Kibbutz Movement Yearbook Shows Nearly Double the Number of Kibbutzim With Over $26 Million in Equity
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
The number of kibbutzim with over NIS 100 million in equity has nearly doubled since 2009, reaching 39% in 2024, according to preliminary data from the Kibbutz Movement Yearbook. The kibbutz population has also grown to over 200,000 residents, with high demand in peripheral areas. Kibbutzim are increasingly professionalizing in renewable energy and agro-voltaics, while agricultural output stabilized in 2024 after growth. Alternative water sources are crucial for Israeli agriculture.
The story in 7 lines · by baba
- Kibbutz equity over NIS 100 million nearly doubled to 39% by 2024.
- Kibbutz population has grown to over 200,000 residents.
- Demand for housing is high, especially in peripheral kibbutzim.
- Renewable energy management is becoming a distinct branch in 64% of kibbutzim by 2026.
- Agro-voltaic projects are advancing in about 80% of kibbutzim.
- Agricultural output stabilized in 2024 after 2023 peak.
- 60% of agricultural water in Israel comes from recycled sources.
The number of kibbutzim with equity exceeding NIS 100 million (approximately $26 million) has nearly doubled since 2009, rising from 20% to 39% as of 2024, according to Nitzan Aviran, Head of the Economics Department at Kibbutz HaDati. Aviran presented these preliminary findings from the upcoming 22nd Kibbutz Movement Yearbook at a conference on kibbutz growth. He noted a significant shift in revenue, with fewer kibbutzim earning up to NIS 60 million and a growing number surpassing NIS 150 million, making them the largest revenue group in 2024.
Aviran also highlighted a substantial increase in the kibbutz population, which has nearly doubled from around 100,000 to over 200,000 residents since approximately 2005. This growth is attributed to both natural increase and new members joining, indicating that kibbutzim are actively welcoming new residents. The demand for housing is particularly high in peripheral kibbutzim, with waiting lists in most of them.
Nearly half of the kibbutz population resides in the Northern District, and over 71% live in peripheral areas or along the country's borders. Kibbutzim are also growing in size, with settlements of 1,200 or more residents becoming more common. However, Aviran cautioned that there are limits to this expansion, stating that kibbutzim cannot accommodate thousands of residents while maintaining their unique communal character, and will not reach the planning authorities' target of 3,000-5,000 residents.
Significant professionalization is occurring in the renewable energy sector within kibbutzim. By 2026, nearly 64% of kibbutzim are expected to manage renewable energy as a distinct branch, up from 51% in 2024. Additionally, about 80% of kibbutzim have signed agreements for agro-voltaic projects, which combine agriculture with solar energy production on the same land. Aviran also mentioned that kibbutzim are increasingly opting to partner with a single company for these ventures due to accumulated expertise.
Regarding agriculture, Aviran reported that while the value of agricultural output has grown, 2024 saw stabilization after a peak in 2023. He emphasized the importance of alternative water sources for agriculture, noting that 60% of water used is recycled or treated wastewater, allowing for the preservation of fresh water for other uses.