Israeli and Palestinian farmers are strengthening their agricultural co-operation following the recent developments in the region.

In mid November Palestinian flower growers have joined as members of the Israel Flowers Growers Association. Officials of the Association and representatives of the Palestinian growers signed an agreement to that effect at a meeting during the recent International Flower Exhibition held in Amsterdam, Holland.

Mr Haim Haddad, secretary of the Israel Flower Growers Association, said that the this agreement is a result of negotiations held during the last two years between Israeli and Palestinian farmers' organisations, held in Turkey and in other places, under the auspices of the European Union.

Mr Haddad said that Palestinian and Israeli growers have "many common interests in all agricultural matters. Both sides enjoy customs-free quotas to export to the EU fresh produce and we intend to expand the quotas for the benefit of Israeli and Palestinian farmers."

He added that the Association will from now on assist Palestinian farmers in their commercial relations with overseas buyers, as well as joining forces to safeguard the interests of Palestinian farmers in view of the prevailing fragile security issues.

In recent years, cultivation of flowers in the Gaza region, especially of carnations, has become an important economic factor of the region. Palestinian flower growers export their produce from Ben-Gurion Airport to Europe using Agrexco's infrastructure.

In addition, the cultivation and export of strawberries in the Gaza region will set this season an all-time production record of exporting 2000 tonnes, slated for marketing in the UK and Europe, under the Coral brandname. The export is carried out by Agrexco, Israel's leading agricultural export company, including all documentation and logistic operations.

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