About the Course

Agriculture is the basic source of food supply for humans and domestic animals, and of raw material for industrialization. Production of agricultural goods relies on natural resources such as land, water, biodiversity, finite fertilizers and more. Population growth and the fast-rate increase of food demand causes heavy pressure on natural resources and the environment, leading to water and soil degradation, pollution, damage to biodiversity, deforestation, over-grazing, etc. The global challenge must be aimed at implementing sustainable intensive food production systems by adopting new practices and precision technologies. Since its independence in 1948, the State of Israel has had to adapt to the constant growth of its population facing limited availability of land and water. This led to the development of a very intensive agriculture, which aims to high yield and quality produce while ensuring an efficient use of the scarce resources. With a population forecast of 15 million by 2050, Israel has foreseen the need to adapt and implement solutions in order to reduce the interfaces between agriculture, population and ecosystems, investing many efforts in developing new practices that ensure an increase in the production of food, while preserving the environment alongside farmers' earning ability. In cooperation with stakeholders, including the farming community, agricultural organizations and government ministries, Israel's agricultural sector proposes an holistic approach based on research, education, extension, monitoring and legislation enforcement to achieve the challenge of developing an intensive agriculture characterized by its high productivity and quality, that meets also the environmental standards.

Aims

The course aims to share with participants Israel's experience, policies and practices, which intend to decrease negative impacts of intensive agriculture on environment and promote the development of an intensive but sustainable agriculture. Through this training program, MASHAV aims to join the international community and contribute to meet mainly, the holistic vision of the SDG2 within the 2030 plan of the United Nations. The course intends also to create a framework for discussion and analysis to evaluate possible adaptation of new strategies and technologies to the conditions of each participating country.

Main Subjects

The training program will include professional lectures and field visits on:

• Sustainable agricultural development in Israel – Policies and Strategies
• Soil conservation
• Water and wastewater management
• Intensive agricultural production: Genetic resources,Pesticides, fertilizers and irrigation management, Implementation of agro-technologies, Livestock management
• Postharvest practices
• Agricultural waste management
• Alternative energy sources
• Adaptation to climate change
• Education, research and extension

Application Requirements

The training is geared towards professionals related to the development of the agricultural sector on a national, regional and /or local level. Candidates should hold an academic degree in related disciplines and at least two years of professional work experience in governmental institutions, national and/or international organizations, research institutes, universities, NGOs, etc. A full command of English is required.

Application forms

Application forms and other information may be obtained at the nearest Israeli mission or at MASHAV’s Website: http://mashav.mfa.gov.il/MFA/mashav/Courses/Pages/default.aspx

Completed application forms, including the health declaration, should be sent to the nearest Israeli mission until 20th August, 2018

Date: Del 21 de  octubre al 09 de noviembre, 2018
Country: Shefayim, Israel
Deadline: 31 de julio, 2018

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More information: http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/mashav/Courses/Documents/44-08%20Agro-ecological%2...