On March 11, leaders from Clemson University, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Sapir College gathered to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formalizes a groundbreaking partnership. This collaboration aims to leverage the unique strengths of each institution to drive innovation and sustainability in agriculture, with a focus on addressing agricultural, nutritional, and environmental issues relevant to both Israel and South Carolina.
The partnership was sparked by a visit from Ambassador Nikki Haley to Sderot in May 2024. During her visit, Haley met with Amit Kochavi, senior adviser to Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi. Kochavi shared a vision to revitalize agricultural communities near Sderot and Sapir College following the devastating Hamas attack in October 2023. His idea was to create a collaboration between Israel and the U.S. to help drive economic growth in the Western Negev region.
The collaboration will involve joint research initiatives and the establishment of a new agro-tech program in the Sapir College Department of Advanced Technology and Engineering. Agro-tech, which involves using technology to optimize farming practices, is a key focus of the partnership. This includes crop production, livestock management, and post-harvest handling.
Jagger Harvey, global agriculture expert and director of the Clemson Global Research Initiative, is leading Clemson’s involvement in the partnership. Harvey highlighted the world-class agricultural research capabilities of Hebrew University scientists and Sapir College’s support for agriculture in the Western Negev region. He emphasized that this partnership will further strengthen Clemson’s ability to address key agricultural and food insecurity challenges in Israel, South Carolina, 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 noted that 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.”
Matthew Holt, dean of the Clemson College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, echoed this sentiment, stating that the collaboration is a testament to University founder Thomas Green Clemson’s will “…to establish the business of agriculture upon a prosperous basis…” Holt expressed confidence that the partnership will “…make a positive impact for future generations.”
Saul Burdman, dean of The Hebrew University Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, emphasized that research, education, international collaboration, and community engagement are the cornerstones of this partnership. He noted that the Western Negev, particularly the Otef Aza region near Gaza, is critical for Israel’s food supply. The area produces a significant portion of the country’s potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, wheat, and citrus.
The event included representatives from Hebrew University, Sapir College, and the city of Sderot. Despite being unable to attend in person, Sderot Mayor Alon 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,” which means “Hope,” was used several times during the meeting. In the Hebrew context, hope is more than a dream; it is an expectation, a strong expression of faith. The motto for this collaboration is “Tikkun Olam – Nourishing the Future.” This partnership signifies a pivotal advancement in agricultural research and education, poised to make significant strides in promoting global food security.
