Equipped with an imported patented technology, two Israeli cooperative settlements in the Arava Region are starting a novel agricultural enterprise: growing insect/pest/sand/pesticide-free lettuce.

The produce is being grown in huge tubs in greenhouses using Reverse Osmosis technology.

Samuel Epstein and Armond Levy, of Kibbutz Roded, which introduced the technology, said: “Lettuce grown in these huge, computer-controlled tubs in the Arava will replace lettuce grown in hundreds of greenhouses by Israeli settlers in the Gaza area.”

They said the tub-cultivation of lettuce is carried out in hermetically sealed greenhouses, which prevents the entry of pests, eliminating the need to use pesticides as the growth-medium is water, with no connection to soil.

Kibbutz Elifaz has also started laying the foundation for several acres of greenhouses for the lettuce-tub cultivation, investing $700,000 into the project. "We anticipate that the investors will reap profits within 18 months," said Epstein.

The market value for lettuce in Israel is estimated at NIS110m ($25.6 million) per year. The plan, he added, is to expand the cultivation to other vegetables, such as fresh herbs, scallions and cabbage.

As holders of the franchise of the technology, and taking advantage of the favourable climatic conditions in the Arava region, the two entrepreneurs estimate Israel will be able to increase its export of lettuce varieties and other leaf-vegetables to Europe, which has seen a serious decline in recent years.

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