The Central and Northern Arava Research and Development Unit was invited by President Shimon Peres to exhibit the best of its produce at the President's residence Beit Hanasi, at an event celebrating Rosh Hashana. The event was attended by all of the ambassadors in the country, as well as by other diplomatic personnel.

The Arava team was headed by Eilon Gadiel, veteran resident of Moshav Ein Yahav, who has just completed his first year as director of the R&D. Eilon brings much prior administrative experience to the job, having served as moshav manager of Ein Yahav, as well as coordinator for community expansion on the moshav.

The R&D is a leader in many fields, conducting research that is implemented on the farms of the region, and which is shared throughout the country. In Gadiel's words, no less important is the part that the R&D plays in the bringing of new residents to the region, thereby contributing to regional development.

On a lighter note, one of the additional visitors to the exhibit was none other than former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. All of the visitors enjoyed the Arava produce, with the luscious dates of the region practically flying off the table!