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September 10, 2004
The Negev Foundation
at
the Ohio Farm Science
Review
(Cleveland, OH) – “We can’t wait to show
off Israeli know-how,” says Dick Bogomolny, Founder
and Board Chair of The Negev Foundation,
which is supporting an exhibit of Israeli agriculture technology—a
first--at the 2004 Farm Science Review, sponsored by Ohio
State University at its 2,100-acre Molly Caren Agricultural
Center outside Columbus, September 21-23, 2004. The Farm
Science Review is the largest agricultural technical exposition
in the Midwest. Over 600 exhibitors of agricultural equipment
supplies and machinery have reserved
spaces, and more than 150,000 people are expected to attend.
It is hoped that United States Secretary of Agriculture,
Ann Veneman, will be a keynote speaker at the event’s
opening day luncheon.
The Negev Foundation, a Cleveland non-profit organization
that has been fostering agribusiness and research and development
ties between Israel and Ohio for more than a dozen years,
will present workshops on behalf of Israeli companies in
the Negev that produce high technology equipment for the
agriculture and aquaculture industries. Israel has been
very successful in developing technology that has enabled
it to compete in the world market. Israel exports 90 percent
of the melons it produces in the desert to Europe, providing
40 percent of Europe’s off-season fresh produce,
and is second only to Holland in flower production and
export.
Israeli companies specializing in dairy management systems,
cattle feeding machinery, plant growing systems, plastic
products used in irrigation and sprinkler systems, spray
manufacturers and food safety software will be represented
at this year’s Farm Science Review. Visit Booth #23
in Chemical Street to learn more. Information will be available
regarding opportunities to import products from Israel
and export produce, meat and other products to Israel.
The Negev Foundation will be selling excellent olive oil
made from groves grown in the Negev desert and will be
giving away sunflower seeds specially developed to grow
beautifully even in harsh conditions.
This is the right time for Ohioans to do business with
Israel. “ Ohio farmers have been through serious
droughts in 1988 and 1991. A lot of farmers are investing
in better irrigation systems, or looking to expand into
lucrative niche markets,” adds Director Fred L. Dailey,
Ohio Department of Agriculture. “There is huge market
potential for Ohio produce, and a tremendous advantage
via the state’s transportation system. Ohio’s
produce can be shipped almost anywhere in 24 hours or less,” he
notes.
Director Dailey invited The Negev Foundation to the Farm
Science Review after he participated in a recent trade
mission to Israel arranged by the Foundation. He reported
being “very impressed at the way Israel is putting
research in the ground.”
“We are committed to promoting the commercial strength
and viability of the Negev to the United States,” states
Stuart Mintz, a Negev Foundation board member.
The Negev Foundation is participating in the Farm
Science Review through a new project, the Ohio-Israel Agricultural
Initiative, funded by a special government grant secured by
Ohio Senator George Voinovich. The Initiative seeks to promote
agricultural ties between Ohio and Israel , leading to increased
economic self sufficiency in the Negev and economic benefit
to Ohio farms and businesses. The foundation oversees numerous
international projects involving joint research and development
programs, agritechnology, and trade.
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