By

Advis3r

Opinion

IDF holds conference supporting Gaza flower export

December 6, 2011 17:40
1 min read

The Erez Crossing Coordination Liaison Offices (CLO) at the Gaza Strip held a flower cultivation conference for 24 Palestinian representatives in response to the recent carnation export. The conference focused on protecting crops during the winter and the export process in general.

"There is not natural border between Israel and the Gaza Strip," explained (CLO) agricultural coordinator, Ori Madar. "Diseases and other infections can pass from the Gaza Strip to Israel and vice versa." He added that approximately 8% of the Gaza agricultural product is exported.

Israeli authorities and the IDF are essential in the Gaza flower export and follow international standards. "The CLO is also in charge of water systems as well as ground and product inspections, and provides Palestinian farmers with the necessary agricultural tools and support," explained Madar.

Such educational programs are held monthly, this particular conference dealing with American Carnation crops that are in high demand in markets in Holland. This year, over 20 million flowers are to be exported from the Gaza Strip, as well as strawberries, peppers and tomatoes.

To get more from opinion, click here to sign up for our free Editor's Picks newsletter.

Support the world’s oldest Jewish newspaper