Cotton is the most important and most widely used natural fiber in today’s textile industry. It is also an important cash crop for growers of many countries in the world. The cotton plant is a warm season woody perennial shrub, which is grown as an annual field crop. Because the plants are grown in various environments, cotton farmers can choose from many varieties of cotton that are bred to be productive in various environmental and cultural conditions. After the seeds are planted and the plants begin to grow and develop, they must be protected from insects, diseases and weeds. However, cotton has acquired a notorious standing. It is perceived as a thirsty crop, responsible for the depletion of natural water resources; a consumer of massive doses of toxic chemicals, disrupting ecosystems and detrimental to human health; and an exploiter of cheap labour associated with indecent and sometimes forced adult and child employment.
The time has come to rehabilitate cotton’s reputation and eliminate the controversy.
We boast a longstanding track record in cotton agronomy, employing water saving technologies, implementing integrated pest management methodology and driving record breaking yields in multiple global environments.
TerraVerde is well acquainted with principles and criteria of sustainable cotton production recognized as acceptable by the important cotton handlers and retailers. Cotton is natural, easy to care for, absorbent and breathable, soft to touch and truly biodegradable. It is the perfect fiber for home textiles, as well as basic, luxury and intimate clothing, and has been cultivated by our ancestors for thousands of years.
Climate change and environmental pollution generated by synthetic polymers including fibers, are a driving force behind the trend back to natural, sustainably produced and biodegradable materials. In recent decades, cotton research and development programs worldwide have led to dramatic reductions in land use, soil loss, water use, energy use and a substantial decrease in chemical application with the help of biotechnology and a shift to integrated pest management. Cotton is increasingly becoming mechanized, eliminating the intensive manual labour requirement. It is also becoming an environmentally friendly and sustainable crop.
TerraVerde Agriculture can assist in transforming traditional cotton production habits into sustainable production technology and the source of well recognized environmentally friendly and accepted product.
TerraVerde Agriculture has world class capability in efficient and sustainable cotton production.
Special consultant to the Israel Cotton Board (ICB) for the last decade, managing world record yield development of Extra Long Staple cotton which has significantly boosted Israeli cotton yields. Concurrently, amongst other work with ICB, he manages the international standardization of Israeli cotton production according to the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) requirements.
His cotton track record includes substantial international experience and cotton development leadership.
Doron is a well experienced agronomist, extension officer and agricultural planner, having special focus and interest on cotton production. Currently Doron is a consultant to a leading cotton production company in Uzbekistan and to Netafim drip irrigation company regarding drip irrigated cotton production.
Doron has a unique worldwide cotton production experience as he was involved in numerous projects under various agricultural and physical conditions and production practices.
Special consultant to the Israel Cotton Board (ICB) for the last decade, managing world record yield development of Extra Long Staple cotton which has significantly boosted Israeli cotton yields. Concurrently, amongst other work with ICB, he manages the international standardization of Israeli cotton production according to the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) requirements. His cotton track record include substantial international experience and cotton development leadership.
His cotton track record includes:
2009 – Present Senior consultant to the Israel Cotton Board
2003 – 2006 VP Marketing and Business Development, Fertiseeds Ltd, Biotechnology development in cotton and other crops
2001 – 2002 VP Marketing and Business Development, Israel Seeds (an Israeli cotton seed company)
1998 – 2001 Regional Agronomist, Asia & Australia, at Delta and Pine Land International, an international cotton seed company
1989 – 1998 Chief Cotton Extension and Agronomy Specialist, Israel MOA State Extension Service
1983 – 1989 Regional Cotton Extension Specialist and Research Leader, Southern Israel Cotton Grower Cooperative
Doron is a well experienced agronomist, extension officer and agricultural planner, having special focus and interest on cotton production. Currently doron is a consultant to a leading cotton production company in Uzbekistan and to Netafim drip irrigation company regarding drip irrigated cotton production. His former cotton track record includes:
2006 – 2012 Cotton breeder at Agridera, an Israeli seed company
1990 – 2006 Independent cotton and agronomy consultant to projects in the following countries: Argentina, Benin, Ethiopia, Mexico, Peru, Turkey, USA, Uzbekistan, Vietnam. Activity includes studies, planning and on-going production supervision
2000 – 2006 Independent cotton extension officer in Israel
1985 – 2000 Regional cotton extension officer and researcher in the northern coastal plain of Israel
Doron has a unique worldwide cotton production experience as he was involved in numerous projects under various agricultural and physical conditions and production practices.
Following are three examples:
During his two-year tenure cotton yield dramatically improved threefold – increasing from 1 Mt/Ha to 3Mt/Ha.
Igal Flash and Cindy his wife were murdered by Hamas killers in their home in Kfar Aza, in the horrific attack that took place in the Western Negev on Saturday,
october 7.
Igal, was one of the professional pillars of field crops in Israel, especially in the cotton industry and in particularly in the Western Negev. They were brutally murdered in their home at Kfar Aza.
Igal continued a tradition of agriculture in this arid region, personally contributing to the continuous development from ancient rain-fed methods to the modern innovations of the 21st century. Building this robust agricultural environment not only boosted the settlement of a desert region with a thriving local economy, but also led to significant technological progress shared globally.
Further to the ceremony held in Israel we join the family in its mourning and in the fundraising efforts aimed to rebuild their lives, cover funeral expenses in Israel and the memorial in the US.
Be there for the Flash family:
https://gofund.me/014332c4
In addition to the murder and injury of thousands of people, the agriculture in the area was also significantly damaged.
Other support links forwarding to assistance to farmers and donations to victims can be found here: IRONMATCH
Your contributions will be much appreciated.