The Mandel Campus in Ramat HaNegev
The Mandel Supporting Foundation Commits $3 Million to The Negev Foundation for the Mandel Campus for Agro Research, Education and Economic Development
The Negev Foundation announces a $3 million grant from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Supporting Foundation for the establishment of a new agricultural innovation campus at the Ramat HaNegev Desert Agro-Research Center. The expanded campus will be known as the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Campus for Agro Research, Education and Economic Development at Ramat HaNegev, and will include the newly constructed Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel International Training and Educational Center. Together, these facilities will strengthen agricultural innovation, education, and regional development while advancing Israel’s long-term food security and resilience in the aftermath of the events of October 7, 2023.
The Mandel Campus will establish Ramat HaNegev as a global center for desert agriculture and sustainable food production. Using technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, crop-resilience systems, and advanced water management, it will set new standards for arid-land farming and environmental stewardship. The facilities will cover approximately 30,000 square feet and include classrooms, laboratories, offices, an auditorium, and an advanced greenhouse. The Mandel Campus will serve more than 2,000 farmers, students, and AgriTech professionals annually. By combining research, education, and applied innovation, it will strengthen Israel’s agricultural leadership and expand cooperation with countries facing similar desert and climate challenges.
The events of October 7 deeply affected communities and farmlands across the Negev and Gaza Envelope, causing significant damage to agricultural operations and research facilities. The new Mandel Campus will contribute to national renewal by restoring agricultural capacity, fostering resilience, and equipping the next generation of Israeli and international farmers and researchers with tools to strengthen food systems in challenging environments.
Project Vision
This visionary project, long supported by the late philanthropist Jack Mandel, reflects decades of partnership between The Negev Foundation and the Ramat HaNegev Regional Council, and will create a global hub for sustainable agriculture, food security, and advanced farmer training. It builds on The Negev Foundation’s enduring commitment to advancing desert agriculture and its investment in research programs, greenhouse technology, and modern infrastructure that have helped the Negev region thrive.
“The Mandel Campus is a living expression of hope and progress for Israel’s South,” said Sam Hoenig, President of The Negev Foundation. “It embodies the values that the Mandel brothers championed — knowledge, partnership, and the belief that the Negev holds the key to Israel’s future. The Mandel Campus represents both a tribute to the enduring vision of the Mandel brothers and a powerful step forward for Israel’s agricultural future. Together, we are cultivating new knowledge, training future leaders, and helping communities rebuild with strength and purpose.”
Core Components
- Advanced Research Labs & Greenhouses: Two full-size greenhouses near Be’er Milkah and a half-size greenhouse on the main campus will utilize robotics, AI, and sensors to enhance crop yield while conserving water, playing a key role in Israel’s food security strategy. The remote greenhouses will focus on sustainable, large-scale farming research, while the on-campus greenhouse combines research with hands-on education, showcasing desert agriculture innovations.
- Educational and Training Facilities: Enhanced facilities for the Ramat Negev International Training Program will equip local farmers and international trainees with skills to tackle agricultural challenges and strengthen Israel’s agricultural diplomacy.
- Frontier AgriTech Innovation Hub: Offices and staff will bridge agricultural research with entrepreneurship, catalyzing innovations in food security and sustainable farming.
- AgroTourism Visitor’s Center: A center to engage visitors in the critical role of desert agriculture and showcase Israel’s leadership in addressing global food security challenges.
About the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundations
About the Ramat Hanegev International Training Center
The Ramat Hanegev International Training Center (RNIT) has proudly hosted between 500-700 interns annually, culminating in over 17,000 beneficiaries from diverse countries like Zambia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Mongolia over the past quarter-century. These interns are typically distinguished graduates from agricultural programs in their home countries, eager to enrich their theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in cutting-edge agricultural techniques and technologies. This program empowers them to implement sustainable and innovative agricultural practices in their local communities, fostering global food security and agricultural development.
Local Negev farmers face significant challenges in securing skilled agricultural labor. The RNIT serves as a crucial bridge, connecting these farmers with a steady influx of motivated and intelligent interns keen on advancing their skills. This symbiotic relationship not only addresses the immediate labor needs but also contributes to a vibrant, knowledge-exchange ecosystem that bolsters the agricultural sector in the region.
The program catalyzes a ripple effect in the global agricultural landscape. Interns return to their home countries equipped with practical experience in Israeli Agro-tech innovations, creating a burgeoning demand for these technologies abroad. This not only strengthens Israel’s position as a leader in Agro-tech but also contributes to the global agricultural community by introducing sustainable and efficient farming practices worldwide.
About the Yoel DeMalach Center for Desert Agriculture
The Yoel DeMalach Center for Desert Agriculture
seeks to elevate the visitor experience, transforming it into a pivotal educational and commercial nexus within the Negev. The Center serves as a gateway for a diverse demographic of visitors, ranging from local Israelis to international guests, who are drawn to the Negev’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and innovative agricultural practices. These visitors embark on a journey of discovery that often includes comfortable stays in nearby accommodations, engaging in adventurous outdoor activities, and experiencing immersive cultural experiences.
Envisioned as a cornerstone of this journey, the renovated Desert Knowledge Trail Visitor’s Center will introduce visitors to the forefront of desert agricultural technology, showcasing how the Center’s pioneering research tackles global challenges such as climate change and labor shortages.
This project represents a strategic investment in the sustainable development of the region, fostering a deeper connection between visitors, local communities, and the pioneering agricultural research that defines Ramat Hanegev.