ISRAEL - New Drought-Resistant Cocoa
Recent research at Israel’s Volcani Center—Agricultural Research Organization has not only uncovered a potentially drought-resistant cocoa strain that could combat the ongoing global shortage of cocoa beans but also opened up possibilities for a homegrown boutique chocolate industry in Israel.
Ellen Graber, lead researcher on the Volcani cocoa project, stumbled upon this discovery in the aftermath of the October 7 Gaza conflict.
A batch of experimental cocoa seedlings, left unattended for over three months due to the crisis, revealed strong resilience to drought and cold conditions.
Cocoa trees are sensitive to heat and require specific temperature ranges for optimal growth. As such, global cocoa production is currently facing significant challenges due to climate change.
Between 2002 and 2019, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana—which supply about 60% of the world’s cocoa—lost 25% and 8%, respectively, of their humid primary forest, making it harder for farmers to maintain consistent yields.
Graber also envisions a range of products and experiences, from cocoa-based beverages and value-added byproducts to agritourism opportunities like chocolate festivals and farm tours.
“I like to think of this as an entire cocoa ecosystem,” Graber emphasized. “That is how I would envision it here in Israel.”
While Graber was careful not to give too many details, the discovery has already attracted interest from both large chocolate companies and investors.
-www.israel21c.org, 27 August 2024
Arno's Commentary
When it comes to high-tech agricultural science, this article by Israel21c.org is not surprising. In this case, it was called an “accidental discovery.”
We recall that Israel was called the land of milk and honey. Now, we can add chocolate. How successful this research will play out, time will tell. But, based on recent reported achievements, it will not be surprising to see Dr. Graber succeed.
While the Bible mentions several spices such as coriander, cummin, dill, frankincense, hyssop, leeks, mint, etc., cocoa is not mentioned. A Google search reveals about the Queen of Sheba, who brought various spices to King Solomon: “Described in the Bible as simply a Queen of the East, modern scholars believe she came from the Kingdom of Axum in Ethiopia, the Kingdom of Saba in Yemen, or both.”
Only about 20% of the land of Israel is naturally arable. Yet, there are certain crops that grow easily. A post on Reddit.com adds: “That region is actually the birthplace of agriculture as far as Europe and most of Asia is concerned.”
Based on these preliminary reports, Israeli contributions to agricultural science will help alleviate the shortage of cocoa.
Arno Froese is the executive director of Midnight Call Ministries and editor-in-chief of the acclaimed prophetic magazines Midnight Call and News From Israel. He has authored a number of well-received books, and has sponsored many prophecy conferences in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. His extensive travels have contributed to his keen insight into Bible prophecy, as he sees it from an international perspective.
