The Cactus Farm Orly, established in 1975 by Noam Blum in the Negev near Dimona, has achieved remarkable feats in cactus cultivation. After the death of his father, Roee Blum took over the pioneering farm for prickly pear (sabra). It operates as an agro-industrial complex that cultivates cactus without pesticides or chemical products and produces goods entirely derived from these plants. The company has successfully revolutionized the FoodTech market and the future of food by offering a wide range of authentic products, focusing on improving health and the quality of life for citizens. It is the only farm in the world to utilize 100% of the Opuntia (cactus).
"The farm was named Orly in reference to my sister. It is a family business that has thrived over the years and is now very well positioned in the agro-food market. We cultivate 100 hectares of land with new patented varieties of organic sabras—red, violet, yellow, and orange—on a global scale," says Roee.
The branches of sabras are sold cut and disinfected, refrigerated, and frozen from April to the end of November. The farm cultivates special varieties of paddle cactus, produced from an exclusive Israeli plant selection. It plays a unique role as a technological center that promotes and develops agro-industrial initiatives called "Green Ventures"; these combine the agricultural production of exclusive prickly pear creations with food processing technologies that produce a range of over 30 healthy food products, all based on cactus fruit or the green biomass of the pads.
"The sabra (prickly pear) is an essential base from which we have designed several surprising products that we sell, such as shakshuka, juices, spreads, liqueurs, jams, cactus powder, and even ice creams made entirely from fruit. The freezing process is notably faster, preserving the vitamins," explains Roee.
In this farm, thousands of smooth, thornless cactus grow organically, without the need for harmful pesticide or herbicide sprays that could seep into the precious groundwater of the desert and contaminate it.
"The product varieties were developed over 17 years through agricultural techniques and extensive research in food technology. They have been the subject of research conducted by the company since 1990. The new cactus varieties were created to serve as a base for the production of raw materials for the food and health industries," says Roee.
The cactus has unique physiological properties for its integration into the agro-food industry. Its ability to produce biomass is significantly better than that of conventional crops, and its water consumption is several dozen percent lower than that of other crops. From an agrotechnical perspective, it can be cultivated in many climatic regions around the world, planted over large areas as a replacement for or complement to traditional crops, with auxiliary irrigation or even in dry farming.
The farm also houses a multipurpose center that welcomes professionals and specialists from around the world, as well as farmers and agronomists. It also receives many tourists interested in ecology and eager to learn about the agricultural operation.
A miraculous plant for healthy eating
As indicated in laboratory studies on animals and numerous clinical studies in humans, the cactus can reduce bad cholesterol in the blood, help combat obesity, pain, gastroduodenal ulcers, and even constipation. It also has antibiotic and antiviral properties, in addition to exhibiting anticancer activity.
The sabra has many health benefits; it is considered a superfood that helps athletes maintain a balanced diet for better performance. It also prevents urinary infections and reduces the effects of alcohol. The fruits and pads of the cactus, along with its products, are revolutionary in that they possess health characteristics that assist people suffering from type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and Crohn's disease.
"We believe that the FoodTech sector represents the market of the future. Here in Israel, there is a high demand, mainly from people who are mindful of their diet and are athletic. We sell our products on our website and in our stores, and we want to establish a factory to market on a large scale and export worldwide. The cactus should be a central element of the daily diet for people suffering from obesity and diabetes," said Roee.
What future for the Orly Farm?
"We are trying to establish similar farms in Nigeria and in Arab countries like the Emirates, primarily targeting the athletic clientele, because they are our main clients. The price attractiveness of our products is also a crucial point; we challenge any competition," says Roee.
The Orly Farm plans to develop healthy biogas from cactus waste. The cactus pads indeed produce biogas that can be used to generate clean electricity. The team is collaborating with several countries to establish partnerships in this area.
"We have also started creating cosmetic vegetable oil from the cactus. It is the best oil in the world; it usually comes from Morocco, but currently, they are facing a significant problem because animals are eating the cactus. As a result, one million cactus have disappeared," laments Roee. "All options are on the table, and we are open to many proposals regarding the expansion of the cactus market. We believe it is a fabulous plant that can change consumption patterns around the world," he concluded.
Website : https://www.ocf.co.il/
Caroline Haïat
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