Tel-Hai Magazine 2023-2024

The war's impact on research and ac ademia has been equally severe. Delays in academic programs and the displace ment of researchers have compromised the region's ability to maintain its stand ing as a leader in AgriFood-Tech innova tion. The increased risk perception among investors, regarding projects in the north further complicates the situa tion, potentially leading to a prolonged economic downturn, if not addressed urgently. Hope for the future: a regional and national mission Despite these significant challenges, there is hope for the future of the Israel AgriFood-Tech Valley. The rehabilita tion of the north, particularly the return of startups and industries, is not just a regional concern but a national mission. The survival and revival of these indus tries are crucial for the long-term eco nomic health of northern Israel and the country as a whole. The role of the Cluster Management has changed significantly during the war. In preparation for the 'day after', efforts are already underway to address the im mediate needs of the region. The Cluster Management is now assessing these needs and crafting targeted recovery and growth plans, focusing on human capital, training, infrastructure, and government resources. These efforts will include es tablishing dedicated funds to support local farmers and startups in the Agri Food-Tech Valley, facilitating their recov ery and encouraging a return to pre-war activity. “The war has further highlighted the importance of this partnership and its role in representing the needs of the re gion in the 'day after’. Despite this time of crisis, I believe that after the war, the region will continue to be a leading force, thanks to its assets and the dedicated pro fessionals operating in the area,” says Sharon Engel Adam. One of the critical steps in this rehabil itation process is the establishment of the Galilee as a designated area for priority assistance, ensuring that the region re ceives the necessary resources to rebuild and thrive once again. Recommenda

The Galilee Strategy Conference, hosted by the Ministry of the Negev, Galilee and National Resilience

Manager from its inception and until re cently, recaps: “Two years ago, we estab lished a unique initiative that grew from the bottom up - The Agri-FoodTech and the Valley, here in the north of Israel. During the last two years before the war, the partnership solidified and became a central focal point for the region, serving farmers, industry, entrepreneurs, various government ministries and other parties from Israel and abroad. This one-of-a kind ecosystem, comprised of diverse agriculture alongside research and aca demia within a relatively small geograph ic distance, has proven its unique value proposition.” Implications of the war on the AgriFood-Tech Valley The devastating impact of the Iron Swords war has caused immediate and long-term consequences that threaten to undo years of progress. Since the out break of the war, the northern region has been under constant threat. Relentless bombings and missiles have ignited fires that have destroyed tens of thousands of hectares of cultivated land, wheat fields, and forests. Fruit and crops have been left decaying on trees and in the fields, as the mass evacuation of residents has left farmers without working hands. Those who have stayed to continue farming the land do so at great risk. With the sense of personal security shattered, the willingness of skilled work ers to return or settle in the north has

been severely compromised, deepening gaps in the region’s human capital. Eco nomic activities have dwindled, leading to the collapse of businesses, and brining regional economic growth to a standstill. “During the last two years before the war, the partnership solidified and became a central focal point for the region, serving farmers, industry, entrepreneurs, Early-stage startups have been partic ularly hard hit, as business continuity has been disrupted, research efforts suspend ed, and many have been forced to freeze operations altogether. Recruitment plans have been shelved, employees have been laid off, and the momentum gained over recent years has come to a halt, making it even more difficult to secure the fund ing necessary to keep these startups afloat. various government ministries and other parties from Israel and abroad.”

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