Clemson University – Israeli universities partnership will advance agriculture
Clemson University is partnering with Hebrew University and Sapir College to help bring innovation and economic growth to Israel’s Western Negev region.
The partnership focuses on joint research initiatives addressing agricultural, nutritional, and environmental issues relevant to both Israel—particularly the Western Negev region—and South Carolina.
It involves helping establish a new agro-tech program in the Sapir College Department of Advanced Technology and Engineering. Leaders from the three institutions and governments met on March 11 to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing the collaboration.
“This partnership unites two countries, two cultures and three universities,” said Ambassador Nikki Haley, a 1994 Clemson graduate, Clemson Board of Trustees member and former South Carolina governor. “Today, we celebrate two agriculture giants, two leaders in innovative farming coming together. Through this partnership, we are sowing seeds that will sprout and bear fruit for generations to come.”
The collaboration follows a visit by Haley to Sderot in May 2024. There, she met Amit Kochavi, senior adviser to Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi. Kochavi had a bold idea to revitalize agricultural communities near Sderot and Sapir College after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack devastated the area.
His idea was to create a collaboration between Israel and the U.S. to help drive economic growth in the Western Negev region.
“At a time when hatred and violence seek to divide, we are building bridges of hope, prosperity, academic excellence and innovation,” Kochavi said. “This collaboration proves that the U.S. and Israel are not only strong allies but also partners in shaping a better future through education, technology and unwavering resilience.
“By working together, we can turn challenges into opportunities to help drive economic growth.”
Haley agreed.
“As a land-grant university, Clemson is built for this mission,” Haley said. “Israel has a productive agricultural system, and this collaboration will benefit all involved.”
Agro-tech involves using technology to optimize farming practices, including crop production, livestock management and post-harvest handling.
Boosting agricultural innovation
Jagger Harvey, global agriculture expert and director of the Clemson Global Research Initiative, is leading Clemson’s involvement.
“Hebrew University scientists are world-class in agricultural research, and Sapir College supports agriculture in the Western Negev region,” Harvey said. “This partnership will further strengthen Clemson’s ability to address key agricultural and food insecurity challenges in South Carolina, Israel and globally.”
Despite its arid climate and limited resources, Israel has developed one of the world’s most productive and efficient agricultural systems. Clemson Provost Bob Jones said South Carolina could learn from Israel’s advancements in water conservation, sustainable farming and crop resilience.
“As a land-grant institution, Clemson University is uniquely positioned to support Sapir College’s expansion into agro-tech,” Jones said. “And, we have much to gain with our Israeli partners. Israel’s advancements in agriculture are nothing short of extraordinary.”
Clemson College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences Dean Matthew Holt said this collaboration is a testament to University founder Thomas Green Clemson’s will “…to establish the business of agriculture upon a prosperous basis…”
“This MOU is a message of hope and collaboration,” Holt said. “We must collaborate if we are going to feed everyone on our planet. I am confident we are laying the foundation to make a positive impact for future generations.”
Investing in the future of farming
Academics and research will play a significant role in Sapir College’s agro-tech program. Saul Burdman, dean of The Hebrew University Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, said research, education, international collaboration and community engagement are the cornerstones of this partnership.
“This collaboration signifies a pivotal advancement in agricultural research and education,” Burdman said. “By combining Israeli expertise with Clemson University’s innovative approaches, we are poised to make significant strides in promoting global food security.”
Everything else can wait, but not agriculture.Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister
Burdman noted that the Western Negev, particularly the Otef Aza region near Gaza, is critical for Israel’s food supply. The area produces 60% of the country’s potatoes, 50% of its tomatoes, 40% of its carrots, 30% of its wheat and 30% of its citrus.
He closed his remarks with a quote from Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister: “Everything else can wait, but not agriculture.”
A united commitment
The event included representatives from Hebrew University, Sapir College and the city of Sderot. In addition to Burdman, other Hebrew University delegates included Yael Helman, vice dean for international affairs; Israel Rozenboim, vice dean for research and development; Sivan Yagel, faculty coordinator of funds and research affairs; and Yael Mishael, vice dean for academic affairs.
Sapir College was represented by Gail Gilboa-Freedman, dean of the faculty of technology, and Lily Mondaca, a leading agro-tech expert at their facility.
Though unable to attend in person, Sderot Mayor Davidi sent a recorded message thanking Clemson for its support.
“We are in a very difficult situation here,” Davidi said. “But with this collaboration, we can create a better future for everyone.”
The Hebrew word “Tikvah” was used several times during the meeting. For Jews, “Tikvah” means “Hope.” This word has many meanings associated with it. In the Hebrew context, hope is more than a dream; it is an expectation, a strong expression of faith.
According to the Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries, “Hope looks to the future, postured for something greater. It looks with expectation that something will happen.”
The motto for this collaboration is “Tikkun Olam – Nourishing the Future.”
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