THE NEWS FROM KIRYAT GAT: LIQUID FERTILIZERS ARE TRANSFORMING AGRICULTURE AND THE WORLD IS HARVESTING THE GOODS

Gat Fertilizers has pioneered the field of multi-nutrient liquid fertilizers for 40 years, and remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation. Founded in 1985 in Kiryat Gat, from which it takes its name, Gat has grown into a multinational operation with six production facilities and 150 employees across Israel, Spain and Peru, and continues to expand. "The adoption of liquid fertilization in these regions has transformed farming practices, significantly improving both crop yields and farm efficiency," says Gat Group CEO Ori Federman.

What sets Gat apart is its hands-on, service-oriented model. The company creates custom fertilizers formulations to suit each farmer's specific needs, backed by expert agronomic guidance and rigorous quality control. "Every crop and every environment demands a different approach," explains Federman. "Growing cherry tomatoes in a greenhouse is not the same as cultivating avocados in an open field. That's where we come in, supporting the global shift toward precision agriculture."

Efficiency, Sustainability and Ready-to-Use Solutions
According to Federman, one of the biggest advantages of liquid fertilizers is their integration with drip irrigation systems, which offers a highly accurate and water-efficient solution. "Unlike solid fertilizers, which require complex handling, storage and dissolution, our liquid fertilizers are ready-to-use, reducing logistical burdens and environmental impact. They also help prevent drip clogging, improving system performance and longevity."

By enabling farmers to save time, resources, and money while increasing yields, Gat's solutions contribute meaningfully to sustainable agriculture. The company's work supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals, among them food security, better nutrition, and climate resilience.

Navigating Market Challenges
The agricultural and fertilizers industries are currently facing significant challenges, from global supply chain instability to geopolitical crises. Federman points to the challenge of securing high-standard raw materials at a fair price during the Russia-Ukraine war, which disrupted global supply chains and caused fertilizer input prices, particularly Nitrogen, to spike. "We prioritize our existing customers to ensure continuity and reliability in their fertilization programs," he says.

In Israel, the October 7 terror attack and the war that has followed inflicted severe damage on farmers both in the north and south of the country. "Many continued working their land under fire," says Federman. "We admire their resilience and make sure they receive full, uninterrupted support whenever and wherever it's needed."

Local Support, Global Standards
Federman explains how Gat Fertilizers maintains its high standards and product quality across diverse and competitive markets. "In every country where we operate, we have expert local agronomists who work closely with farmers, from planning and implementation to real-time adjustments based on weather and crop needs at every stage, and adjust fertilization plans as needed. Whether through soil or leaf analysis, our team ensures optimal results at every stage."

Federman believes Gat's international success is tied to its Israeli roots: "Our experience as an Israeli company that has become a global leader in complex liquid fertilizers reinforces the international reputation of Israeli agriculture," he says. "In many markets where we operate, we encounter other Israeli agri-tech systems — clear evidence of Israel's worldwide influence in agricultural innovation."

Changing the Way Farmers Work
Federman sees the company's greatest achievement in its ability to transform the way farmers work worldwide. "We help farmers use less fertilizers by making fertilization more efficient," he says. "In some cases, they use 10 percent less fertilizers and achieve 20 percent greater yield. That is, they produce significantly more and better food from the same plot of land, a vital contribution to global food security."

With the world's population growing, arable land shrinking and the need for sustainable, high-yield agriculture more urgent than ever, Federman urges greater governmental support for agricultural innovations. "Our farmers can play a key role in global food security, especially if we invest in and leverage Israel's strengths in knowledge and technology."

Looking Ahead: Growth Rooted in Values
Looking to the future, the company is focused on both consolidation and expansion. New facilities and markets are in the pipeline, guided by the same core values that have driven Gat's four decades of success: Adapt to changes, build trust, be creative, continuous excellence and client oriented.

"Our mission," concludes Federman, "is to provide high quality, tailor-made fertilizers that optimize crop nutrition and support sustainable, efficient agriculture". . We aspire to be the global leader in innovative tailor-made fertilizers solutions, enabling farmers to improve crop results in a sustainable practice for generations to come".

In collaboration with Gat Fertilizers