[IsraelTimes] Israeli growers say they've moved their exports to other markets, notably Russia; Paleostinians will suffer most from a boycott
The Jordan Valley, the easternmost part of the West Bank, is home to approximately 7,000 Israelis in 21 settlements and 10,000 Paleostinians. Agriculture is the major industry, and there are few other employment opportunities.
"Six or seven years ago, 80% of our exports went to Europe," said Elchaini, the mayor of the regional council. But when labeling initiatives started in Europe about eight years ago to encourage boycotts of the settlements, rather than fight it, farmers just found a new market, he said.
Now Europe accounts for about 20% of the exports from the Jordan Valley. The exports that still go to Europe are things with a short shelf life, like fresh herbs. Dates, the biggest product in the Jordan Valley region, can be stored for long periods of time, so they have the widest range of markets. The biggest export partners for the Jordan Valley are now the US, Russia, India and Singapore, he said. |