The Arava Valley. Peppers, Tomatoes, and Berries! OH, MY!
Channel: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
Date: 2013-02-11

On Wednesday, January 30, 2013, Ambassador Shapiro visited the Mid Arava Valley region to attend the 'Agricultural Open Day' and celebrate the 110th anniversary of Keren Kayemet  LeIsrael (K.K.L.).
Ambassador Shapiro was welcomed by the local Mayors of the Mid Arava Valley and Tamar Regional Councils, and by Mr. Efi Shtenzler, Chairman of K.K.L.  Ambassador Shapiro visited the Yair Research Station and the Open Day show which presented progress in desert agriculture. The visit continued in Moshav Hazeva where Ambassador Shapiro met with a U.S. JNF delegation and later attended a gratitude ceremony for the 110th anniversary of K.K.L., which is active in all aspects of life in the Arava. Ambassador Shapiro concluded his visit to the Yair Station with a tree planting under the 'Adopt an Acacia Tree' project. 
Travelling along the Peace Route Ambassador Shapiro heard of the challenges and opportunities in the area as result of the peace agreement between Jordan and Israel. The Ambassador visit a greenhouse which tests new varieties of vegetables, some of which will enter the commercial market, and a visit to a packing house for exported peppers.