[VIDEO AND PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

The Knesset Science Committee headed by Chairman MK (Yahadut Hatorah) Uri Maklev visited the “Aleinu’ hothouses in Mishor Adumim, the industrial area of Maale Adumim. The hothouse project is located on the roof of the industrial area, occupying an acre of area (4 dunams), growing 20 different kinds of leafy vegetables and spices without any earth, but using a fibrous substrate.

The hothouse project began a number of years ago and has been able to produce fifty times more that hothouses in the ground due to the unique method being used at Aleinu, which was established by R’ Bentzion Kavkov.

Committee members were given a tour of the entire process as the entire operation is automated; the result of the development of a modern system specially designed for their operation. Hence, there is no concern of insect infestation due to the distance from the ground and the innovative treatment, in addition to the special machine that passes over vegetables to cleanse them so one can eat them immediately following picking with the need to clean as is the case with so-called ‘gush katif’ greens today.

Rav Maklev praised the operation, which he explains uses high tech to produce a product that is superior in quality and uncompromising from a kashrus standpoint.

During the visit Maklev also spoke to the mashgiach, employed by HaGaon HaRav Yosef Efrati Shlita, and he explained to Maklev how this unique method works and then addressing halachic issues as per Rav Elyashiv ZT”L – as which bracha to make, if maasros are required and if the product is acceptable as moror on Pesach.

Kavkov told Maklev is major obstacle is the government agencies – which do not recognize him as a farmer and his products as produce. Maklev expressed criticism of these agencies, citing once again there is development being hampered by the government bureaucracy. He warns that “someone else will move ahead with it and then we will recall we could have been first but for now, the agencies make certain to stop Kavkov”.

Maklev went on to praise the simply fantastic utilization of space and resources by the operation, including water and energy, yielding a superior healthier product and he is held back by bureaucracy. “There is no reason in the world not to declare this an agricultural operation for purposes of [lower] water and arnona tax” exclaimed Maklev, adding “This is a failure of the entire system to do this to such a project, which is gold and the advantages in the future already speak for themselves”.

Maklev promised his committee will address this and prepare it for the appropriate government agencies within 30 days towards amending the law to permit moving forward with this project.

Maklev already reports he spoke to officials in the Agriculture Ministry and he will return with officials from that office after the Yomim Tovim in the hope of advancing this vital project.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)