Bringing together Heritage and Innovation

This farm has been a woman-led business starting with my great-great grandmother who farmed this land. Agriculture has always been my family's way of life. My father inherited this farm from his mother. My parents encouraged me to study whatever I wanted and I have a degree in linguistic sciences, but when I realized I had to come back and run our family business, I didn’t think twice. Returning to take over our family business 10 years ago was not just a career choice, it was a return to my heritage.

Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry

Taking the reins from my father meant stepping into a role traditionally held by men. It was challenging at first. I felt that people were questioning my knowledge, my experience, my decisions. But luckily, I received a lot of support from my father. He stood by me, taught me everything, and let me take over gradually.  I am very happy that I chose to return to the farm. Farming to me feels like motherhood, it's just like raising and caring for a child, that's why I love this job. I love to grow a crop from a seedling, see it develop and bring it to the market.

My Farming Life

Each day is different, but it always starts early. I visit the fields, assess the day's needs, and coordinate with my team of eight, all men. Together, we plan and execute tasks from pruning to harvesting. My role is to manage and lead, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

But sometimes, even when I do everything properly, at the end of the day, we are doomed to Mother Nature. In other words, sometimes when there are natural disasters, there are times when all our efforts are in vain. That's when I get frustrated and my motivation drops but that’s part of being a farmer.

Embracing Technology

Four years ago, I began a partnership with Netafim to revolutionize our irrigation practices. We transitioned from flood to drip irrigation and implemented advanced digital systems like GrowSphere™ MAX and  Treetoscope. This wasn't just about adopting new technology; it was about making sustainable choices to better support our land and improve our yields.  It was an idea of mine. My father is conservative and he shies away from technology. That's why he always continued with the traditional system that had been in place for years. I am very tech-savvy and I think we need to improve and take advantage of such new systems. My father was skeptical at first and asked a lot of questions, but now that he sees the efficiency improvements, he embraces this innovation.

To the Next Gen of Women Farmers

To any woman who wants to enter this field, all you need is passion and resilience. If you love farming, you will succeed. The support of my family has been crucial for me, but your drive can come from within. Agriculture might seem challenging, but no obstacle is too great if you have the passion and the courage to pursue your dreams.

I am proud to lead by example, hoping to inspire other women to join and innovate in agriculture.