A message from Haifa Group CEO, Motti Levin

Haifa Group CEO, Motti Levin.

One of Haifa’s core values is ‘Farmer’s Mind’ and to think like a farmer, you must be acquainted with farmers’ reality. Haifa’s sales offices worldwide, staffed mainly by local teams, maintain close relations with farmers and address the local characteristics of the market and farming practices. In addition, the local presence allows for maximum efficiency and flexibility of logistics and supply.

Haifa has 16 subsidiaries, enabling us to serve more than 100 countries around the world. We started our activity in Australia more than 30 years ago. The opening of a subsidiary in Australia in 2009 reflects the organisation’s understanding that a dedicated presence is indispensable to meet the rising local demand and serve the market properly – and it’s still proving that today.

Addressing global challenges

Sustainability is a part of our DNA. Since its establishment in the mid-1960s, Haifa has specialised in precise plant nutrition that maximises efficiency and reduces environmental impact of uncontrolled fertilisation.

The solutions we offer naturally tie into global efforts towards better farming practices, which can feed a growing world population with depleting resources while facing climate change challenges. Global food demand is growing. We have to find ways not only to increase yields, but also to do it efficiently with zero tolerance for environmental impact.

In 2019, Haifa Group set itself the goal of being part of the global effort and to act in accordance with the principles of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). By applying innovative, pioneering and ground-breaking measures that integrate the three economic, social and environmental dimensions, it is working to achieve the 17 principles of the Sustainable Development Program.

Handling COVID-19

I am proud to say that as a result of recognising the threat and size of the pandemic early, we were able to quickly adjust. We have continued to supply products globally while protecting the health and safety of all our employees.

As part of it, we’ve made special adjustments at production sites and applied creative thinking to overcome logistical challenges. We made it possible for employees to work from their homes when needed, and changed the shift schedule for site employees so that exposure was decreased and operations could survive if an infection occurred.

An activity that has benefited from the COVID situation is our knowledge sharing. While sales teams could not travel and meet growers face-to-face, we took the time to create a wealth of digital materials that deliver professional knowledge and advice on-line.

Ownership change

Tene Investments Funds is a strategic investor that is deeply acquainted with the world of agricultural technologies. It has additional investments in the sector worldwide. Dr Ariel Halperin – the founder and Managing Partner – used to act as Netafim’s Board Chairman, so we believe Tene’s partnership will be instrumental to helping our expansion plan to double production and to reach new heights.

The fact that Trump Group remains the leading shareholder reflects its confidence in the company and faith that the involvement of Tene will take it forward.

New ammonia plant

Ammonia is a main raw material for Haifa’s production. Accordingly, the construction of our ammonia plant is a major and strategic investment.

With self-production of ammonia and long-term contracts for potash supply, Haifa Group is going to be stronger and more solid than it has ever been.

The ammonia plant project is being carried out by Saipem, which has rich global experience in the building of infrastructures, including ammonia plants. The technology employed in the new plant is that of Haldor Topse, so all best practices have joint forces together and we’re excited to accomplish this important project by the end of 2023.

Find out more

Please visit the Haifa Australia website.