In a world filled with food security challenges and an escalating climate crisis, the Haifa Group plays a role in providing innovative solutions in precision agriculture. In an in-depth interview with the company's CEO, Motti Levin, and Dorit Koltin, Vice President of Regulation, Environment, and Sustainability, they discuss the need for investment in innovation and the group's latest projects, including the Blue Ammonia initiative and advanced infrastructure development to bolster Israeli industry.
The company was founded in 1966 as part of a government initiative to maximize the use of Israel's natural resources, including the Dead Sea and phosphate fields, for the production of special fertilizers. "Understanding the historical context is essential," explains Levin. "The young State of Israel had to contend with harsh climates, arid soils, and a scarcity of resources, primarily in water and manpower. Innovation was the only way to survive, grow, and thrive."
The company, which began its journey in the production of potassium nitrate for agricultural purposes, developed a wide range of soluble fertilizers and complementary products for nourishing and strengthening plants. The Haifa Group grew in parallel with Netafim, which brought drip irrigation to the world. Over the years, the two companies led a revolution in the world of precision agriculture and plant nutrition through fertilization via irrigation systems, a revolution that today has reached new heights. "We developed a new model that changed the face of the industry," Levine says.
The Group also sets an example in the social sphere, whether it is gender equality or promoting the employment of older workers or people with disabilities. "Six of our 18 subsidiaries are led by women, and 40% of the engineering and laboratory workforce are women," Koltin proudly shares. "In an industry such as ours, which is traditionally male, this is an important achievement. Our employees are the heart of the company. We invest in them not only as a means of improving performance but out of a commitment to social values."
Read more at The Jerusalem Post