The BDS movement is a global campaign that seeks to pressure Israel to comply with international law and respect Palestinian rights. One of the most effective ways to support the BDS movement is by boycotting Israeli agricultural products, including citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons. Agricultural produce from the zionist entity are not just commodities—they are tied to Israel’s illegal settlement expansion, exploitation of Palestinian land, and the ongoing apartheid system.
Israel’s Citrus Industry: Built on Stolen Land
Israel is one of the world’s largest citrus exporters, with the industry generating hundreds of millions of dollars annually. According to the Israeli Export Institute, citrus exports reached over $500 million in 2022, with key markets in Europe, North America, and Asia.
However, much of this industry operates on stolen Palestinian land. In the occupied West Bank, illegal Israeli settlements cultivate citrus groves on confiscated Palestinian farmland, while Palestinian farmers face water restrictions, land seizures, and military violence.
The citrus industry, like the whole of the agricultural sector in Israel, is deeply entwined with the oppression of Palestinians. By purchasing Israeli citrus fruits, consumers unknowingly support an industry that:
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Steals Palestinian Land – Many citrus groves are planted on land seized from Palestinian farmers through forced displacement and discriminatory laws.
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Exploits Palestinian Labor – Some Palestinian workers in Israeli farms endure low wages and harsh conditions due to Israel’s control over their economy.
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Funds the Occupation – Profits from these exports help sustain Israel’s military and apartheid policies, including the siege on Gaza and violent crackdowns in the West Bank.
Key citrus brands to boycott in Canada:
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Jaffa Oranges (owned by Mehadrin Tnuport Export/MTEX)
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Shoham (Mariam Shoham Ltd.)
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Galilee Export (owned by Milouot Corporation, Citrus of Galilee, and Avocado Gal Packing House)
- Orri branded oranges
Direct Action in Toronto: Blockading Apartheid Profiteers
On May 25, 2024, Palestinian solidarity activists in Toronto blockaded the Ontario Food Terminal, one of Canada’s largest produce distribution hubs. The protest specifically targeted Burnac Produce, a leading importer of Israeli fruits and vegetables, including Jaffa citrus.
Why Target Burnac & the Ontario Food Terminal?
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Burnac is a key player in funneling Israeli produce into Canadian supermarkets, making profits from apartheid.
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The Ontario Food Terminal supplies grocery chains like Loblaws, Metro, and Walmart Canada, all of which sell Israeli goods.
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The blockade aimed to disrupt business-as-usual and force public accountability for companies enabling occupation.
Protesters held banners reading “Stop Profiting from Apartheid” and “Burnac: Stop Selling Stolen Palestinian Fruit,” while distributing flyers exposing the ties between Israeli agriculture and war crimes. The action followed similar blockades in Port of Oakland (USA) and Rotterdam (Netherlands), where activists have successfully delayed shipments of Israeli goods.
What You Can Do
✅ Boycott Israeli citrus & all produce labeled “Product of Israel.”
✅ Pressure supermarkets (Loblaws, Metro, Walmart) to drop Israeli goods.
✅ Support Palestinian farmers – Buy fair-trade olive oil, dates, and other products.
✅ Join local BDS actions / Spread Awareness
The May 25 Toronto blockade proves that grassroots pressure can disrupt the supply chains of apartheid. By targeting importers like Burnac Produce, activists expose the corporations enabling Israel’s crimes—and empower consumers to take action.
No business as usual with genocide. Boycott Israeli citrus. Free Palestine