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My name is Yossi Devash, 67 from Moshav Hatzav, near Gadera in southern Israel. I am married with four children and eight grandchildren. I have been growing vegetables since 1980. I really enjoy what I do, otherwise I would not have continued with it for so long. Two of my children remained on the moshav but the rest have moved away. Unfortunately, there is no growth in the economy here which is very important to farmers. Everyone else is in hi-tech, engineers and doctors but at least we're all happy and healthy.
What do I grow?
With a last name that means honey, you might think that I would work with bees but no. I grow green onions, kohlrabi and cherry tomatoes. I used to grow regular tomatoes but unfortunately, this type of tomato requires more manpower than we have so we've settled for cherry tomatoes. With the seed company, we have a tomato called Maggie which is an amazing tomato. It has the taste of yesteryear that people are looking for and it has a long shelf life. You don't even have to put it in the refrigerator. Add some olive oil and a bit of salt. Sometimes, I think about growing new things but to be honest at my age I'm content with what I have.
My Daily Schedule
I wake up every morning at 5am. I don't eat breakfast and just have a cup of coffee. At lunch, I eat a hearty meal, usually schnitzel. I try to take a rest at noon and go to bed relatively early at night.
If I wasn't a farmer…
Wow that is a difficult question. I don't think I would ever stop being a farmer. It's a profession that has it all. There's a reason I've been a farmer for so long.
My favorite season
Summer, winter, fall, spring – I love all the seasons
COVID-19
The pandemic greatly affected the county but thankfully we did not feel it too much. Our workers were still able to come and the demand for produce in Israel did not decrease so in terms of our work, we did okay.
My favorite part about being a farmer
I really like the idea that people enjoy my work. Whoever eats my produce always wants more. I get great feedback and that of course motivates me to keep going.
The thing I like least about being a farmer
There's nothing I don't like about being a farmer. If I didn't love what I do I wouldn't have stayed in the field for so long.
Tip
There are many important tips for growing fruit and vegetables certainly for those unfamiliar with the process but the most important is to strengthen the local agriculture. I always encourage everyone I talk to, to always choose a blue and white supermarket. It strengthens the local economy. Even though I'm not objective, I believe it is objective to say that the local agriculture producers provide a better product than anything brought from abroad.
Leket Israel
I am very in favor of the work of Leket Israel. It is the only organization, as far as I know, that deals with rescuing surplus food for people who need it. It's an important goal and it's good that such an organization exists. Personally, I enjoy giving them produce. I am happy to be part of the farming community that donates to the needy through the good people of Leket Israel.
If I have one piece of advice for my fellow farmers who have not yet joined it is to join this national effort today. Donating is an important mitzvah and even more important is to support Leket Israel. It not only helps people in need but also the farmers since they send their workers to harvest what's left on the trees. At the end of the day, it helps the farmers, it helps people in need and it helps the economy. It's good for everyone.
Farmers, your surplus produce could go to people in need. Join Leket Israel today.
