Agriculture Cooperation

An agreement between Israel and the United States for research cooperation in the field of aquaculture

a delegation from the ministry of agriculture and rural development, led by the minister, oded forer, signed a cooperation agreement in the field of aquaculture with the university of maryland and the marine research institute in baltimore, which it owns. the agreement is based on years of joint work between researchers from israel and researchers from the university, led by prof. yehonatan zohar, who only recently vacated his position as head of the institute of marine biotechnology at the university of maryland.

as part of the agreement, it was decided to increase cooperation between the institutions in israel and the united states, in order to promote innovative solutions to the challenges facing this industry, under the shadow of the global climate crisis and with the reduction of sources of marine production and continual global population growth. according to the agreement, israel possesses unique experience in the field, from which the seafood industry can learn and develop significantly, inter alia, in light of useful solutions in promoting agriculture in extreme weather conditions.

in light of the importance of the field with respect to maintaining a regular food supply in israel (food security) in israel, in the united states and around the entire world, the agreement focuses on finding ways to make aquaculture more efficient and sustainable, along with the development of “zero waste” systems, improving the health of the fish and optimization of marine farming conditions.

aquaculture is the fastest growing agricultural industry. today, the production of fish in artificial ponds and fish cages at sea has become a prolific industry that yields more produce than traditional fishing. however, in order to continue to meet the demand for food from the sea, it is necessary to double production by 2030.

the minister of agriculture and rural development, oded forer, added: “the ministry of agriculture under my leadership has set itself a goal of promoting israeli growers and israeli researchers around the world, in order to rebrand israel as an agricultural power and to develop israeli exports, both of fresh produce as well as of knowledge and research. food security is a sacred goal in the reality of the ongoing ecological crisis. the state of israel has unique knowledge in all branches of agriculture and most certainly in marine industries and the country has the power to pilot innovation and development for the benefit of food security, not only in the local arena, but all over the world.”

Related Articles

Back to top button
Skip to content