The BARD Reception, held on July 21 in Washington, D.C., brought together government representatives, researchers, academic leaders, industry partners, and members of BARD’s Board of Directors to discuss the role of U.S.–Israel collaboration in advancing agricultural research and innovation. The event focused on how binational scientific partnerships can help address challenges in agriculture, food production, and food security.
The evening opened with welcome remarks from representatives of both countries, including Dr. Scott Hutchins, USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics; Mr. Nevo Barchad, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Israel to the United States; and Dr. Michal Levy, Chief Scientist and Senior Deputy Director-General at Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and Chairperson of BARD’s Board of Directors. Speakers noted the importance of continued cooperation among researchers and industry partners.
Prof. Yoram Kapulnik, Executive Director of BARD, introduced a panel of BARD-funded scientists, focusing on the practical value of agricultural research. He framed the evening around a key question: how can science move beyond discovery and contribute to solutions that support farmers, strengthen food systems, and create economic value?
The program featured two panel discussions highlighting examples of BARD-supported research. The first focused on water management in agriculture. Prof. Maciej Zwieniecki of UC Davis and Dr. Or Sperling of the ARO Volcani Institute discussed their collaborative work on improving irrigation practices through a better understanding of how trees respond to water availability. Joining them was Mr. Zac Ellis, Senior Director of Agronomy at Olam and an almond grower, who shared the perspective of an end user implementing new technologies in commercial agriculture.
The second session focused on the future of food supply. Prof. Vijay Tiwari of the University of Maryland discussed developments in wheat breeding, including work related to gluten-free wheat. Roberta Mattera, a graduate student of Prof. Jim Simon of Rutgers University, presented research on disease-resistant basil varieties, and Prof. Peter Hansen of the University of Florida discussed advances connected to cattle reproduction technologies. Together, the presentations showed how agricultural research can move from laboratory questions to applications with relevance for producers, consumers, and the wider research and development community.
A central theme throughout the evening was the connection between research, implementation, and long-term impact. Building on this discussion, BARD introduced its Food Security Technology Accelerator, a new initiative designed to support closer collaboration between researchers and industry partners. The program aims to help technologies progress from research and development to field testing and commercial use in both the United States and Israel. It places emphasis on scientific quality, field validation, commercial pathways, and shared responsibility between research teams and industry partners.
The reception concluded by circling back to BARD’s broader mission of nearly 50 years: Serving as a bridge between the United States and Israel and supporting scientific collaboration and agricultural innovation. The evening reflected that mission through the participation of researchers, companies, public partners, and government representatives working together to help move ideas toward solutions that can support agriculture, food production, and food security in both countries.
This reception also provided an opportunity to strengthen connections among the people and institutions involved in agricultural research and development. By bringing together scientific expertise, practical field experience, and public-private cooperation, BARD continues to support research efforts that respond to evolving needs in agriculture and food systems.
Link for the event album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/165561595@N03/
