Celebrating 60 Years of Precision Irrigation by Orbia Netafim for Global Farmers

Orbia Netafim Marks 60 Years of Innovation in Agriculture

Orbia Advance Corporation's S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: ORBIA*) is proud to celebrate the 60th anniversary of its precision agriculture arm, Netafim. Founded in 1965 in the arid Negev desert of Israel, the company has risen to become a global leader in precision irrigation solutions, revolutionizing the way farmers approach agriculture through innovative technology.

Netafim began with a vision to address critical global challenges related to water scarcity and food security. Over the past six decades, the company has pioneered drip irrigation technology, empowering farmers in over 110 countries to increase crop yields while using fewer resources. This innovative approach not only maximizes efficiency but also helps mitigate the environmental impacts of traditional farming practices.

As the world's climate continues to change, the need for sustainable agricultural solutions has never been more pressing. With last year being recorded as the warmest year globally, farmers are increasingly facing the challenges of water scarcity and agricultural stress. Today, approximately half of the global population experiences serious water shortages, particularly during specific times of the year. Agriculture accounts for nearly 70% of freshwater withdrawals, further emphasizing the need for more efficient irrigation practices.

From its inception, Netafim has been at the forefront of defining agricultural irrigation methods. The company introduced the first commercial dripper in 1966, and since then, it has continuously innovated to meet the diverse needs of farmers. This includes offering holistic solutions that incorporate irrigation, fertigation, and advanced farming technologies.

Thus far, Netafim has impacted the lives of over 8.5 million farmers and has irrigated more than 10 million hectares of land globally. By producing over 150 billion drippers, the company has transformed agricultural practices and is firmly dedicated to improving global food security. Since becoming part of Orbia in 2017, Netafim has furthered its commitment to empower farmers through precision agriculture.

Gaby Miodownik, Executive Vice President and President of Orbia's Precision Agriculture business, emphasizes the significance of this anniversary. He states, "Reflecting on 60 years of Orbia Netafim reveals not just our lasting impact, but also our unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges through innovation. As we continue to enhance our technologies and adapt to the evolving needs of farmers, our mission gains even more urgency. We must help them grow more with less amid increasing water scarcity and food security challenges around the world."

Orbia Netafim has not stood still; it remains at the cutting edge of agricultural technology. In the past year alone, the company introduced GrowSphere™, an advanced digital farming operating system, and the first-ever hybrid dripper with a built-in welded outlet designed to optimize irrigation efficiency. These innovations symbolize the company's ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture.

With a diverse range of new business models, expanded carbon credit programs, and a growing portfolio of global projects, Orbia Netafim reinforces its leadership role in fostering climate-smart agriculture. "Our journey with farmers across the globe is powered by innovation and resilience. Together, we can pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future," says Miodownik.

As Orbia Netafim steps into the next chapter, it invites those interested to explore how precision irrigation continues to change the face of agriculture for the better. For more information about their innovative solutions and 60-year journey, visit netafim.com.

About Orbia

Orbia Advance Corporation, S.A.B. de C.V. operates across various sectors with a shared purpose of enhancing life around the world. With a focus on food and water security, decarbonization, and connectivity solutions, Orbia aims to drive positive change through innovative materials and technologies. The company boasts a global workforce of over 23,000 employees, operating in more than 100 countries, and generates impressive revenues of $7.5 billion as of 2024.