Clemson signs agricultural research agreement with Hebrew U., Sapir College

Jagger Harvey (left) and Amit Kochavi talk about a partnership between Clemson University, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Sapir College designed to tackle agricultural and food production challenges in South Carolina, Israel and across the globe. Photo courtesy Clemson University.

Clemson University in South Carolina signed a partnership agreement with Hebrew University in Jerusalem and Israel’s Sapir College to address agricultural, nutritional and environmental issues.

The Israeli side of the partnership will focus on the western Negev area, and the establishment of a new agro-tech program in the Sapir College Department of Advanced Technology and Engineering.

Leaders from the three universities and government officials gathered on March 11 to sign the Memorandum of Understanding.

“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.”

Hebrew University dean Saul Burdman and Sapir College dean Gail Gilboa-Freedman join Clemson Provost Bob Jones in signing a Memorandum of Understanding acknowledging a partnership between the three institutions.

The collaboration was sparked by a visit Haley made to Israel in May 2024. She visited Sderot, meeting with Amit Kochavi, senior adviser to Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi. Kochavi wanted to revitalize agricultural communities near Sderot and Sapir College after the Oct. 7 attack, and envisioned an Israel-U.S. partnership. Sderot is close to the Gaza border.

“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.”

“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.”

Clemson’s involvement is being led by Jagger Harvey, a global agriculture expert and director of the Clemson Global Research Initiative. “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.”

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.”

The partnership will include collaborative grant proposals, enhancing research and teaching capabilities internationally, and sharing expertise and best practices with developing countries that face agricultural challenges. There will also be student exchange programs for cross-cultural learning.

The collaboration’s motto is “Tikkun Olam – Nourishing the Future.”

Ambassador and 1994 Clemson graduate Nikki Haley says this partnership among agriculture experts will “benefit all involved.”

In her remarks, Haley noted that an event like the March 11 ceremony would be impossible. “We all know why. From coast to coast, universities are overrun with antisemitism.”

She cited the recent storming of a building by activists at Barnard College, without naming the college, and added that the response was cancelling classes. “Here at Clemson, we do things differently. And I want our guests from Israel to know that we don’t tolerate antisemitism. Welcome to the heart of America, where we always stand with Israel!”

She said Sderot is a “shining beacon of Israel’s leadership” in the middle of “a desert that the Jewish people have turned into a garden,” adding, “Thanks to their genius and hard work, Sderot and the surrounding region don’t just feed Israel. They feed people across the world. It’s an inspiration to us all. And the terrorists can’t stand it.”

When she was at the United Nations, she saw how Israel is a global leader in many areas, including agriculture. “Israeli scientists and innovators are pushing the boundaries of human knowledge while paving the way to a new era of human flourishing. More people need to recognize that. And yes, more people need to celebrate it. Because when Israel succeeds, America succeeds, and the entire world is better off.”