THE MODEL FARM
FOR AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY
About the Farm
The Model Farm is a pioneering project in Israel designed to develop, demonstrate and disseminate sustainable agricultural innovations to farmers in Israel and around the world. Established on the grounds of Volcani's northern research center Neve Ya'ar, the Model Farm seeks to meet the agricultural and environmental needs of today, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs tomorrow.
As the global population continues to increase, there is an urgent need to ensure that the world’s agricultural production can meet the growing demand for food, while preserving our environment. In Israel the problem is particularly acute, because almost all of the land suitable for agriculture is farmed intensively.
The Model Farm spans over 40 hectares and incorporates four major platforms: an almond orchard, a field-crop plot, a precision-based feedlot, and a waste recycling site. For more information, we invite you to visit the official website of the Model Farm for Sustainable Agriculture.
The Model Farm for Sustainable Agriculture was established in 2018, with the generous support of The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.
THE LOCATION
The Model Farm is situated adjacent to the laboratories of Volcani’s northern research station Neve Ya’ar, drastically reducing the gap between the lab and the field.
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH
The Model Farm brings together some of Israel’s best scientists from a great range of disciplines to develop cutting edge solutions for sustainable agriculture.
ECONOMIC VIABILITY
The Model Farm covers over 40 hectares, providing a real-life model size to analyze the economic viability of innovations. This should help farmers feel more confident about making the shift to sustainable agricultural practices.
Activities
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
The laboratories of Volcani’s northern research station Neve Ya’ar conduct a range of scientific research projects from integrated pest management, waste management and recycling, to soil conservation.
PILOTING TECHNOLOGIES
The farm acts as a beta site for the research and allows for the direct implementation of laboratory findings at scale to assess their efficacy, sustainability and economic viability.
KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION
The farm serves as a teaching and training site where scientists demonstrate their innovations and share knowledge through open days, workshops and conferences for a range of key stakeholders from Israel and around the world.