, the industry shifted toward exports, particularly targeting European markets. The sector experienced rapid growth through the 1990s and 2000s, driven by technological innovation and strategic positioning in global markets.

Geographic Distribution

Major Growing Regions:

The Arava Valley in southern Israel has emerged as a primary floriculture hub, benefiting from warm winter temperatures that allow year-round production. The coastal plains and the Jordan Valley also host significant cultivation areas. Many operations are concentrated in kibbutzim and moshavim (cooperative agricultural communities), which historically played a central role in developing Israel’s agricultural expertise.

Climate Advantages:

Israel’s Mediterranean climate provides mild winters and abundant sunshine, enabling production during European winter months when local cultivation is limited. This counter-seasonal advantage has been crucial to the industry’s export success.

Primary Flower Types

Roses: The single most important crop, representing a significant portion of Israeli flower exports. Israeli breeders have developed numerous rose varieties adapted to local conditions and market demands.

Gypsophila (Baby’s Breath): Israel dominates global gypsophila production, with specialized varieties developed specifically for the cut flower trade.

Carnations: Another major export crop, with Israeli varieties known for longevity and quality.

Lisianthus: Increasingly important in recent years, with Israeli growers developing expertise in this delicate flower.

Other significant crops: Include spray roses, statice, solidago, hypericum, chrysanthemums, and various seasonal flowers.

Technological Innovation

Water Management:

Given Israel’s arid climate and water scarcity, the industry has pioneered sophisticated irrigation systems. Drip irrigation, developed in Israel, is standard practice in floriculture. Computer-controlled fertigation systems deliver precise amounts of water and nutrients directly to plant roots, maximizing efficiency while minimizing waste.

Climate Control:

Modern Israeli greenhouses employ advanced climate control systems, including automated ventilation, heating, cooling, and humidity management. Sophisticated sensors monitor conditions continuously, with computer systems making real-time adjustments.

Breeding and Genetics:

Israeli breeding companies have gained international recognition for developing new flower varieties. These breeding programs focus on characteristics such as vase life, color range, disease resistance, stem strength, and adaptation to various growing conditions.

Integrated Pest Management:

The industry extensively uses biological pest control methods, employing beneficial insects and organisms to manage pests while reducing chemical inputs. This approach aligns with European market requirements for reduced pesticide residues.

Automation:

Harvesting, sorting, grading, and packing operations increasingly incorporate automated systems, including robotic handling and optical sorting technology.

Production Methods

Greenhouse Cultivation:

The majority of Israeli flower production occurs in protected cultivation environments. Greenhouses range from simple plastic-covered structures to sophisticated climate-controlled facilities. Modern installations feature computerized environmental management, automated irrigation, and integrated pest management systems.

Open Field Production:

Some crops, particularly those requiring cooler temperatures or specific seasonal conditions, are grown in open fields. This is more common in northern regions with more moderate climates.

Substrate and Soilless Culture:

Many operations have shifted away from soil-based cultivation to soilless growing media such as perlite, volcanic tuff, coconut coir, or other substrates. This approach provides better disease control, more precise nutrient management, and increased yields.

Export Markets and Distribution

Primary Markets:

Europe, particularly the Netherlands, serves as the primary destination for Israeli flowers. The Dutch auction system at Aalsmeer and other locations distributes Israeli flowers throughout Europe. Russia has historically been another significant market.

Logistics:

Flowers are harvested early in the morning, rapidly cooled, and transported to packing facilities. Most exports travel by air freight through Ben Gurion International Airport, with shipments timed to arrive at auction houses within 24-48 hours of harvest. The cold chain is maintained throughout the process to ensure quality.

Competition:

Israeli growers face intense competition from producers in East Africa (particularly Kenya and Ethiopia), South America (Colombia and Ecuador), and other regions. Israel competes primarily on quality, reliability, and technological sophistication rather than on price alone.

Economic Significance

The flower industry contributes hundreds of millions of dollars annually to Israel’s agricultural exports. It provides employment for thousands of workers in rural areas, supporting communities that might otherwise struggle economically. The sector also drives innovation that benefits other agricultural industries.

Challenges

Water Scarcity:

Despite technological solutions, water availability remains a constraint. The industry competes with other agricultural sectors and urban needs for limited freshwater resources. Increasing use of treated wastewater and desalinated water helps address this challenge.

Labor Costs:

Israeli labor costs are significantly higher than those in competing countries, requiring continuous productivity improvements and automation to maintain competitiveness.

Energy Costs:

Climate control, cooling, and transportation require substantial energy inputs, affecting production costs.

Market Competition:

African producers benefit from lower costs and favorable trade agreements with Europe, creating pricing pressure.

Phytosanitary Regulations:

Export markets impose strict requirements regarding pest and disease status, requiring continuous monitoring and management.

Climate Change:

Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns affect growing conditions and may necessitate adaptation strategies.

Research and Development

Israel’s agricultural research institutions play a crucial role in the flower industry’s success. The Volcani Institute (Agricultural Research Organization) conducts breeding programs and develops cultivation techniques. Universities contribute research on plant physiology, pest management, and post-harvest handling. Private companies also invest heavily in breeding and technology development.

Sustainability Initiatives

The industry has increasingly focused on environmental sustainability. Efforts include:

• Reduced water consumption through precision irrigation
• Minimized chemical inputs via biological control
• Recycling of growing media and nutrients
• Energy-efficient greenhouse designs
• Carbon footprint reduction in logistics

Some operations pursue certification under environmental standards to meet market demands and differentiate their products.

Future Outlook

The Israeli flower industry continues to evolve, focusing on several strategic directions:

Variety Development: Creating unique varieties that command premium prices and offer distinctive characteristics unavailable elsewhere.

Technology Leadership: Maintaining competitive advantage through innovation in cultivation, automation, and post-harvest handling.

Value-Added Products: Moving beyond commodity production toward specialized, high-value flowers and arrangements.

Domestic Market Development: Expanding local consumption to reduce export dependence and vulnerability to international competition.

Vertical Integration: Some operations are developing more integrated supply chains, including breeding, production, and marketing.

The Israeli flower growing industry exemplifies how technological innovation, scientific research, and entrepreneurial spirit can overcome natural constraints to create a competitive advantage in global markets. While facing ongoing challenges, the sector’s foundation in research and development positions it to continue adapting and evolving in response to changing market conditions and environmental pressures.