Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon (Kulanu) signed an order on Wednesday allowing the import of 60,000 tons of a wide range of vegetables that would be free from import tax.

The purpose of the order, which was done in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, was to prevent as much as possible spikes in the price of fresh vegetables.

The order came as result of the recent shortage of freshly grown vegetables in Israel caused by abnormal climate patterns, and other harmful circumstances that damaged the growing process. This shortage caused a sharp spike in prices of fruits and vegetables throughout Israel. The order also came to help generate extra supply to meet the growing demands of the population, especially during the time period around the holiday season.     

According to the order, imports on potatoes, onions, carrots, horseradish, cabbage, lettuce, cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, parsley and peppers will be free from import tax year round. Imports that will qualify under this new rule will be subject to growing conditions as well as local demands over the course of the year.  

During the holiday seasons in Israel, (22.3.16 until 5.5.16, and from 2.9.16 until 2.11.16) other specific imports applying to lettuce, cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, parsley and peppers will receive a full tax break on import taxes without being subject to the needs of the local market.