about
The Agricultural Farms
A Revolution of Agriculture and Zionism
Background
Today, more than 100 agricultural farms safeguard over 900,000 dunams of state land in Judea and Samaria.
Through grazing lands, cattle and sheep farming, and the integration of youth who previously struggled within formal educational frameworks, the farms are revitalizing the spirit of agriculture and renewing Israeli Zionism in the hills of Judea and Samaria.
There are now over 70 farms operating in Judea and Samaria – more than in the rest of the country combined – and the number continues to grow rapidly. Approximately 15 new farms have been established since the outbreak of the recent war, reflecting renewed momentum in rural development.
The farm enterprise spans vast areasת collectively holding more land than established cities such as Ariel, Ma’ale Adumim, Beitar Illit, and Modi’in Illit combined.
A new spirit is emerging in the hills – one of connection, responsibility, and love of the land. Youth are reconnecting to national frameworks, farmers are cultivating previously neglected terrain, and open spaces are being restored and protected.
Supported by professional and governmental bodies, the farms contribute to regional stability while transforming exposed and unused land into thriving green landscapes.
How It All Began
The agricultural farms of Judea and Samaria represent a continuation of the pioneering settlement movement that began in the early days of Zionism.
The modern farm initiative began following the first Intifada, when Avri Ran established an agricultural farm in the hills of Itamar. Additional farms soon followed, strengthening Israeli presence in key areas.
The movement expanded significantly in response to the 2009 Salam Fayyad plan, which aimed to establish a substantial Palestinian presence in Area C. The farms emerged as a practical and strategic response, ensuring continued Israeli presence on the ground.
Following the Duma incident, farmers, together with senior military figures, initiated the development of educational farms. These farms provide youth with meaningful structure, agricultural responsibility, and renewed trust in state institutions.
Over time, the farms have proven to be an effective model for maintaining continuous presence in peripheral areas while strengthening regional security and encouraging significant IDF service among participating youth.
State Support and Strategic Importance
Today, the strategic importance of the farms is broadly recognized and government supported. The IDF and state authorities understand that effective land stewardship is strengthened when local farmers are present and actively cultivating the terrain.
Accordingly, the state supports the farms through:
- Infrastructure and fencing
- Security components
- Agricultural grants
From a budgetary perspective, establishing a farm requires significantly less investment than building a new community, while securing large areas of land.
Senior military and governmental officials have expressed the need to establish dozens of additional farms to safeguard hundreds of thousands of further dunams in strategic regions.
The Establishment of the Farms Union
As the number of farms grew, so did the economic, bureaucratic, infrastructural, and security challenges facing individual farm owners.
In 2024, the Farms Union was established by the farm owners themselves to provide coordinated representation, organizational strength, and strategic support.
The Union works to:
- Represent farm owners before state authorities
- Coordinate with security and governmental bodies
- Provide financial support through fundraising and grants
- Advance educational initiatives connecting youth to agriculture and the land.
The creation of the Union marks a significant milestone in the development of the farm movement – strengthening its structure, impact, and long-term sustainability. Having all the services under one roof, improves the ability of the farms to develop and to work with all the necessary bodies to continue developing in the most efficient way possible.