 In early May, ISDA Director Bruce Kettler
joined Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation
(IEDC) on a trade mission to Israel.
In order to provide a quick recap, we sat
down with Director Kettler and asked him a couple of questions about his
experiences as a member of the delegation.
Q: What were some of the trip's highlights?
A: There was something going on every day—it was very
productive. Undoubtedly, one of the highlights of the trip though was attending
the 20th Agritech Israel Conference in Tel Aviv, which brought together
agricultural leaders in technology, innovation and water management. During the
conference, we met with businesses, industry stakeholders and notable
officials, like Uri Ariel, Israel's Minister of Agriculture and Rural
Development.
We also participated in a round-table discussion with
prospective Indiana companies, and then met with Israeli governmental
officials. There, we were able to share best practices and collaborate on
emerging markets and new technologies.
Another highlight was witnessing Governor Holcomb sign a
memorandum of understanding between IEDC and the Israel Innovation Authority,
which symbolized our joint cooperation to advance our agbiosciences sectors.
Q: Why was this trip important for Indiana agriculture?
A: Indiana and Israel are leaders in innovation, especially in
the agbiosciences. This was a great opportunity for us to, not only discuss
some of the challenges facing this sector, but also explore ways we can work together
to move our two states forward.
For example, Israel is a global hub for technology, but they
have some natural limitations due to their geography. In order to expand their
research, they need large-scale acreage and farms to test and observe new
agricultural technology. They also need access to larger markets. Indiana is
uniquely positioned, with our many research institutes and agbiosciences
companies, as well as our agricultural diversity and strength, to support
Israel in this area—benefiting both agbiosciences sectors.
This trip also allowed us to carry out an important component of
ISDA’s economic development strategy, which is to create, expand and maintain
long-term export markets for Indiana’s agricultural products. International
trade is critical to our economy and the agriculture industry, so anytime we
can strengthen ties and expand access to our markets overseas is tremendously
valuable.
Q: What can Indiana agriculture learn from Israel?
A: With limited resources, Israel has embraced technology and
innovation, and I think our farmers could greatly benefit from that,
specifically when it comes to conserving our natural resources, such as water.
Located in a subtropical region, with a mostly Mediterranean
climate, Israel has had to adapt year after year to withstand those hot
and dry summers. Although I wouldn’t classify Indiana’s climate as arid, we
have experienced our fair share of hot and dry summers—not long ago as a matter
of fact. That’s why, learning ways to better conserve our natural resources will
greatly benefit our farmers, now and in the future.
Q: What did you enjoy most about the trip?
A: Connecting Indiana businesses to technological and
agricultural companies was a great feeling. Our department’s vision is to make
Indiana agriculture a global leader in innovation and commercialization for
food, fuel and fiber production, and this trip was a calculated step towards
that goal.
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