A new Israeli export company has joined forces with the Palestinian Economic Development Corporation to start shipments of fresh produce from the Palestinian Authority (PA) to Western Europe.

According to Israeli press reports, the deal between Adafresh and the corporation represents some €12m, and will include 2,500 tonnes of fresh herbs, 6,000 tonnes of capsicum, 1,500 tonnes of all varieties of tomatoes, and strawberries.

Adafresh, which is managed by Avi Kadan, who founded Arava Growers some eight years ago, specialises in exporting fresh produce to Europe and the North American market. The company has subsidiaries in the Netherlands and the US, and its core business is exporting fresh produce grown by Israeli farmers. The deal with the PA was made possible after a meeting of PA officials, representatives of USAID, and Israeli officials.

Avi Kadan said that the greenhouses that once belonged to Israeli farmers in Gush Katif in the Gaza Region now cover an area of 300 hectares. The Palestinians are growing tomatoes on 100ha, capsicum on 130ha, strawberries on 20ha, and various vegetables on 40ha all under the protective structures.

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