The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) said last Thursday that net agricultural product grew in 2005 to NIS 6.9 billion. The CBS noted that the outstanding growth can be attributed to cheaper fodder which helped slow the rising cost of agricultural inputs
In a detailed analysis the CBS pointed out that agricultural output grew in 2005 by 6% to NIS 19.6b., while the cost of inputs went up by only 4.4% to NIS 12.7b.,compared to previous years.
In 2004 input costs rose 12.1% and 9.9% in 2003. The CBS also noted that: - Vegetables and potatoes accounted for 23% of total agricultural output; - Greens and other field crops accounted for 7%; - Citrus accounted for 5%; - Other fruits accounted for 14%; - Flowers and decorative plants accounted for 8%; - Cattle and other livestock 18%; - Fowl 17% and miscellaneous agricultural products accounted for 8%.
Regarding exports the CBS pointed out that agricultural exports grew last year by 10.1%. Compared to 2004 (31.8% surge) the growth rate in 2005 was slower since the prices paid on exported produce was down by 1.7%.
Citrus exports increased last year by 28%, mainly due to a shortage of citrus fruits in the United States caused by last year's hurricanes which destroyed much of this year's crop. Date exports grew by 26% and the amount of Pomegranates exported more than tripled - over 1,400 tons in 2005 compared to 400 tons in 2004.
