Israel's recent ban on imports of vegetables and fruits from Jordan has ignited a significant debate over trade relations between the two countries amidst ongoing tensions in the region. The Israeli Ministry of Health's decision stemmed from concerns about cholera contamination in the Yarmouk River and some Jordanian agricultural products. However, Jordan has vehemently denied these claims, asserting that its water sources are free from pollution.
The impact of this ban is already being felt in Israel, where prices for essential agricultural products like tomatoes and cucumbers have surged by 60% to 70% in the past month. Israeli farmers are struggling with extreme heat affecting crop yields, further complicating the situation. The increased costs of these imports could lead to a rise in food prices for consumers in Israel, especially given the scarcity of local crops due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Despite the ban, Jordanian agricultural exports to Israel have seen a notable increase, rising by 15% last year. This includes approximately 1,300 tons of fruits and vegetables per month, with tomatoes and cucumbers being the primary exports. The Jordanian Minister of Agriculture emphasized that these trade dealings are conducted by the private sector under binding agreements, not the government, highlighting the complex dynamics of the relationship between the two nations.
As temperatures soar above 50 degrees Celsius in Jordan, agricultural production is severely impacted, and there are currently no crops being grown in the Yarmouk River area. The Jordanian government continues to conduct thorough safety examinations of its agricultural products to ensure public health and maintain its export relationships, including a significant daily export to Gulf countries.
