Federation of Israeli farmers : exports 28.5% up in first seven months

Export data for the first seven months based on statistical information provided by the Central Bureau of Statistics, show a continuing trend in export growth compared to export figures for same period last year.
 
Report submitted to the Farmers Federation's board of directors show that during January – July exports totaled us$787.6 millions compared to us$459 millions last year.
 
The report clearly indicate that although there was a surge in quantity exported, there was a sharp decline in prices.
 
The vegetable sector experienced 55% growth in export and 17% average decline in prices at world markets.
 
Citrus up 12%, experienced an average 3% increase in income per ton.
 
Fruits sector experienced an impressive 27% surge in quantity exported however revenue was unchanged compared to last year.
 
Flowers were up 8% in US dollar terms equivalent of 5.5% in NIS terms.
 
The report also noted a sharp decline of 5% in prices of fresh produce in home market. Vegetables were 19.1% down, fresh fruits down by average of 12.5%.Dairy products, however, experienced an increase of 2.4% and eggs up by 8.2%.
 
Mr. Yusta Blair, general secretary of the federation noted that although export quantity increased, there was a decline in profit in the export markets as well as in the home market.
He warned that low profit rate exposed the agriculture sector to dangerously high risk.
 
Mr. Blair added that government plan to increase water prices will add additional NIS 100 millions to farmers bill and will lead to many not being able to cover the additional costs.
 
Meanwhile Italy informed, at the end of last week, that it will buy 600,000 crates of regular and red grapefruits in a $10 million deal. Israeli citrus exporters signed a three-year deal with a delegation of Italian fruit importers.
 
Under the agreement, Israel will export 35% more grapefruits in the 2004-05 citrus season than in the previous season. Exports will increase by 10% a year over the next two years, to 720,000 crates.