Business Briefs

Israel provided farmers with NIS 3.8 billion in government support in 2009, totaling about 17% of the value of agricultural produce. This compares to an average level of state support for farmers of 22% in countries belonging to the the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. All told, OECD nations provided $254 billion for their farmers last year. This puts Israel in the lower third of OECD countries in agricultural support payments. New Zealand provides the least state support, only 1%, with Australia at 4%, the U.S. giving 9%, Mexico 12% and Canada 17%. The Average foe EU countries is 23%. At the opposite end of the spectrum are Japan at 47%, South Korea at 52%, Switzerland at 58% and Norway, where the state provided 61% of farmers' income. (Amiram Cohen )

Avi Hasson, a partner at Gemini Israel Funds, is the leading candidate for chief scientist in the Industry, Trade and Labor Ministry. Chief Scientist Eli Opper will be leaving the post at the end of the year, and Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer (Labor ) wants to appoint Hasson in his place. Hasson has a B.A. in economics and Middle Eastern studies from Tel Aviv University and an MBA. He served in the elite 8200 intelligence unit in the army, and worked for a number of high tech firms, including ECtel and ECI Telecom. The new chief scientist will be repsonsible for implmenting the treasury's new high tech program and budget. (Ora Coren and Guy Grimland )