UF partners with Ohio-Israel ag program

FINDLAY — The University of Findlay has signed a partnership agreement with the Ohio-Israel Ag and CleanTech Initiative (OIACI) to expand innovation and bring cutting-edge research and technology in agriculture and related fields to northwest Ohio. "We are excited about this collaboration that connects Israeli companies, entrepreneurs and universities to UF faculty and students, area farmers, businesses and communities to advance joint research, experiential learning and industry engagement," UF President Richard Ludwick, J.D., D.Ed., said. Alain de Wolff, director of the Cleveland-based Ohio-Israel Ag and CleanTech Initiative, described the impact of numerous Israeli companies and said he sees a variety of ways UF can play a role in this work. For instance, he said, the Israeli company Linok has used AI to develop a device for dairy farmers to detect if a cow, while being milked, has harmful bacteria present, allowing the cow and the milk to be removed immediately from the system, instead of the traditional three days required by past practices. John Buck, a Marion farmer who is chairman of the OIACI Advisory Committee, shared an example of an Israeli firm that specializes in growing hydroponic strawberries in shipping containers, using specialized solar and water filtration systems. He foresees that containers or greenhouses could be placed on the UF campus, teaching students about the growing techniques and the technology, along with entrepreneurial skills such as marketing the produce, while also feeding campus and inviting area residents and school children to visit the site. "I picture this as showplace on campus," Buck said. "And it just keeps multiplying. UF students could create a plan for how to locate these containers across the country and especially in areas considered 'food deserts.'" De Wolff noted the importance of training the next generation of students on new methods with advanced technology, adding, "They will become advocates for years to come. We could make UF a beacon in agricultural innovation." The focus on agriculture, sustainability, food systems, water management and emerging clean technologies will enrich the learning experience for students in a variety of majors, according to Nathan Tice, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry and director for strategic partnerships and workforce development. "This will create new opportunities for internships, study abroad, faculty exchanges and collaborative research projects involving UF faculty and students," he said. State Rep. Ty Mathews, of Findlay, joined the UF and OIACI officials for the signing of the agreement, which he believes will create new opportunities for agricultural, manufacturing and defense industries in the region. Timothy Schneider, regional director for the northwest Ohio office of U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, told the UF and OAICI officials that the senator is supportive of a strong relationship with Israel, and he is looking forward to seeing the benefits of the partnership for communities and businesses. In 2002, the Negev Foundation launched OAICI with the help of U.S. Senator George Voinovich of Ohio. Bringing together government, academic and business entities, trade associations and growers, they aimed to improve agricultural trade and research and development ties between Ohio and Israel. During the next 15 years, the initiative evolved to continue to meet needs in the agriculture and food industries while including a focus on clean technologies known as "CleanTech."