The biggest agricultural technology event ever held in Israel, Agritech 2018, opened its doors at the Tel Aviv fairgrounds on Tuesday. Some 200 agricultural and industrial companies have booths at this year's Agritech, along with a number of agrotech startups and research and development facilities.
Participation is almost evenly split between local companies and firms from 100 other countries around the world.
Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, Economy and Industry Minister Eli Cohen, and Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel were all on hand for the opening.
"In our tiny desert nation, we've developed advanced agriculture, knowledge and technology that we want to share with you to create high-quality and healthier food for the world," Ariel said.
Agritech runs for three days and expects to welcome 50 government delegations and 80 business delegations. The largest delegation, with 1,500 participants, is coming from India.
Alongside the companies marketing their technology, the expo is putting on a series of lectures by professionals on topics ranging from protecting plants to international projects in desertified areas of China, India and Africa.
The conference will also host guided tours of farms in the Negev and Galilee so visitors can see how Israeli agricultural developments are implemented. Visitors will be taken to places that a few decades ago were barren and are now covered in fields, with fruit and flowers that are exported worldwide.
"Israel has become a leader in the field of advanced, innovative agricultural solutions. Today, Israeli innovation attracts the attention of the entire world. We supply technological solutions for agriculture throughout the world and take a major part in aid to desert countries in terms of food security. Internationally, Israeli agriculture is a 'light unto nations,' Cohen said.
