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The R&D Structure and Organization
The Arava R&D activity is governed by a directory comprised by representatives of JNF, Central Arava and Tamar regional councils, Agriculture Research Organization (ARO), Agricultural Extension Service (SHAHAM), Plants Council, heads of agricultural committees and sector coordinators. The role of this directory is to define the main objectives and the annual budget of the R&D activities.
The current activity is governed by an Administrative R&D Director, together with a Scientific Director nominated by the ARO, whose aim is to initiate, manage and promote research in the organization and to encourage researchers and other institutes carry out research and collaborate in programs to support the regional agriculture and farmers.
The R&D includes seven sector centers: vegetables, ornamentals, plant-protection, orchards, organic agriculture, fishery, and produce quality. Each sector coordinator acts as the head of a committee comprised of farmers, extension service staff, and researchers, who assemble to determine a priority scale of the major issues to be encountered and solved.
The activities are carried out in experimental stations and farmers sites. The emerging knowledge is transferred to the farmers through everyday advisory, end-season meetings, internet newsletters and fliers. In addition, there are occasional open-days, lectures, and trips in various topics. |
