A NEW YEAR'S GREETING  August 2013

At the closure of our 90 year celebration the ARO 90 International Conference on "Increasing Future Food Production" took place at the ARO where renowned scientists from several countries participated and enlightened our knowledge on aspects of food security in the developed and the developing countries, on food losses and the use of novel solutions to solve the food crisis including biotechnology and desert agriculture.  The conference initiated the establishment of a forum at the ARO which will focus on food security. Through our recognition that scientific and technological activities relating to the food crisis are essential facets within the research activities of the ARO, our Director Professor Yoram Kapulnik instigated the establishment of an integrative forum of scientists whose aim is to consolidate the research and development policy in the field of the global food crisis and to coordinate activities amongst scientists and other entities that are engaged in this field.  

A large part of the surface of the world is arid, challenged by extreme climatic conditions and characterized as too dry for conventional rain fed agriculture. Thus, agricultural production under these conditions of stress needs to be optimized. On recognizing the necessity for an integrative approach to agricultural research in arid areas, the ARO – Volcani Center has invested in the development of a research Center for Agriculture in Arid Areas in its Southern, Gilat Center. The Project Partners and financial contributors include: ICA of Israel; Adelis Fund (France), Bnei Shimon Regional Council, JNF, and the Ministry of Agriculture. We take this opportunity to thank our supporters in this great venture – without their support the initiation of this Center would not be possible.
No doubt that future advances in this Center will be groundbreaking and will transform Israel as a leader in desert agricultural research. We hope that our partners and contributors will accompany us in our future endeavors and thereby prepare the world in coping with the new era, characterized by hot climatic conditions.  

The Israel Gene Bank, which is housed at and managed by the ARO, continues on its mission to identify and preserve wild species for future generations. In 2012 the gene bank undertook to focus efforts on endangered species in general and in particular on 40 species defined as land and endemic. In all, 89 land species in which 18 were endemic were collected during 2012. From the time of its establishment the gene bank has successfully preserved 987 different species. Unquestionably, this is an outstanding significant achievement for Israel and for generations to come.
The era before us poses new and fascinating challenges. Our role as scientists lies in predicting future processes and finding appropriate solutions such that in future years the citizens of Israel and the world will also benefit from a supply of fresh and healthy produce of high quality. For this purpose our future research efforts will be dedicated to increasing the productivity of food (plant & animal); reducing losses; optimizing water management; and food security.