GOVERNOR LINGLE SIGNS AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH ISRAELI GOVERNMENT

For Immediate Release:  May 20, 2004

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the State of Hawai`i and the government of Israel to foster cooperation in the areas of agriculture and aquaculture research and development.

Israeli Minister of Agriculture Israel Katz and Governor Lingle signed the historic agreement in a ceremony at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Beit Dagan, Israel.  Governor Lingle, who was invited on the Middle East trip by the Israeli government, is leading a 27-member delegation from Hawai`i, including Sandra Lee Kunimoto, Hawai`i Board of Agriculture chairperson.

“Although Israel and Hawai`i are far apart geographically, we are quite close with regard to agriculture and aquaculture,” said Governor Lingle.  “By signing this cooperative agreement, we are planting a seed that will lead to mutually beneficial exchanges of knowledge and technology. And our respective economies will grow stronger as a result.”

“Hawai`i is one of several states that has established direct bilateral agreements with Israel,” said Ambassador Yuval Rotem, consul general of Israel to the Southwestern United States.  “Agreements like the Agricultural Memorandum of Understanding signed this morning are the basis of great partnerships.  This is a fine example of diplomacy in the full spirit of friendship, aimed at advancing our respective societies.”

“Agro-technology in Israel is highly developed,” said Kunimoto.  “Through extensive cooperation between researchers, farmers, industry and government, they have found science-based solutions to some of the most extreme challenges in agriculture and aquaculture.  Most notably, Israel is a world leader in the efficient use of water and irrigation technologies.

“Similarly, Hawai`i is a leader in research and development in integrated pest management, biological control of plant pests and aquaculture technology,” Kunimoto added.  “The exchange of technical and practical applications is sure to have a significant impact on our industries in Hawai`i.”

Under the MOU, Hawai`i and Israel will cooperate in the exchange of technical expertise and research including:

·   Water conservation and recycling;

·   Irrigation methods for maximum utilization;

·   Agro-technologies to improve nursery, field, livestock and aquaculture production;

·   Aquaculture research and technologies;

·   Fruit fly control;

·   Maximizing crop production;

·   Selection and cultivation of high-value crops in dry marginal lands;

·   Post-harvest treatment, handling technologies and distribution systems for local and export markets;

·   Exchange of genetic resources;

·   Agricultural biotechnology; and

·   Biological pest control.

Israel is roughly the same size as New Jersey and more than half the land area is desert.  Despite limited natural resources, Israel has intensely developed its agricultural industries and is largely self-sufficient, producing almost 70 percent of its food requirements.  Its major crops include: flowers, cotton, avocados, vegetables, olives (for oil), grapes (for wine) and citrus, along with other fruits such as kiwis, litchis guavas, mangos, bananas, dates, apples, pears and cherries. Israeli farmers have also branched out to niche markets such as herbs, mushrooms and organic produce.   

While importing about two-thirds of the fish it consumes, Israel has established a growing aquaculture industry, raising tilapia, mullet, carp, trout and bass.  In the northern part of the country, saltwater fish – including bass and sea bream – are raised in floating cages in the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Eilat. 

Israel’s agricultural output in 2000 was worth about $3.3 billion, with exports accounting for about 20 percent.  The country’s major imports include sugar, coffee, cocoa, grains, meat and fish.

Click here to read the MOU.

For more information about Governor Lingle’s trip to Israel or to download photos, visit the Governor’s Web site at www.hawaii.gov/gov.

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For more information, contact:

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043

Janelle Saneishi
Public Information Officer
Hawai`i Department of Agriculture
Phone: (808) 973-9560