Southern Arava Research and Development (R&D) is a regional agricultural research and development station established in 1964 as the Arava Experimental Station, and formally expanded in 1985. Located in the Hevel Eilot Regional Council, the station is operated by Ardom Management and Holdings and funded primarily by the Jewish National Fund and Israeli Government ministries. It conducts research in soil and water science, horticulture, postharvest technology, vegetables, flowers, agrotechnology, and plant protection. The station collaborates with the Agricultural Research Organization (ARO/Volcani) and Israeli universities.