Binyamin Netanyahu at the Tu B'Shvat celebration
Binyamin Netanyahu at the Tu B'Shvat celebrationAmos Ben-Gershom (GPO)

Ahead of Tu B'Shvat, the Jewish new year for the trees which starts on Sunday night, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and other ministers took part in a unique exhibit showing Israel's latest agricultural research developments.

The Agricultural Research Organization's (ARO) Volcani Center, located in Beit Dagan near Tel Aviv, showed the ministers new varieties of fruit and vegetables developed at the center in time for the holiday, when Jews traditionally eat fruit.

Volcani Center's new breakthroughs have improved the flavor and extended the shelf-life of various produce, improving the quality while making them more accessible to the public. Some of the fruits are still being developed, while others are already on the market.

"I am very proud of Israeli agriculture and the developments from the Volcani Center," said Netanyahu. "Israeli farmers are incredibly creative; this is a global force."

"I was aware of this at Milan Expo and more recently at Davos. Many countries, from every continent, want to benefit from our innovations, your innovations. I have revolutionary thoughts about how to use this ability on the commercial, international and diplomatic level," he added.

"To this end I am interested in forging a partnership between the Volcani Center and countries that are interested in this and thereby greatly expand your activity both nationally and internationally. This is a great strength for the State of Israel. This is especially welcome on Tu B'Shvat."