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    • Ohio-Israel Agriculture Initiative
     

The Ohio-Israel
Agriculture Initiative

  In 2002, the Negev Foundation, working with agriculturalists, government, academic and business entities in both regions, launched an effort to improve agricultural ties between Ohio and Israel. Israel and Ohio stand to benefit greatly from the synergy generated by this Initiative—the first of its kind. The Negev Foundation developed a preliminary overview to determine:(1) what growers, researchers and the related industries in each country want and need,(2) where cooperative efforts can help to address those needs, and(3) how best to use existing federal, state and private funding programs, and where new programs might help.
  • The Negev Foundation conducted a preliminary study to determine the feasibility of Ohio as a new source for bull calves for export to Israel to meet Israel’s increasing demand for fresh beef. A February 2004 trade mission to Israel helped to open this new market to Ohio producers.
  • The Negev Foundation presented two workshops on aquaculture (fish farming) featuring an enclosed Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) introduced by Megaflow, an Israeli company, which permits farms to operate year-round. Participants included Ohio farmers, researchers and members of the Ohio Aquaculture Association.
  • The Negev Foundation has made a concerted effort, beginning in January 2003, to persuade an Israel soy-processing company to establish an Ohio-based plant. Such a plant would employ about 50 people initially, and about 250 people when fully expanded. It is anticipated that this company will break ground in Ohio by April 2005, and start production by the end of the year.
  • Another major project of the Initiative is the development of a commercial-scale Israeli greenhouse to be built in Ohio to include joint R&D and commercial activities—the first of its kind. The sale of greenhouse-grown produce, in the form of a farmers’ cooperative venture, could offset the cost of implementation and provide farmers with income. Ultimately, the greenhouse would be a self-sustaining entity, while continuing to provide a platform for ground-breaking research, and introduce Ohio farmers to 21 st Century agricultural technology.
We are conducting more detailed studies and workshops in both regions to identify and develop additional opportunities. Although it targets Ohio and Israel, we are designing this initiative to be expandable and transferable to other U.S. states and neighboring Middle Eastern countries. Objectives:
  • Build on existing ties
  • Foster greater collaboration among Ohio and Israeli government and research institutions, farmers and companies
  • Develop joint R&D activities
  • Identify agribusiness ventures based on new technologies, and introducing potential investors
  • Expand commercial ties and market access in both regions
Partners:
  • The Negev Foundation
  • Government of Israel
  • Regional Israeli government entities
  • Ohio Senator George Voinovich
  • Ohio Senator Mike DeWine
  • USDA
  • Ohio Department of Agriculture
  • Ohio State University
  • Ohio Aquaculture Association
  • Ohio Agricultural Council
  • Ohio Cattlemen’s Association
  • Pickaway, Meigs, Ross
  • Athens County officials
  • Ohio and Israeli farmers
  • We are developing proposals and seeking additional funding from other U.S. government programs, foundations, industry groups and individuals
To view the 2004 Ohio-Israel Agriculture and Rural Development Annual Report as a PDF file, click here: (1627 KB)
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