Impact Review
MAF's 2025 IMPACT REVIEW
The past year marked a meaningful step forward for the Modern Agriculture Foundation.
Even in uncertain and complex times, we saw how focused collaboration, leadership, and community can translate into real impact.
At MAF, we continued to advance a smarter and more sustainable food system – not only by supporting innovation, but by strengthening the ecosystem around it.
While the Israeli and global foodtech sectors face real challenges, we invested in the most resilient asset of all: people, partnerships, and shared purpose.
​
Across our programs, we supported breakthrough startups as they moved toward real-world commercialization, built leadership pipelines, expanded professional communities, and connected academia, industry, investors, chefs, and policymakers.
This work reflects our role as an ecosystem enabler – creating the conditions for ideas to grow, scale, and reach the plate.
Two milestones stand out this year: the expansion of our Women in Foodtech activities into a global platform, and the launch of AgFood2025 – Israel’s first international agri-foodtech conference – marking a new level of collaboration and visibility for the sector.
​
I would also like to thank Michal Katzir Emek, my partner in MAF’s work, for her significant contribution to our impact this year.
​
At MAF, we believe the future of food is defined by better plates, shaped by innovation, sustainability, and compassion. We are proud of the impact reflected in this report and grateful to our partners and supporters who make it possible. We invite you to explore the people, partnerships, and ideas driving this work – and to continue shaping the future together.
Sincerely,
Levana Shifman, CEO
​
MAF's IMPACT REVIEW (2023-2024)
In a time that challenges our beliefs and priorities, at MAF we remain committed to our mission of advancing a better food system.
We strongly believe that supporting entrepreneurship and innovation is more critical than ever.
​
Through strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives, we are actively contributing to a sustainable, diverse, and competitive foodtech ecosystem in Israel. We foster impactful connections among key players in the ecosystem, which we see as vital to advancing the industry.
​
Especially noteworthy is 'The Women Leading Foodtech Community,' which brings together around 150 female leaders, providing incredible mutual support and countless opportunities for collaboration.
I’m excited to share that the Israel Innovation Authority has chosen us to spearhead a new initiative aimed at mid-career women, affirming our dedication to promoting gender equality within Israel's foodtech industry.
​
All of this would not have been possible without my dear colleagues, Carole Bibas-Barkan and Michal Katzir Emek, who bring their passion and talents to every project.
​
I am deeply grateful for all of you who support, collaborate, and trust MAF to lead these remarkable programs. For the planet, for the people, and for the animals.
​
Sincerely,
Levana Shifman, CEO
MAF's IMPACT REVIEW (2022-23)
Wow, what a crazy past few months it has been at The Modern Agriculture Foundation!
​
The Israeli foodtech keeps impressing the world with its remarkable innovation, affirming the significance and viability of our mission.
As we already get to savor the initial successes of our endeavors, we must also acknowledge the immense work that lies ahead in creating alternatives to animal products that are sustainable, healthy and compassionate.
​
In 2022, we proudly introduced the Better Plate Track, the first and only accelerator in the Middle East focused on alternative proteins (in collaboration with MassChallenge Israel).
Thanks to the support and generosity of our donors and sponsors, this program has played a pivotal role in the growth and development of startups, attracting investors, raising funds, advancing product development, and fostering connections within the alternative proteins ecosystem.
The remarkable success of PoLoPo, one of the program's early-stage participants without initial funding, serves as a shining example. PoLoPo has successfully secured $1.7 million in seed investment, attributing this achievement to the program's support.
Building on this accomplishment, we are committed to providing startups in the ongoing 2023 cohort with similar opportunities to connect with potential investors from the outset, enabling them to gain valuable exposure and feedback.
In line with our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and diverse industry, we have launched a new initiative dedicated to supporting and promoting the advancement of women leaders in the thriving Israeli Foodtech sector.
We organized the Leading Women in Israeli Foodtech Awards which brought together 26 exceptional female leaders. The overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from this event has inspired us to expand our efforts further and to lead this rising community. We are grateful for our partners and sponsors that have responded to our call and joined us in our efforts.
As we look toward the future, we remain committed to our mission of building a sustainable, healthy, and compassionate food system.
With the continued support of our donors and partners, we are confident that we can overcome the challenges that lie ahead and create a positive impact for the planet, for the people, and for the animals.
Once again, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to each and every one of you. To our donors, partners, sponsors, volunteers, and our passionate team, you all make it possible. A special thank you goes to Carole Bibas-Barkan, my partner and COO, for her hard work and dedication.
​
Sincerely,
Levana Shifman, CEO
