The study examines the extent to which Israel’s agricultural training system is aligned with the needs of agriculture in a new era characterized by digitalization, sustainability, climate change, shortages of land and water resources, labor shortages, and growing uncertainty.
The study is based on the premise that Israeli agriculture faces a dual challenge: on the one hand, it requires a new generation of farmers and professionals equipped with multidisciplinary knowledge and up-to-date skills, while on the other hand, existing training, extension, and knowledge transfer frameworks are not sufficiently aligned with field needs. The challenge does not stem solely from a lack of knowledge or taught skills, but also reflects a broader gap between training in practice and needs on the ground, as well as challenges in the mechanisms for mediation, extension, and knowledge transfer among academia, research and development, industry, and farmers.
The study includes in-depth interviews with stakeholders from different sectors, alongside a mapping of educational and training programs in Israel and a review of policy measures for agricultural training in other countries. Through this combined approach, the study seeks to analyze both the formal structure of the agricultural training system and the perceptions, needs, and gaps as understood by stakeholders. Ultimately, the study will formulate guiding principles and policy recommendations for strengthening human capital in Israeli agriculture, while reinforcing the links among the education system, vocational training, higher education, and industry in response to field needs.