Implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act has led to increased scarcity for some water users. From its Fresno manufacturing facility, Netafim USA is working to help growers make up the difference. Netafim photo

An international company with a long presence in the Central Valley is celebrating 60 years of helping farmers with their irrigation needs.

In early July, the Israel-based precision irrigation company marked its 60^th anniversary of designing and manufacturing a set of agricultural solutions, partnering with farmers and growers globally to navigate the challenges of climate instability, water scarcity, and food scarcity.

Founded in 1965, Netafim started the drip irrigation revolution, according to a news release, empowering farmers and communities around the world to grow more with less, maximizing yields while reducing water, energy, and land use.

Netafim is Orbia Advance Corporations’ precision agriculture business that was founded in a small kibbutz in the Negev desert.

A kibbutz is a collective community in Israel that was traditionally based on agriculture.

The company introduced the world’s first commercial dripper in 1966 and has continuously innovated to meet diverse agricultural needs, providing holistic irrigation, “fertigation” and digital farming solutions.

Netafim came to the United states in 1981, establishing a Fresno headquarters.

Gaby Miodownik, executive vice president and president of Netafim, said that the 60 year anniversary marks the company’s lasting impact and their commitment to turn obstacles into breakthroughs.

“From our pioneering origins to our role today as a global leader in sustainable agriculture, our journey embodies visionary innovation rooted in purpose and a steadfast dedication to serving the needs of farmers and communities worldwide. Our mission to help farmers grow more with less has never been more urgent, as water scarcity and food security challenges continue to intensify across the globe, and we will continue to boldly innovate and pave the way towards a more sustainable future for all,” said Miodownik.

Last year, Netafim launched GrowSphere, a state-of-the-art digital operating system and introduced the first-ever hybrid dripper with a built-in welded outlet to maximize irrigation efficiency.

Along with those innovations, Netafim has broadened its global project portfolio, introduced new business models and expanded its carbon credit programs.

“We take pride in the remarkable journey Orbia Netafim has taken with farmers around the world driven by innovation, shaped by resilience and guided by the belief that together, we can use smart farming to help create a better future for us all,” said Miodownik. “Especially in challenging times, it is this commitment and ongoing collaboration that inspires all of us at Orbia Netafim to push the boundaries of agriculture and create a more sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.”