The Israeli agricultural market has been limited, with high import taxes, Israelis are known to enjoy produce in season. In some ways, it’s the most natural. When strawberries start to line the shelves abundantly, winter is coming. When watermelon prices drop, summer has too. When the avocados reach perfect pressure, fall is arriving soon.
However, as the cost of living continues to increase in Israel, year round supply and demand weigh heavily on consumers, and Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman has taken action in attempts to help more households. In a recent statement, he announced that agricultural tariffs have been lowered, meaning more access for importation, which means more competition, and eventually, reduced pricing.
Based on a five year plan, Israel will begin to recognize European standards for fruits, vegetables, and eggs. A greater range of products will be expected to be shipped, and what was once a seasonal market will be extended. More seasonal produce, like avocados, strawberries, and nectarines, will become more readily available.
The new tariffs will also impact the Israeli egg industry, opening for international imports and reducing pricing. While a run of the mill dozen runs about 12 NIS, an organic or free range dozen can cost up to 36 NIS. With the new standard, egg prices are expected to lower by 25%. Overall, prices on produce have increased over 80% in recent years and the new regulations will be expected to save 840 NIS per household, or 5 billion annually.
