Against the backdrop of the complex reality during the war, and at a time when more and more Israelis need spaces for rehabilitation and healing, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Israel Land Authority are publishing a new framework that for the first time allows for regulated use of agricultural land for the establishment of therapeutic and rehabilitative farms. The new policy will enable the establishment of agricultural farms that provide occupational support for combatants and those dealing with post-trauma, educational farms for at-risk youth, and frameworks for people with disabilities. Additionally, the framework defines a dedicated track for rescue and rehabilitation farms for abandoned or injured animals. The move removes barriers for non-profit organizations and social entrepreneurs, regulates existing activity, and allows them to operate on agricultural land continuously and without interruption.
Recently, many people across the country: combatants, evacuees, affected families, and civilians exposed to difficult events, are dealing with physical and mental injuries. A large portion of them experience anxiety, depression, post-trauma, or feelings of loneliness. The need for rehabilitation and healing frameworks is greater than ever, and the demand for therapeutic solutions on this issue is only growing. On the other hand, the agricultural space and nature prove themselves time and again as a healing engine. Proximity to the land, manual agricultural work, being among animals and vegetation – all of these contribute to reducing anxiety, strengthening a sense of belonging, and creating a supportive, non-judgmental framework. Now, on the initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and in cooperation with the Israel Land Authority, a regulated response to this need will be provided, through the new framework.
The war accelerated this process. Within months, new farms were established across the country, some for combatants, some for reservists, and others for youth who fell into distress due to the events. Now, for the first time, the Ministry will allow any moshav and any kibbutz to regulate such activity on part of its lands. Thus, therapeutic farms will be able to operate with full recognition and in a stable, long-term manner.
Rimona Farms Association operates agricultural education-therapy complexes throughout the Negev. The farm works with youth on the verge of disconnecting from the education system, with combatants and individuals undergoing processes of coping and rehabilitation from post-trauma, and with communities affected by the events of October 7th. At the association’s farms, therapeutic processes, agricultural work, and community support take place, providing a healing space for thousands of people. The farms are currently in the process of regulation, and the new framework will ensure the continuation of their important activity on agricultural lands in a regulated and stable manner for years to come.